80's / 90's Nautiques: Top Speeds?

[eupeptic]

I'm thinking about buying a mid-late 80's or early 90's Nautique, but don't know much about the engines of that era (the 240 hp 351, etc.). Is there a big difference in performance / reliablity among the engine options?

Also - if anybody out there owns one (factory, no special mods)... can you tell me what kind of of top end you get? I know the boats aren't built for speed; I'm just looking for a rough idea of what to expect.

Thanks!

[NautiqueJeff]

I had a '94 with the 240 HP engine. My experience was great. The only problem that I had was a starter relay that was beginning to show signs of wear. The previous owner did have to replace the muffler and have the carb adjusted (that was about four years ago). As long as you keep up with the regular maintenance, that engine should last forever. My top-end speed with the factory prop was about 48.

[eupeptic]

Thanks for the info. BTW, nice pics of your Air Nautique. Beautiful boat!

[Laptom]

Barefoot Nautique 1988 with 454ho 350hp.
With a 14x14 prop we get now a topspeed of 47-48. This is empty or fully loaded, it doesn't matter. The hole shot is fabulious! Rpm is about 4200, which is the normal max.

[M3Fan]

Nautique Jeff-

48 with the 240? That's incredibly high- the WOT rpm for that engine should be 4400. How did you get it up that high? What rpm were you running? Top speed should be 44-45; mine is 41, but I think I have some carb issues.

[skinautique]

I am only guessing but I think Jeff's speedo's weren't calibrated. Normal for that boat is around 42-45

[Hollywood]

My speedos suck, and haven't used GPS, but I wouldn't think the max on my 88 Ski is more than 40 mph. I'm only 150 lbs and it's not fast enough to do toe holds barefooting.

[NautiqueJeff]

I am only guessing but I think Jeff's speedo's weren't calibrated. Normal for that boat is around 42-45

That could very well be the case. I never checked that boat with the GPS.

[siuski]

I can get 42-43 with speedo's cal'd in a course @ 34mph with my '93 cb w/ 14*16 prop. I've got the smaller engine 250-265hp.

[seven20]

my 87 2001 will do roughly 44 with two in the boat, gps. factory prop