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Author Topic:   13-Foot Boston Whaler: Speed

keyswhaler77 posted 06-19-2006 02:39 PM ET (US)
I have a 13-foot Boston Whaler boat with a 2005 Yamaha four-stroke 40-HP motor. I am topping out at around 34-MPH at 5,400-RPM. Should I be getting any more speed out of this setup?
The Judge posted 06-19-2006 03:58 PM ET (US)
Not really. 34-MPH is about tops for that hull design. You will read people claiming 40-MPH but that is not possible, even with a 50- or 60-HP engine. The hull is not designed for high speeds and will not break away enough to attain it. A 15 Whaler even though she is about 200-lbs heavier than a 13 will go faster with the same horsepower than a 13. Yes a 15 with a 40 would be faster than your 13 by a couple MPH. So considering that a 15 with a 70 will only do mid-40's and nothing is in the water except the prop, getting that kind of hull lift is not possible in a 13 due to design. This is also why a 13 will go almost as fast with a light load and 25-HP as it will with a 40-HP.
Creid posted 06-19-2006 04:16 PM ET (US)
What about with a two-stroke? Wouldn't a 35-HP [two-]stroke have the similar performance as a 40-HP four-stroke due to weight?
keyswhaler77 posted 06-19-2006 04:33 PM ET (US)
Judge,
I have heard the same statement about the hull limitations from other whaler owners and I was just needed some sort of confirmation.That makes me feel better. I have also heard stories of 40-MPH and I wanted to believe those speeds were false. Thanks for the reassurance.
Whaler_bob posted 06-19-2006 04:39 PM ET (US)

quote:
This is also why a 13 will go almost as fast with a light load and 25-HP as it will with a 40-HP.
I'd say that's pretty accurate. My 13 with a 25-HP tops out at about 30-MPH with a light load. I haven't speed checked it on it's own GPS, cause I can never sneak out of the house with the Whaler without at least one kid jumping on at the last second. I ran it next to my brother-in-law's boat with his GPS on.
Tom W Clark posted 06-19-2006 05:43 PM ET (US)
34-MPH at 5,400-RPM with an F40 on a 13 foot Whaler sounds perfect.
Binkie posted 06-19-2006 11:44 PM ET (US)
The hook in the bottom makes it slow.
BQUICK posted 06-20-2006 10:14 AM ET (US)
Power trim gets the (lousy for speed) hull out of the water and allows for speeds greater than 40-MPH. My (tube type) speedo read 48 last summer. I borrowed a handheld GPS and it said 46. This is no idle claim. I have been blasting around in this thing for over 30 years of my life. My back and kidneys have paid sorely! Fortunately it's not year round! This is with an older 50-HP Mercury on a 1971 Sourpuss.
an86carrera posted 06-20-2006 02:33 PM ET (US)
My 1968 with a 1972 Evinrude 50-HP with Boyeson reeds and 21-inch pitch SS prop has gotten to 42-MPH (gps) with the trim pin in top hole. It was a pain to run at anything but full throttle. Sure wish I could find a trim and tilt unit for that old motor. Currently I have a trim unit only. Now I run in the third trim hole with a 1-inch block above transom. Will only do 38-MPH but very drivable. Of couse on the right days.
Len
Boatplans posted 06-20-2006 11:19 PM ET (US)
This is just my opinion. Anything more than 40-HP on a Boston Whaler 13 is a waste of good gasoline (jet fuel or what have you).
BOB KEMMLER JR posted 06-20-2006 11:31 PM ET (US)
My old man's 13 Whaler with the 40 Nissan has come close to going airborn a few times when I try to trim it out for more top end speed. You can almost feel the hull trying to dig in and go over. I am going to take it out soon. I will make sure to have the GPS with me and report back. I'm guessing high 30-MPH to MAYBE 40 with just me aboard.
BQUICK posted 06-21-2006 09:35 AM ET (US)
Waste of fuel?
I use less fuel with my 50 Merc than my 40 Evinrude because I'm (usually) not running it as hard to cruise.
Use to run full throttle to go 34 with the 40 hp. That's easy cruising with the 50. I suppose if I wanted to cruise at 25 the 40 would use less......
Over the LINE posted 06-21-2006 10:42 AM ET (US)

I haul a lot of stuff and or people in my 13' with a 50hp. That extra 10hp is the difference between getting up on a plane and not sometimes. Considering the 20 to 30 minute ride to the camp (on a plane), I'm thinking planing in one trip versus two trips or displacing the whole way probally saves fuel but I know it saves time.
I've seen over 40mph in my boat but not since I put the "gear hauling" prop on. It was done on a GPS going up and down a canal (tide not a factor) but with a "tall" prop, little fuel and no extra gear. It was a scary ride.
Most of the time now you will find me cruising at well below WOT. I don't know exactally what my fuel consumption is, but a weekend of duck hunting, fishing and general running around burns less than eight gallons. That leaves me six and a half in the tank. When you are talking about feeding a 13' boat, not running out of fuel is really all that matters to me.
Boatplans posted 06-21-2006 10:32 PM ET (US)
Clearly, the best way to justify extra power is to use less power. Or, use less power because there is more power. Thus, to save gasoline, have more power. That being the case, use a 200 hp outboard on the Whaler 13 which will save gasoline. Besides, one never knows when the Marines may be making a landing on a beach nearby. They might need one of their disabled landing craft towed through the surf. This is not meant to be ad hominum, just fun, but are you guys on “Tool Time?” There are a lot of Whalers around Detroit. (Sorry, I could not resist. Jim, please unpost this is you don't like it. John)
an86carrera posted 06-22-2006 10:06 AM ET (US)
What pitch are you other 50hp guys using? I don't have a tach yet. It is my next mod but I hate cutting into an unmodified original interior.
Len
Over the LINE posted 06-22-2006 11:13 AM ET (US)
Carrera,
I have a 50hp Yamaha on an '84 13' sport running a 10.25 x 15 stainless prop.
Boatplans,
My Tundra and Tahoe both have way too much power most of the time but once in a while those V-8's do come in handy (you know for towing boats). I will take the Tim Taylor jab for the 560SL. That overpowered car has no real need of the excess power, but it sure is fun. Too bad I can't run it at WOT.
an86carrera posted 06-22-2006 11:29 AM ET (US)
Over the line,
I have a 1999 Carrera 4 (300hp 2900lbs)not for towing either, I have had that at WOT but I backed off at 158mph, way below the 176 mph max. Some of us Tim Taylor types just like power and throttle steer.
For towing I have a 2006 Liberty CRD (diesel) 160hp 300ft lbs torque. Also fun to drive after the turbo comes on which take about the first 10 ft from a stop light.
As far as fuel consuption goes, I bought the CRD to save the world.
Len
The Judge posted 06-22-2006 11:30 AM ET (US)
Len I ran a 17" on my 15' with a 50hp so I assume that would be the prop for you as well.
Boatplans posted 06-22-2006 03:08 PM ET (US)
In the UK they have British Seagull racing. I smell a Whaler 13 race. All you guys with 50s, you should be feeling a glove across the chops about now.
an86carrera posted 06-22-2006 03:15 PM ET (US)
I up for a race that could be fun. Fouth of July weekend my house?
BQUICK posted 06-22-2006 03:44 PM ET (US)
Sounds good to me. Where?
When I was a kid I would race whatever quick boat would come up the river including other Whalers with 50s. I got my Merc after getting slapped around by a guy with a 50.
Believe it or not guys would come from other towns in RI to race "Water Rat". Usually ran 48 but hit 51 sitting back holding the motor in a nice little chop and high barometer.
I'm a tad smarter now. :)
Boatplans posted 06-22-2006 04:49 PM ET (US)
We are all over the United States. We probably need some regional racing, eventually leading to THE WORLD CHAMP Boston Whaler 13. Maybe we can ask Jim to officiate and hold the championship race around Detroit somewhere. Whaler 13 racing would improve the breed and answer questions. Fortunately, Boston Whaler 13 footers are easy to trailer.
If you have not done so, look up British Seagull racing on the internet. This will be fun.
an86carrera posted 06-22-2006 11:07 PM ET (US)
It's been done reference thanks to jimh
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cetacea/cetaceaPage03.html
BQUICK posted 06-23-2006 09:08 AM ET (US)
I'm talking a *real* race. :)
Boatplans posted 06-23-2006 12:05 PM ET (US)
We need head to head racing.
an86carrera posted 06-23-2006 12:49 PM ET (US)
Still offering my place for a Race/Rendezvous in Bradenton, FL sometime over the Fourth of July weekend.
It's about 800' from my house to Palma Sola Bay (pretty well protected from weather) which is right behind Anna Maria Island. Lifts, docks and tools available. Also a bar, swimming pool and hot tub.
E-mail in profile
Len
Binkie posted 06-26-2006 01:58 PM ET (US)
Len are you running that chopper prop, that was with the 50 Rude I sold you? I wish I had my 13 footer finished, I`m going to try a McCulloch- Elgin 75 hp on it. Its no bigger or heavy than your 50hp. Evinrude. Its 3 cyl and from the middle 1960`.
an86carrera posted 06-26-2006 07:49 PM ET (US)
Rich,
No I have a thru hub 21" SS. I di dhave the 23" chopper on it but time to plane was too long. Also at that time The engine did not run too smoothly. I could try it again now that I have it running so nicely.
That 75 should be crazy on a thirteen. Alot of people are scared on mine at WOT. The only one that does not complain is my wife...go figure.
Len
Alex K posted 06-29-2006 11:55 AM ET (US)

quote:
A 15 Whaler even though she is about 200-lbs heavier than a 13 will go faster with the same horsepower than a 13. Yes a 15 with a 40 would be faster than your 13 by a couple MPH.

My friends 13 with a 1999 40HP Yamaha 2-Stroke is faster than my 15 Alert with 60HP E-Tec and he's a hundred feet away until I get on plain.
Alex

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Author	Topic: 13-Foot Boston Whaler: Speed
keyswhaler77	posted 06-19-2006 02:39 PM ET (US) I have a 13-foot Boston Whaler boat with a 2005 Yamaha four-stroke 40-HP motor. I am topping out at around 34-MPH at 5,400-RPM. Should I be getting any more speed out of this setup?
The Judge	posted 06-19-2006 03:58 PM ET (US) Not really. 34-MPH is about tops for that hull design. You will read people claiming 40-MPH but that is not possible, even with a 50- or 60-HP engine. The hull is not designed for high speeds and will not break away enough to attain it. A 15 Whaler even though she is about 200-lbs heavier than a 13 will go faster with the same horsepower than a 13. Yes a 15 with a 40 would be faster than your 13 by a couple MPH. So considering that a 15 with a 70 will only do mid-40's and nothing is in the water except the prop, getting that kind of hull lift is not possible in a 13 due to design. This is also why a 13 will go almost as fast with a light load and 25-HP as it will with a 40-HP.
Creid	posted 06-19-2006 04:16 PM ET (US) What about with a two-stroke? Wouldn't a 35-HP [two-]stroke have the similar performance as a 40-HP four-stroke due to weight?
keyswhaler77	posted 06-19-2006 04:33 PM ET (US) Judge, I have heard the same statement about the hull limitations from other whaler owners and I was just needed some sort of confirmation.That makes me feel better. I have also heard stories of 40-MPH and I wanted to believe those speeds were false. Thanks for the reassurance.
Whaler_bob	posted 06-19-2006 04:39 PM ET (US) quote: This is also why a 13 will go almost as fast with a light load and 25-HP as it will with a 40-HP. I'd say that's pretty accurate. My 13 with a 25-HP tops out at about 30-MPH with a light load. I haven't speed checked it on it's own GPS, cause I can never sneak out of the house with the Whaler without at least one kid jumping on at the last second. I ran it next to my brother-in-law's boat with his GPS on.
Tom W Clark	posted 06-19-2006 05:43 PM ET (US) 34-MPH at 5,400-RPM with an F40 on a 13 foot Whaler sounds perfect.
Binkie	posted 06-19-2006 11:44 PM ET (US) The hook in the bottom makes it slow.
BQUICK	posted 06-20-2006 10:14 AM ET (US) Power trim gets the (lousy for speed) hull out of the water and allows for speeds greater than 40-MPH. My (tube type) speedo read 48 last summer. I borrowed a handheld GPS and it said 46. This is no idle claim. I have been blasting around in this thing for over 30 years of my life. My back and kidneys have paid sorely! Fortunately it's not year round! This is with an older 50-HP Mercury on a 1971 Sourpuss.
an86carrera	posted 06-20-2006 02:33 PM ET (US) My 1968 with a 1972 Evinrude 50-HP with Boyeson reeds and 21-inch pitch SS prop has gotten to 42-MPH (gps) with the trim pin in top hole. It was a pain to run at anything but full throttle. Sure wish I could find a trim and tilt unit for that old motor. Currently I have a trim unit only. Now I run in the third trim hole with a 1-inch block above transom. Will only do 38-MPH but very drivable. Of couse on the right days. Len
Boatplans	posted 06-20-2006 11:19 PM ET (US) This is just my opinion. Anything more than 40-HP on a Boston Whaler 13 is a waste of good gasoline (jet fuel or what have you).
BOB KEMMLER JR	posted 06-20-2006 11:31 PM ET (US) My old man's 13 Whaler with the 40 Nissan has come close to going airborn a few times when I try to trim it out for more top end speed. You can almost feel the hull trying to dig in and go over. I am going to take it out soon. I will make sure to have the GPS with me and report back. I'm guessing high 30-MPH to MAYBE 40 with just me aboard.
BQUICK	posted 06-21-2006 09:35 AM ET (US) Waste of fuel? I use less fuel with my 50 Merc than my 40 Evinrude because I'm (usually) not running it as hard to cruise. Use to run full throttle to go 34 with the 40 hp. That's easy cruising with the 50. I suppose if I wanted to cruise at 25 the 40 would use less......
Over the LINE	posted 06-21-2006 10:42 AM ET (US) I haul a lot of stuff and or people in my 13' with a 50hp. That extra 10hp is the difference between getting up on a plane and not sometimes. Considering the 20 to 30 minute ride to the camp (on a plane), I'm thinking planing in one trip versus two trips or displacing the whole way probally saves fuel but I know it saves time. I've seen over 40mph in my boat but not since I put the "gear hauling" prop on. It was done on a GPS going up and down a canal (tide not a factor) but with a "tall" prop, little fuel and no extra gear. It was a scary ride. Most of the time now you will find me cruising at well below WOT. I don't know exactally what my fuel consumption is, but a weekend of duck hunting, fishing and general running around burns less than eight gallons. That leaves me six and a half in the tank. When you are talking about feeding a 13' boat, not running out of fuel is really all that matters to me.
Boatplans	posted 06-21-2006 10:32 PM ET (US) Clearly, the best way to justify extra power is to use less power. Or, use less power because there is more power. Thus, to save gasoline, have more power. That being the case, use a 200 hp outboard on the Whaler 13 which will save gasoline. Besides, one never knows when the Marines may be making a landing on a beach nearby. They might need one of their disabled landing craft towed through the surf. This is not meant to be ad hominum, just fun, but are you guys on “Tool Time?” There are a lot of Whalers around Detroit. (Sorry, I could not resist. Jim, please unpost this is you don't like it. John)
an86carrera	posted 06-22-2006 10:06 AM ET (US) What pitch are you other 50hp guys using? I don't have a tach yet. It is my next mod but I hate cutting into an unmodified original interior. Len
Over the LINE	posted 06-22-2006 11:13 AM ET (US) Carrera, I have a 50hp Yamaha on an '84 13' sport running a 10.25 x 15 stainless prop. Boatplans, My Tundra and Tahoe both have way too much power most of the time but once in a while those V-8's do come in handy (you know for towing boats). I will take the Tim Taylor jab for the 560SL. That overpowered car has no real need of the excess power, but it sure is fun. Too bad I can't run it at WOT.
an86carrera	posted 06-22-2006 11:29 AM ET (US) Over the line, I have a 1999 Carrera 4 (300hp 2900lbs)not for towing either, I have had that at WOT but I backed off at 158mph, way below the 176 mph max. Some of us Tim Taylor types just like power and throttle steer. For towing I have a 2006 Liberty CRD (diesel) 160hp 300ft lbs torque. Also fun to drive after the turbo comes on which take about the first 10 ft from a stop light. As far as fuel consuption goes, I bought the CRD to save the world. Len
The Judge	posted 06-22-2006 11:30 AM ET (US) Len I ran a 17" on my 15' with a 50hp so I assume that would be the prop for you as well.
Boatplans	posted 06-22-2006 03:08 PM ET (US) In the UK they have British Seagull racing. I smell a Whaler 13 race. All you guys with 50s, you should be feeling a glove across the chops about now.
an86carrera	posted 06-22-2006 03:15 PM ET (US) I up for a race that could be fun. Fouth of July weekend my house?
BQUICK	posted 06-22-2006 03:44 PM ET (US) Sounds good to me. Where? When I was a kid I would race whatever quick boat would come up the river including other Whalers with 50s. I got my Merc after getting slapped around by a guy with a 50. Believe it or not guys would come from other towns in RI to race "Water Rat". Usually ran 48 but hit 51 sitting back holding the motor in a nice little chop and high barometer. I'm a tad smarter now. :)
Boatplans	posted 06-22-2006 04:49 PM ET (US) We are all over the United States. We probably need some regional racing, eventually leading to THE WORLD CHAMP Boston Whaler 13. Maybe we can ask Jim to officiate and hold the championship race around Detroit somewhere. Whaler 13 racing would improve the breed and answer questions. Fortunately, Boston Whaler 13 footers are easy to trailer. If you have not done so, look up British Seagull racing on the internet. This will be fun.
an86carrera	posted 06-22-2006 11:07 PM ET (US) It's been done reference thanks to jimh http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cetacea/cetaceaPage03.html
BQUICK	posted 06-23-2006 09:08 AM ET (US) I'm talking a real race. :)
Boatplans	posted 06-23-2006 12:05 PM ET (US) We need head to head racing.
an86carrera	posted 06-23-2006 12:49 PM ET (US) Still offering my place for a Race/Rendezvous in Bradenton, FL sometime over the Fourth of July weekend. It's about 800' from my house to Palma Sola Bay (pretty well protected from weather) which is right behind Anna Maria Island. Lifts, docks and tools available. Also a bar, swimming pool and hot tub. E-mail in profile Len
Binkie	posted 06-26-2006 01:58 PM ET (US) Len are you running that chopper prop, that was with the 50 Rude I sold you? I wish I had my 13 footer finished, I`m going to try a McCulloch- Elgin 75 hp on it. Its no bigger or heavy than your 50hp. Evinrude. Its 3 cyl and from the middle 1960`.
an86carrera	posted 06-26-2006 07:49 PM ET (US) Rich, No I have a thru hub 21" SS. I di dhave the 23" chopper on it but time to plane was too long. Also at that time The engine did not run too smoothly. I could try it again now that I have it running so nicely. That 75 should be crazy on a thirteen. Alot of people are scared on mine at WOT. The only one that does not complain is my wife...go figure. Len
Alex K	posted 06-29-2006 11:55 AM ET (US) quote: A 15 Whaler even though she is about 200-lbs heavier than a 13 will go faster with the same horsepower than a 13. Yes a 15 with a 40 would be faster than your 13 by a couple MPH. My friends 13 with a 1999 40HP Yamaha 2-Stroke is faster than my 15 Alert with 60HP E-Tec and he's a hundred feet away until I get on plain. Alex