Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

I've been to 2 shows already looking at tackle and boats.The boat dealers that I talked to are all pushing the new 300hp.My question is two part,we already have boats going 80 to 100 mph,allison,bullet,& blazer.The second part is how fast do we have to go,and when is it to the point that safety comes in.Don't get me wrong I am an old drag racer I,ve been 190mph.What do you guys think,I know the lakes and rivers in N.J. can,t handle what we have now,and I havn't seen a tournament trail yet who's saying bring it on. Thanks JOE

My concern is can the driver handle it? If can afford one the marine dealers will sale it and never ask can you drive it.

Joe D, first, welcome to the sight. AS a drag racer, I'm sure you could handle the 300 hp outboards with speeds in excess of 100 MPH. My concerns with speeds of this nature is that other boaters may not be able to get out of the way fast enough and may misjudge just how fast you are going. Most of my fish have been caught at one MPH or less! My G-3 will run 80, but I seldom feel the need to go that fast. Sure, in a tournament speed helps, but then again, is it a boat race or a fishing contest? I have always felt and still do, that a 150 MPH maximum is great for tournaments, keeps everyone on an even keel and is a lot safer for everyone involved. Just my opinion. Go with your conscience. Johnnie

Thanks Guys,thats my point,who needs it.Johnny I'm with you,I have 150 on my boat and 68/70 is good for me.Matter of fact my new boat will have 150/200.I'm hoping the weather is better this 2004 season,almost every tourny last year we had winds that you couldn't get on plane anyway.thanks again

Joe, I'm running a 200 Yamaha which I consider the best motor, might want to check them out. Smooth as a babies butt, but planes in ten feet with 20 foot G-3. I love the setup, not for speed so much as hole shot and how it handles waves and barge traffic. Good luck either way, Johnnie

I have to agree with Johnnie. I have yet to catch a bass at 60+ mph. My boat, a Stratos 22SS Extreme is powered by a 225 Ficht Evinrude. I don't go as fast as some, due to the weight of the rig, but I still get to my fish. Granted, I could go bigger, but the fuel economy I get is awesome. The added hp versus fuel costs are just not economically sound. Also, as for here, our tournaments in the federation and most opens have a 250 HP max. A 300 would be an awesome ego booster, but as the guys said, how many can even handle that much power strapped to their behinds? Look for performance based on the size of the boat and where you want to use it. Take a spin or two in a ouple and make a learned decision, based on facts and not on who can get there first. Rather have you back next week to compete again, than to hear about a memorial service.

Joe D... Welcome!! Well I agree with everyone else.. You really don't need it... Most tournaments I have guys blow by me with a 20ft tail of water behind them, but guess what They never leave my sight and I have alot more gas than them when it is all done.. Only time I really love a faster boat is when I'm trying to out run weather, then it pays..

I have driven a 21' Skeeter with a 250 and a 22' with a 300 HPDI Yamaha.. Both were very impressive.. Both had so much horsepower it was wild... The force would throw you forward when you shut it down....

I run a 20' Skeeter with a 200 Yamaha VMAX, I will run around 69-73 max GPS Speed).. Most of the lakes I play in there is room, but if you run rivers or channels, that much power can really mess with you.

Next make sure of Insurance!! Alot of places will not insure boats with speeds in excess of 80 MPH..

Besides all of these things, just go out and run the boat see if you feel you have control even at top speed... Speed is fun don't get me wrong!! I have the need for speed ever day!!! But you have to drive it..

EAT SLEEP FISH

Thanks guys, For your reply.But I think the question got misunderstood.I'm not buying one, the dealers in my area are pushing the motor and the setup.I'm still feeling the market out,but got it narrowed down to two.I'll let you know what I get but it may not be this year.I still love my JAVLIN and 175hp. THANKS