Hey Guys,
I just purchased my first Velocity, it is a 1988 Regal Velocity w/ the 454 Bravo One. I was wondering if anybody had any tips or suggestions for me to address right off the bat. Some specific questions I have are 1) This was not the Mag version so it does not have the Latham steering ram and trim tabs, are these something I might want to add later on in the future or should I be fine w/ out them.2) Which prop is the best to put on, 4 blade?? and finally 3) What should be my top end numbers in relation to RPM's - MPH? Thanks in advance for any advice!!!

Give Steve a call at the factory 407-322-7770

No better person to get advice from than the man that builds them! I'd say if you want to go fast you certainly need hydraulic steering and tabs. This is based on my experience with the 30 and how much it responds to tab input.

Oh, and welcome to the family

If it's a Regal 230 Velocity with the 454/Bravo One, your top end speed should be 65-66MPH. You should be fine without the Lathem steering ram at those speeds. If you intend to increase HP I would add the hyd. steering. Trim tabs should not be needed. I had the same boat in 1988 and it ran great. The boat is a blast to drive, turns on rails, and you can really feel the hull climb up on the pad!!

Awesome, thanks guy for chiming in with your opinions. Other than cutting out those trash cans they call a muffler I'll probably leave her alone as far as increasing power. What's the largest chop you've had your vessels in that you still felt comfortable and in control?

First of all "Comfort" is a very relative term. There are a lot of variables like how close the chop is spaced and what direction it's coming from. Having experienced being in a boat throttled by Steve Stepp, the skill of the throttleman makes a very big difference! Also remember that most Velocities (260/24' and up) are stand-up boats which also makes a huge difference compared to sitting. Big difference landing when you're standing up or absorbing the shock in your backbone in a 1980's boat seat!

The first and best thing to do is install tabs if you are going to run in chop. They make big a huge difference on my 22' and yes - on my 39' as well, when things get rough. Tabs will allow you to better control the boat under a variety of chop directions (i.e. coming from the side) and will indeed enhance the comfort of the ride as well. You don't need expensive K-planes for your boat - the Bennet style tabs will work fine for your hull length.

With the tabs installed you'll be able to lift the front of the boat with trim, lift the stern with tabs, and any combination in between depending on the sea conditions. It's better to have 2 tools to control the boat attitude then one - especially with a shorter hull. From there, you'll define what's "comfortable" for you but I wouldn't go out in 3's until you have tabs and more importantly seat time running the boat in chop at speed (yes speed is better up to a point!).

3-blade props will work fine but try some 4 blades if you can as you may like it better like a lot of guys do.

Take your time learning the boat one step at a time and you'll be rewarded. Best of luck.

Good advice Rev

Revelocity.........Let me start off by saying WOW! Thanks for such a detailed descriptive answer, those are the best kind. After reading that post I have a much better idea of which way i'm going to be going w/ the boat. Thanks again, Aequitas.

That's why we keep Rev around.

Aequitas
Does yours have a cooler built into the rear seats? I've heard of it, but never seen one? I've heard that the 87s and 88s had it as an option?

Mine with the 454mag, full hydraulic steering and a full tank of gas runs 63.6 GPS on a cupped Mirage 23p. Trim tabs arent needed for local lakes, but I do plan on adding some K planes or similar once power starts increasing withing the next year or two. My boat without tabs, runs better than my friends' 08 Stingray 230sx with DuoProp. Turns better, handles better, rides better, and is faster. Also, leave the mufflers in, they're straight through and really don't hurt performance.

P.S. My prop slip numbers suck! I'm getting bottom work done this winter, and hopefully gonna try some new props this Spring.