The term “speed boat” can refer to basically any watercraft that can achieve a fast speed. However this can range from “Bass boats to High Performance boats”. Speed boats for the average boating enthusiasts are typically runabouts or ski boats, but to someone that has racing in their blood a high performance boat is more what they are interested in purchasing. In many instances understanding the differences in “speed boats” along with what the boat will be used for plays a key factor in deciding which speed boat to purchase.
Key factors in buying a speed boat or power boat are:
Knowing how much money are you willing to spend and whether your in market for a new or used boat is a starting point. Typically the bigger the watercraft and the more horsepower it has will bring up the price considerably. High performance boats usually take quite a beating and if you are going to be racing you will want to look at the newer models because performance boats need constant attention and upgrades in order to stay in peak condition.
Knowing the type motor you are considering is also key, outboard motors are less expensive however inboards, V drives and I/O motors are found in approximately 80% of speed boats.
The type of waterway the boat will be used on and what activity will the watercraft be mainly used for is also a driving factor when choosing a boat, just as choosing the boats size greatly depends on what body of water it will be used on. A person would not want to be on the ocean in a small watercraft because of the rough water and possible high waves and likewise a person who drives a large watercraft can not maneuver small waterways.
Many ski or runabout boats can reach speeds of 40 to 50MPH and they are typically fast enough for the avid boating family for pleasure activities on the water. However many boaters look to high performance cruisers that can maintain 60MPH for long distance runs on most any waterway. High performance boats can easily reach speeds of 90MPH or more, however high performance boats are not meant to run high speeds for long distances and the water conditions have to be right to run at top speed.
A boat that can run 60MPH on the water can easily feel the same as a car going 110MPH on the highway. However there is substantially more drag in the water than that of a car on the highway.
Performance or power boats can range between 16′ to 43′ and depending on the size, type and engine any performance or power boat can be designed to meet the specific needs of the boating enthusiast or hard core racer.
Knowing the amount of people you will be carrying is also defining factor as many high performance watercraft will only seat 4 to 6 people.
The watercraft specifications or hulls will also have to be considered such as is it a deep V or V bottom, or high performance designs such as a hydroplanes or catamarans. V bottom boats are typically the most common in ski and runabouts, however catamarans and hydroplanes are common in high performance watercraft since they offer the boat more lift off the water and increase the performance factor significantly. Think of it this way a V bottom or deep V’s are meant more for the casual boater or beginning power boat owner but a catamaran or a hydroplane is meant for the more experienced boater and racing enthusiast.
Prices of boats can vary significantly and extend into the six figures depending on the type, engine and size of the boat. High performance boats can easily reach speeds of 75MPH or more, depending again on the type, engine and size of the boat. Once a boat gets above 28′ in length, the majority of the watercraft will be outfitted with two motors. The bigger the watercraft the more horsepower it needs, therefore a small boat on a small waterway may be fine for the avid boating enthusiast however on the ocean a high performance speed boat would have to be not only a bigger boat but have a large engine to successfully maneuver the rough water safely.
References for this article include: www.speedboats-review-guide.com
www.discoverboating.com/buying/boatselector.aspx
www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/choosing-the-right-boat-for-you-412353.html
As well as interviewing Mr. Danny McKinney, an experienced performance boat enthusiast and my father.
NC2M1 91 Danny McKinney
