87 SN Top Speed?

First of all, many thanks to the wealth of information that I've gained from CCF over the last 2 1/2 years. I'm not worthy of your knowledge.
I have an 87 SN 2001, standard issue 351 PCM, just bought and got back in to skiing after 25 or so years. Yes, I'm an old man now. I used to love to barefoot back in my younger days, so I thought I'd give it a whirl again this summer. Yeah yeah, I know, I'm carrying an extra 20 pounds or so, but, I used to BF no problem at 39-40. My 87 SN is all out at about 39 mph and it's just not quite fast enough to get my fat butt going on the feet (I'm about 190# now). I'm curious to know if that speed is average? I used to ski behind a 76 SN & it would run about 43 or so. Can I re-prop and get another 3-4 mph out or her? I'm pretty prop ignorant and don't even know what's on the boat. I'm assuming there are probably some markings on it but I haven't gotten down there to look.

I can get 48-49 out of mine with A fresh acme 540. I meant to confirm that with gps this weekend but forgot the gps in the truck. Granted I've gone through the motor and replaced most maintained items (points,plugs, cap,wires,coil,ballast resistor, all new hoses, carb rebuild. Fuel system. I'm a firm believer having gone through all this now that getting the driveline all dialed in makes the biggest difference. No resistance on the motor and trans is going to equal better speed. Engine alignment, cut less bearing,strut alignment and shaft packing. If your prop isn't spinning freely with one finger fix it. Definitely rewarding when you get to that point.
Someday I'll try the 542 per tim's suggestion.

I suspect Joel has a freakishly fast boat on his hands or his GPS verification will be eye opening... I've never seen a stock 2001 (save for the 454 boats), let alone a late one run anywhere near that fast. Some of the healthier early (82-86) hulls can top 46, but even on those it seems 44-45 is more typical. The late boats (87-88) gained a little weight and pushed it forward with the deck change- so they're a little slower. Anything over 43 unloaded is going very well.

For that reason, the 540 is what I usually recommend for an early boat, and the extra 150-200rpm the 542 will spin is what I'd try first on a later boat. 4400-4600 is the wot rpm to shoot for to optimize all around performance.

Judging by the first raft start at quinner's over the weekend I can say Joel's boat is running very well!

GPS 45 mph.... Air guides were adjusted to high. Little disappointed. All the more reason to do some engine upgrades

Sure felt like 45 mph on that first trick ski raft slider at quinner's...

Old Post from Dec 2010...... I believe the timing is at 10' BTC. haven't GPS'd top speeds on Miss Scarlett lately but I'm thinking 45mph???


WOW! Holy cow what a difference the 540 made on the boat. It's just as everyone has described here as the hole shot was incredible. The bow came up about half as much as it did with the Federal 13x13 and it was allot smoother. The boat seemed to handle more solidly and with just me and a 100lbs of weight on the observer side to balance it out she seemed to turn more solidly with less cavitation of the prop in high speed quick turns. I did (as expected) lose a little top end but it's rare that I throw the hammer down and run full throttle so that doesn't bother me. I did forget my notepad in the truck but took some snaps with my phone and recorded a few readings. It was money well spent and I too am looking forward to the first chance I have to ski and wakeboard behind her. Merry Christmas to me!

This is on a stock 351 with pointless ignition with 890 hrs on her using a GPS for velocity. Weather conditons weren't ideal with a little breeze blowing.


2200 - 22.2mph

2400 - 25.4mph

2650 - 28.3mph

3200 - 34.8mph

3550 - 38.1mph

3800 - 40.3mph

4600 - 43.5mph

As Zach said, 45 is great for a 87-88. What GPS were you using? A true Garmin or a reliable app (like Navionics) is recommended. I've played with a few 87-88's and have ended up in the 43-44mph range pulling every lever I have.

Duh Zach, don't know what all the debate is about, doesn't the speedometer go up to 50mph?? Learned long ago that's how you know how fast it is!!

wet feet Andy?

HW---that was a rare epic fail moment. My only regret was not having my video on to capture it