Before Posting, Please Read Our Posting Guidelines Below.
1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
Last season I bought a 1986 Outrage w/ a 1986 150 Johnson attached. I could barely get it over 40mph with just me in the boat on a flat day. Is this typical? Since this is the max'd out HP for this size Whaler, I assumed it would be much quicker. On another note, I still love this boat. Any suggestions?
Second, there are many factors to consider why you are not getting around 45 mph.
1. How is this speed measured? GPS both upwind and down to get an average?
2. How high or low is your motor mounted?
3. What RPM's is your tachometer reading at WOT...? (Wide Open Throttle)
4. Are you sure you are getting full throttle? (cable adjustment)
5. Bottom Painted?
6. Any canvas up?
I have a 1985 Evinrude 150 and she will only do about 41 or 42 mph...
I think it is plenty fast for me and I rarely run WOT... But then again, I'm an old Geezer.
Let us know some of the answers to the above questions.
I agree with Joe, all those things can and will affect your top speed. I owned an Outrage 18 with a 1983 Johnson 150 and it would do about 47 MPH under the right conditions.
Have you weighed your boat? A waterlogged hull could account for your slow top speed.
Exactly what propeller are you using? Material? Brand? Model? Diameter? Pitch? Part Number?
First, I would like to say thank you for your responses, much appreciated. I really should have phrased the question differently. I should have asked what can I expect for a top speed with a correctly configured 150 HP 18' Whaler that is not waterlogged etc...and you have answered that.
You have pointed out some interesting things I had not considered. Now I need to start trouble shooting. And I do not have all the answers to your questions as my boat is coming out of storage soon and will have to take some more notes.
...I just hope its not the "W" word, as Tom had pointed out.
Another note, great website, I've enjoyed going through the different forums and links.
