Increase top speed?

[Colemanandrew]

I got a 97 yamaha 30 2 stroke on a 14 ft aluminum war eagle I can top off at about 35-36 but I know I can increase that a little bit. I know the motor can only handle so much any prop pitch increases and maybe how to lift the bow up some? I was thinking higher pitch prop and a whale tail or hydrofoil.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Do you know what RPM's your turning?

 

[airshot]

The whale tails rarely increase speed, give some lift and faster on plane yes, on lighter boats, but increase in speed is something I have never saw in my 60 yrs of boating. As mentioned, wot motor rpm is needed for calculations to be made. Keep in mind, that a higher top speed usually means a longer time to getup on plane, especially when any weight is added. Once you reach max wot rpm on that motor....that is it, only a bigger motor will increase your speed.

 

[flatheadsteve]

35mph is impressive from a 30hp on a boat like that. Others have already mentioned it but a rpm reading at wot would let you know if a prop change could do anything for you. Shedding weight wherever possible could gain a few mph but could affect handling if it messes up your weight distribution.

 

[jethro]

Yeah, when I take off my hydrofoil from my 25hp the top speed of the boat goes up by about 4 mph. Of course it takes much longer to plane. More drag with the foil that's for sure.

 

[Crazyboat]

A jack plate getting the engine up out of the water is the way to go, drop some weight if possible too. Knowing your RPM and adding a racing prop will add a bit too, but then you'll lose in other areas as a racing prop is built for that one purpose.

 

[thill]

I would be really happy with 36 mph with a 30 HP engine, but you might also want to try waxing the bottom of the boat. You will probably pick up another couple MPH.

 

[Still Afloat]

Or some of that super slick epoxy paint.

 

[Weldorthemagnificent]

Either shave your head and don't wear a shirt or go downstream . Sounds like you're hauling the mail already! Raising the motor on the transom sometimes yields a mph or 2. I used flatbar shims to dial the height in before drilling and bolting the clamp. I started with an inch but had to bring it down to a half to eliminate cavitation in the turns. I left the 2 shims in to share the load with the bolts. Rpm, like everyone says, will tell you where you're at.