250DA CRUISING SPEED

[racer514]

Just curious about what cruising and even top speeds I should see with a 98 250 Sundancer, 5.7 EFI, with a BIII drive. On the survey we cruised around 24mph and topped out around 38. I am assuming it will get better as the gas is two years old (and smells it) and the props are pretty filthy. Looking for someone who can tell me first had what it will be when I get her all cleaned and tuned with new gas, not just guessing... thanks.

PS, Great Forum.

 

[Mako]

According to the PowerBoat Guide your boat should cruise at 23MPH and top out at 34MPH. With a 7.4 Liter you should see the numbers that you are getting though.

 

[Guest]

is this powere boat guide available online

 

[guest]

had mine up to 40

 

[Kevin Smith]

250 DA Speed

If you did not use a GPS to get the speeds during the survey, they were probably slightly overstated. The speed of the boat has a lot to do with many things IE how clean the boat bottom is, if the bottom is painted or not, the pitch of the prop, the material the prop is made from, the weight on the boat (fuel folks & gear), the wave action, etc..


First take care of the basics and then you can experiment if you don't like what you have.

Clean the bottom completely and repaint if needed.
Check the prop for any (even the slightest) damage and get it rebuilt by a highly reputable prop shop if needed.
Check the pitch of the prop.
Your local prop shop can then tell you have to run out the boat to see if you are getting the correct performance for the boat, engine and prop combination you have.

I hope you like what you find out!

Regards,
Kevin Smith


By taking care of the most important things you will optimize the performance and fuel economy of the boat and make the most of your investment

 

[Hampton]

I have a '97 250 with a 5.7 LX EFI and a BIII. I get 25mph @ 3250, and top out over 40 (LX). If the water's choppy, or if I have 3 full tanks, or more than 4 people, or the bottom is dirty, then it's slightly less. Put a lot of those together, and it takes 3400 rpm to get 25 mph.

 

[Hampton]

Mine is for sale, by the way. Getting ready to trade. A 2005 320 with 6.2's is coming available. I think I would prefer a 2004 340 with 8.1's, but I'm still researching.