Which hull

[Sonik]

I agree with Pete. I think all things constant and equal, the Viper will be faster. Its a smaller, lighter boat. Although I've found that the Viper is not nearly as well behaved on the big end, due in part to the wider bow cross-section I'm sure.

Chet says his is scary over 100, well I'll agree with that statement as well, but add "over 90". Albeit I was testing with the worst possible prop for big end #'s. If you're looking for mid to high 80's you'll need more than a 2.0 liter in a "lake boat". My best was 83.7mph solo with an XR2 150 after 2 seasons of playing with the setup. With 2 on board, it hit a wall at around 81mph. Keep in mind...... full factory interior + misc gear under the seats. I'd think a horizontal front XR4 or XR6 (2.4 / 2.5) 150 with tight heads and some reed / exhaust work would get you the numbers you are looking for.

[transomstand]

I'd think more along the lines of a 200, if on a budget. The 200 will easily put you into the low 80's without having to work hard. To do it with a smaller engine, you'll need to be pretty much on your game. The 200 gives you more flexability, you can run the motor a little lower, which is easier on your equipment, you won't need a "killer" prop, any crummy off the shelf 28 Chopper will get you there.

My Ventura ran 85 with literally a junkyard 200 horse motor, and a nose cone glued on a preload lower unit, without a LWP.

[almightygimp1]

Thanks for all the input! Can't wait to get this thing in the water!

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[JETMORE]

I KNOW THIS IS AN OLD POST, BUT JUST STARTED GETTIGN BACK ON THE SITE AGAIN, ANYWAY, MY 2 CENTS:

THE VIPER IS A KICK-ARSE LITTLE BOAT, ON MY SECOND ONE NOW WITH ALL THE COOL STUFF (NYDAHL/BAKER FOOT, CLEAVER, 140 CROSSFLOW, 2 INCHES BELOW PAD, FILLED, WIDENED, AND BLUEPRINTED PAD) AND I HAVE DRIVEN AND OWNED ENOUGH OF THESE TO BE CRAZY, BUT, A V-6 ON A VIPER, THOUGH IT IS FAST AND ACCELARATES LIKE A SCALDED DOG, AND IS REALLY FUN, I CONTEND THAT THE VIPER IS SIMPLY A LOT MORE FUN WITH A TOWER OF POWER OR A V4 CROSSFLOW. THIS HULL IS TOO DARN SHORT FOR MUCH OVER 300 POUNDS OF POWER AT THE TRANSOM. IF YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSENGER, WELL, THIS CHANGES THINGS, BUT THE BALANCE OF THE VIPER WITH A DRIVER ONLY, AND A 380 POUND OUTBOARD IS NOT GOOD, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE THE LEVERAGE OF A 5 INCH JACK PLATE ALSO. TALK TO ANYBODY THAT HAS DRIVEN A 327/365 OLD VETTE VERSUS A 427/435 VETTE, AND, THOUGH THE 427 VETTE IS FUN AND MAKES YOU SMILE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS, THE OVERALL MUCH MORE FUN DRIVING EXPERIENCE IS THE 327 CAR. SAME GOES FOR THE 289 VS 427 COBRA CARS. I CONTEND THAT THE VIKING IS A BETTER BOAT, TOO, WIHOUT A DOUBT WHEN RUNNING A 380 POUND MOTOR.

WISDOM FOR THE DAY, "NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SET UP IS, FLIP THE BOAT, SHARPEN YOUR PAD AND INNER STRAKES, AND TRAILING EDGES, AND FILL IN ANY WAVES ON THE RUNNING SURFACE, AND WATCH 2-3 MPH MAGICALLY APPEAR"

THANKS

RONNY

[jacklake2003]

I KNOW THIS IS AN OLD POST, BUT JUST STARTED GETTIGN BACK ON THE SITE AGAIN, ANYWAY, MY 2 CENTS:

THE VIPER IS A KICK-ARSE LITTLE BOAT, ON MY SECOND ONE NOW WITH ALL THE COOL STUFF (NYDAHL/BAKER FOOT, CLEAVER, 140 CROSSFLOW, 2 INCHES BELOW PAD, FILLED, WIDENED, AND BLUEPRINTED PAD) AND I HAVE DRIVEN AND OWNED ENOUGH OF THESE TO BE CRAZY, BUT, A V-6 ON A VIPER, THOUGH IT IS FAST AND ACCELARATES LIKE A SCALDED DOG, AND IS REALLY FUN, I CONTEND THAT THE VIPER IS SIMPLY A LOT MORE FUN WITH A TOWER OF POWER OR A V4 CROSSFLOW. THIS HULL IS TOO DARN SHORT FOR MUCH OVER 300 POUNDS OF POWER AT THE TRANSOM. IF YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSENGER, WELL, THIS CHANGES THINGS, BUT THE BALANCE OF THE VIPER WITH A DRIVER ONLY, AND A 380 POUND OUTBOARD IS NOT GOOD, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE THE LEVERAGE OF A 5 INCH JACK PLATE ALSO. TALK TO ANYBODY THAT HAS DRIVEN A 327/365 OLD VETTE VERSUS A 427/435 VETTE, AND, THOUGH THE 427 VETTE IS FUN AND MAKES YOU SMILE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS, THE OVERALL MUCH MORE FUN DRIVING EXPERIENCE IS THE 327 CAR. SAME GOES FOR THE 289 VS 427 COBRA CARS. I CONTEND THAT THE VIKING IS A BETTER BOAT, TOO, WIHOUT A DOUBT WHEN RUNNING A 380 POUND MOTOR.

WISDOM FOR THE DAY, "NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SET UP IS, FLIP THE BOAT, SHARPEN YOUR PAD AND INNER STRAKES, AND TRAILING EDGES, AND FILL IN ANY WAVES ON THE RUNNING SURFACE, AND WATCH 2-3 MPH MAGICALLY APPEAR"

THANKS

RONNY

Well said and I agree.

[transomstand]

I'll agree also. I've stated before, driving a Viper or Ventura with an inline or V-4 is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. It's a far more "pure" driving experience. Everybody today is concerned with "the number", and how big it is. Driving these boats with bigger motors is much more "all business" today. Plus, at the lower speeds, my ears don't flap as much, which is more comfortable.

Also agree with Ronnie on the engine weight issue, I don't like an engine that weighs more than 350 lbs, it just won't give me the feel I'm looking for.

[almightygimp1]

I appreciate all the input, I've decided on a 2.5 because I know myself. I'll eventually want more out of it and I don't see the point of going through rigging, setup, buying power twice, and balancing. If I need to shed weight in the *** I'll look at shortening mid and lightweight cowl, and so forth. I just like power, from my crotch rocket, to my truck. Got the funds to have the glassworks,, core
And transom done, have talked to afr, one guy local that wants to look at it before he quotes so the first Friday I have off I'm taking it to him for pricing. Still rat holing for interior and power, rigging cost and such. I want metal flake, and have no clue what it's going to cost. Anyone tell me the difference in automotive metal flake and gel coat flake? That's really only place I'm still in the dark.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[transomstand]

Flake is the same.

[Hippie459MN]

Got the funds to have the glassworks,, core And transom done, have talked to afr,

[ Post made via iPhone ]

Scott is a member here as well and he does excellent work from what I have seen and he knows his Hydrostreams. He is also a really great guy. I talk to him here and there on Facebook and is always super nice and willing to answer any questions I have.

[almightygimp1]

Transomstand is Scott? Still trying to learn everyone, sonik that's a gorgeous viper, read most of your posts and threads. Transomstand, are you saying the automotive flake job and gel coat are pretty much the same thing? I know for automotive you paint your base color, then spray flake with clear, and depending on how deep you want it to look, just additional clear. I won't be doing the work so I'm not concerned with labor, just quality durability and cost.

[ Post made via iPhone ]