Now I know why Mr. Velocity emailed me that question earlier in the day

First off, we need to note that there are 2 different "26" Velocity's, the old 26 (now the 280) and the new 260 which is really a 24' boat. If memory serves the 260 came out in '99.

Mine was a '96 26 (280). Those speed numbers were not easy to come by. My boat had a blueprinted bottom and a lot of testing time (over 20 hours) to get those numbers.

When we first put the boat in the water we were lucky to see 75 mph. We knew there was more so we went back to the drawing board. We tested 10+ different props, replaced the ignition system (Crane) with a full MSD system. Replaced the 830 Holley Mr. Velocity loaned me with a trick BLP modified 800 DP. Re jetted 4 times. Played with the drive height (X dimension), etc, etc.

In the end the boat was dialed in. The 26" Bravo 1 prop wasn't the fastest top end (the 84 mph came with a totally custom Hydromotive) but the midrange and acceleration with the Bravo 1 needed to be felt to be believed (4.6 seconds 30 - 60).

Speed is all about RPM and efficiency. Here's some figures you can use as a guideline using your setup (1.5:1 Bravo 1).

Note: Hydromotive and Bravo 1 props are not 1 to 1 for pitch. As a rule of thumb subtract 2" of pitch for a Hydromotive vs. a Bravo 1. Example: 26" B1 = 24" Hydro. This chart is based on the Hydromotive since that's what you probably have. (Steve and the guys at Hydromotive go way back).

26" Hydro 10% slip (blueprinted prop, straight bottom, no tabs)
5000 rpm = 73.86
5200 rpm = 76.82
5400 rpm = 79.77

26" Hydro 15% slip (non blueprinted prop, slightly hooked hull, tabs partially down, etc.)
5000 rpm = 69.76
5200 rpm = 72.55
5400 rpm = 75.34

26" Hydro 20% slip (bent prop, 1"+ hooked hull, locked down tabs, etc.)
5000 rpm = 65.66
5200 rpm = 68.28
5400 rpm = 70.91

You can get a pretty good idea of the engine's output by the rpm's you can turn relative to the pitch. If you can get to 5200 rpm on the 26" Hydromotive then you're putting about 425 - 450 hp. Remember, the HP 500 is only rated at 470 hp @ 5400 rpm!

So, figure out your WOT rpms then see how much slip you have. Start by getting the prop cleaned up or borrowing a known good prop then go from there. Figure 200 rpm drop/rise for every 1" of pitch. Once you feel you have the right prop then start looking for other things. You said the tabs don't work. Take them off and see what happens, this boat loves to sit up on it's tail. If the tabs are even slightly down from parallel they are robbing you of top speed. If all else fails put a straight edge to the bottom. You only care about the last 4 feet of hull. Lay the straight edge on the bottom midway between the pad and the inside strake, if the bottom is concave relative to the straight edge then you have a hook. Depending in the location and severity of the hook it can be an easy fix but unless you are skilled in fiberglass and gelcoat don't go at it yourself, find a good "glass" man. This area of the boat takes the most stress and you wouldn't want it to delaminate at 75 mph!

Hope this helps.

I know all about hp vs top end. Thats why I will set up the boat properly before I do the engine. From what IM told the numbers IM currently running are below the boats capabilities. I would like to experiment with what I have before I go crazy on add ons. Thanks,Steve.

I had my 85 22 Velocity for 9 years, I have reribbed and restrung it as well as blue printed its bottom. The last two seasons I owned the 3200 lb (on a scale) boat It consistantly ran 76.5 on gps with a 1:87 gear ratio and a 22" chopper @ 7500 rpm with a 260-280 hp out board merc. I know its starting all over again with this 26 but between my experience and all of the info IM getting IM hopeing to cut the 9 years down to 2 or 3. Thanks again.

Oh no, surfing OSO and a good member too. Looks like the boat bug has bitten again

You took the hooks outta your hull? Any handling side effects? Where were the hooks, at the back on the pad and the first chin up? On the 22' they were put there on purpose.