What speed to expect

[douglasnc]

Hi all, I'm sorta new here with only one post so far.Got this 93 Crest Savannah SE thats 25' long. It has a 3.0LX Mercruiser sterndrive.I've been working on it for a while now, trying to get it water ready.Was wondering if anyone else out there has one this size with same engine/drive set-up who could tell me how fast I can expect it to go.As in, could it get a skier up if needed. Also in need of some advise as to what size of prop would work best.It has a 14.5x 17p on it at present, and I also have a 14x21p which I think is too big.Also looking for a 12' long aluminum top for it if anyone knows where to find one.Lots of good post here.I spend hour's reading everything posted here as this is my first pontoon, and I want to learn all I can. Thanks,

[HandymanHerb]

Welcome, glad to have you with us, sorry I can't help you with either question, but I know someone will jump in soon

[Bamaman]

Welcome to the forum. There are many experienced boaters willing to share their experiences here.

I have no idea how your boat will perform, as my I-4 Mercruiser experience has been on 17'-19' boats. Hopefully some 3.0 owners can chime on here.

The 17 pitch prop sounds reasonable, and the 21 pitch is too much for the boat/engine combo.

You'd have to have an aluminum top fabricated, as I know of no source of such tops--other than those with decks. An aluminum top would be pretty heavy at around 100 lbs. And you'd have to drop it if you traveled very far. Most people just use the bimini tops, as they're easier to deal with.

[jimrs]

My guess would be in the mid twentys.

[wrd1972]

I have yet to ride a 25' Merc 3.0 equipped pontoon that made over 18MPH on the GPS. The motor just does not turn the high RPM of a typical outboard for performance. My guess is it would be hard to get a skier up.

[1badtoon]

My friend has a 25 foot 2 tube Tracker with 3.0l top speed 29mph