Re: how fast should i be able to go?

[billw]

My experience with 18s has been that those two-blade props only work well under the absolutely lightest and most drag-free, conditions. I’d put down money that says a standard 9 by 10 on your boat, without any modifications of transom or steering position, would give you a mile or two better. If you get lucky and can find a 9 by 11, by all means try that, too. At any rate, it would be worth a try, in my opinion, before you start having to deviate from stock design….I know everyone is right about the mods being a help; but my preference is to always favor originality. Your opinions may vary. 🙂

I do know that 18s are at least capable of 30 mph, if all, including compression, is top notch. 18s with lower compression can be very deceiving, in that they will run fantastic, idle great…..but they just will lack top end speed.

(I don’t recall off hand what the fractional number is for the diameter is on the above props. "9" is a rough estimate. Could be "9 1/4," etc. But you get the idea.)

Long live American manufacturing!