Mark Hofman
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2001
- Messages
- 3,095
- Reaction score
- 5
After spending the better part of Sunday at Lake Carlyle in west-central Illinois, I wanted to post a performance report on our Tournament V18 with the Mercury 150 XR6. We followed the recommended break-in procedure for the first hour, keeping the boat below 4,000 rpms and varying the throttle every 2 to 3 minutes. Boat was loaded with 30 gallons of fuel, two adults and personal gear. Weather was 65 degrees, with a moderately choppy surface, intermittent sprinkles and clouds. We were using the stock aluminum prop that came with the motor.
It jumped up on plane effortlessly and - once we figured out the trim settings - ran straight and steady through the chop. Smooth.
After the first hour, we gradually increased the rpm settings above 4,000, still varying the throttle through the full range of power.
Finally at the end of the day, with the fuel nearly gone, we made a final speed run toward the marina. She topped out at 53 mph according to the speedometer, with the rpms turning 5000. I wasn't comfortable with my skill level to push it past 5,000. Adjusting the trim boosted the final speed from 53 to 56 before we ran out of lake. Again, this was on a choppy surface, and the speed is off of the panel. No radar gun to verify.
Just thought those of you who were curious would want to know.
Mark
It jumped up on plane effortlessly and - once we figured out the trim settings - ran straight and steady through the chop. Smooth.
After the first hour, we gradually increased the rpm settings above 4,000, still varying the throttle through the full range of power.
Finally at the end of the day, with the fuel nearly gone, we made a final speed run toward the marina. She topped out at 53 mph according to the speedometer, with the rpms turning 5000. I wasn't comfortable with my skill level to push it past 5,000. Adjusting the trim boosted the final speed from 53 to 56 before we ran out of lake. Again, this was on a choppy surface, and the speed is off of the panel. No radar gun to verify.
Just thought those of you who were curious would want to know.
Mark