How fast should my boat go?

[Ficht Guy]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to drop this board a line. Very cool site! I have a 2001 Starcraft Supersport 160 with a 2000 Evinrude Ficht 75. I currently have a 13.75 x 15 pitch Hustler aluminum prop. W.O.T. range on the engine is 4750-5250 and I currently run 5200 at w.o.t. at 39 mph GPS. Is there anyway to gain 5 mph? Is 39 mph reasonable for this rig or should it be faster with the current setup? Also too, does anyone know where I might be able to find any reviews/tests on the Ficht 75? I tried the Evinrude website but all of their tests are either on the 90 or 115 Ficht.

Thanks for your help!

[delawarerick]

I thought there was a higher rpm range on that engine. What is the rev limiter set at? Come on gurus. Rick

[Ficht Guy]

The w.o.t. range I got directly from the manual. The 90 and 115 are 5250-5750.

[delawarerick]

If you are in the wot range than maybe try a steel prop for it wont flex. I can ask at school monday but remind me sunday. A true 40 rather 39 for a 75 thats not shabby. Delawarerick

[FCnLa]

What does your boat look like? V hull or ? Glass or Aluminum?

Here is my aluminum '74 Starcraft Super Sport 17', '79 100hp Javlin. 48.6 mph GPS with two aboard. :cool:

[dynobo]

Hey Ficht. I was flippin' thru some of the older Bass And Walleye magazines a few days ago and they had an interesting article on the 75 hp ( 4 cyl.) if I remember correctly and the 135 hp (6cyl). Ficht injected OMC. The rig they had it on was probably similar to yours and it topped out at 40.6 mph if I remember correctly. They also gave dyno numbers on the two engines and the 75 supposedly makes 82hp and the 135 makes 147hp. I agree w/ the stainless prop idea for a couple mph but, a true 40 mph on a non- performance hull with only 75hp is pretty doggone respectable. I will try to find which issue that article was in and I'll let you know. Welcome aboard.........Bobo

[Steve Reist]

Years ago that combo w/ a 70 hp 3cyl Evinrude would run about
37 mph. You sound like you are close. I agree that a SS prop
would be your best bet. Good luck, Steve

[Jason Huber]

Hey, I'll beat you've surprised more a few GT150 owners with that rig!:cool: Illustration of the "walk softly - carry a big stick" concept!! Sleepers are COOL!:D

[Ficht Guy]

Thanks for your responses. Actually really surprised, most boating forums don't really give a **** about the guys who are running mid-range power with a smaller runabout. The boat is an aluminum deep-V, very close to the boat FCnLA posted, Nice boat FCnLA! I unfortunately had a hard drive crash and lost my photos of the boat but I will post some up here soon. What specs should I used when looking for a SS prop? Should I keep the same specs as the aluminum 13.75X15? I definately would like to keep my RPMs in the upper range of the w.o.t., I heard that Fichts like to be run towards the upper limit. Also too, right now the hole shot/midrange is awesome, pulls like a freight train and I would like to keep some of that. I understand that with more top speed you sacrafice hole shot/midrange power. It is really kind of amazing, this engine uses no gas/oil, very effiecient and it is a quick setup, not fast, but quick. Thanks guys, have a good weekend!

[Superdave]

Try to find a SS prop the same size as what you have and give it a spin. You could go from there. My experience on a non performance hull is to usually go down in pitch one size when going from alum to SS, but it depends on your setup.
DAve

[FCnLa]

Thanks Ficht Guy. When I got it, it had one of those black bastards on the back of it. After some surgery (mercectomy) everything is great now!:eek: :D

What is your boat's recomended horse power? Mine is 85 hp. I think my 100 is closer to an 88 to 90 hp at the prop.

I have an OMC SST on mine, 12 3/4 x 21. It is a good all around prop for skiing, etc.

If you can, find some one or business to loan you a prop to try. You might go up an inch or 2 on the pitch since you have a good low end. A SST should be a good start for a SS prop.

OMC makes a prop called a Raker that is 1/4" larger in diameter. It is also cupped for more bow lift. I am planning to try a 13 x 22 Raker on mine for kicks. Should make a good cruising prop.

PS, I know all about the computer crashes......that's why I back up on a cd every once and a while.:cool:

[dynobo]

OK Ficht, here goes. By the way it's April 2000 edition.
Boat: Lowe Sea Nymph 166s -Engine: 2000 75 hp ficht - Prop: 13.25x17 aluminum 3 blade -Gear ratio: 2:1 WOT RANGE: 4750-5250 MAX RPM: 5200 (WOT) MAX SPEED: 40.6 MPH
Doesn't list altitude, temp or amount of weight on board but, hopefully this will give you an idea. I remember not so many years ago if your boat would run a true 40mph you typically had 115hp or so and if you were fortunate enough to have one that would get over 60 mph (not speedo) then you was "tha' man". When these GPS gadgets came out they hurt alot of folks feelins. I remember a brother in law that had a " i swear it will" Ranger that he said would run low mid 70's w/ a stock 150 crossflow '84 model. When the GPS came out he was satisfied to have a 58 mph Ranger. Good luck with your motor and remember its all about having fun.

[Laker]

you could see 1 or 3 MPh with a better prop and raise the motor up one or 2 holes on the mouting bracket. Thats about it,... but the prop is really your only hope for more flexablity with motor height and weight carring ability. Raise the motor but keep the crappy prop and you loose speed. Install a good wheel but keep it sunk deep in the water and again you loose speed. Lots of things to consider when a boat is underpowered. Really See if you can get a 4 blade Comp prop for that motor and just have fun, also make sure too keep all the extra weight out.... Weight = power loss

[Travis Fulton]

yea i would definatly try raising the motor it could gain you a bit w/ the aid of a ss prop, sounds like it is no SLOUCH anyway, but like i always say (he that is satisfied is probally slower than i am) good luck :cool:

[Ficht Guy]

Dynobo,

Thanks for the info regarding the Ficht 75. Is there anyway you might be able to email me a copy of the article? My email address is [email protected].

Thanks

[B.Leonard]

If you can't remove the weight, move it to the back.

A heavy bow will kill your top end faster than running one of those torque "challenged" black motors :rolleyes: :D

;)

-BL

[ken medendorp]

How about 117 mph out of a black motor who needs torque maybe you need rpm?

[B.Leonard]

No problem there ;) ;)

-BL

[ken medendorp]

per minute must not be use to it:eek:

[Toffen]

Hi!

You should definetly try a Raker prop. It is a great crusing prop and carries the bow very well. Then you need less positive trim = more forward trust. Nice top speed prop too. Also try to get hold of a powerlift with 4-5 inches of setback. My bet is that you will add 3-5 mph by doing this - and ofcourse check that your boats bottom is clean and straight - and that you not carry too much weight in front. Rebalancing can make more mph than you believe.

Cheers, Toffen G

[Ficht Guy]

I found a picture! Here she is:

2001 Starcraft SuperSport 160
2000 Evinrude Ficht Ram 75 HP
2001 EZ-Loader Drive on Bunk Trailer
Lowrance Map 160 Sonar/GPS
Pioneer CD Player/Sony Xplode Speakers

Not too fancy, but it's my yacht, and all I can afford on a 23 year olds pay scale :)