Launch
We launched at Pewaukee lake. We did the final check of the
prop-shaft alignment (dead on) and proceeded.
The shift and throttle linkages needed final adjustment. The owner's
manual for the engine discourages shifting into gear out of the water ,
so this had not been tested with the engine running. The throttle had to
be set to SLOWLY open prior to the transmission engaging. At first
reverse was perfect, but forward had too many RPMs at the shift point.
The shake -down cruise went well. The hardest thing was getting the
boat back on the trailer in alignment. Added side bunk boards later. |
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Performance
The boat planes easily and with minimal bow rise on acceleration.
Speed testing yielded 46-47 mph on the speedometer with 5000-5100
RPM with a 13x14" prop. With a 14x16" prop , the top
speed increased to 52mph, but still without truly rev limiting
the engine. It could go steeper still. I would like to try a steeper
pitch prop to see what the potential top end is.
Comfortable skiing is 3000 rpm. Pulling up a skier at 2500-3000 rpm.
For two skiers, this goes up to 2800-3300rpm. Pulling doubles is easy.
Everyone gets more turns. The kids are more satisfied as David and Elyse
do their "Energizer Bunny" routine, they just keep going and
going and...
Slalom skiing is the area I had worried about as I am a large
person and have had trouble in the past. On vacation, we
had 8 people in the boat pulling me on a slalom ski. We were doing
42mph at ~4500 rpm. No more having to leave people on shore when
the"big guys" want to ski. This was before I got a wide
slalom ski.
Turns are smooth and stable. There was one skid fin installed,
even with the front of the engine the first year. Two more were
added the second year. This provided a substantial improvement
in turning ability and reduced turning radius. |
This has been the universal response when people see the boat for the
first time, so it became the name.
Name and registration numbers were done in cut vinyl. |