Wow after all this time there is still conspiracy theories regarding this test. Let me say this, with the talk that is surrounding this thread I am a little confused as to why nobody has asked the people that were there (ME) I have nothing to hide, other than I had a chance to run my new prop in a test. How many people would of not jumped at the opportunity to do so? Let me clear a couple things up for you
The only way I even got the chance to do this was because of John Tiger. John and I use to race together for a number of years (Allisons) so when he found out I was getting into outboard props, he gave me a chance to compete in the test. So Dad and I go down there to Clifton to do this and a nose cone test LWP. I had only one prop in that pitch at the time and it was my own personal prop off my GSE. The testing started by finishing up the break in on the 200xs before any speed runs were done. The boat motor package was supplied from Jacos Marine.
To be honest I felt like a outsider, like the last kid to be picked on a team at recess... After some initial runs, the best speed was attained by Merc. Racing with a Lightning ET 3 Blade, I believe that was 30p. The boat ran 95 approx. They were ready to wrap up test, when John said hold on we have to try the Hydromotive wheel. This is when I met Bill McClain the driver, and told him some differences in the prop, in regards to how much trim etc... I had learned this from playing with all sorts of props on my GSE. The fastest prop on my boat as far as 3 blades go was the ET. My goal was to develop a 4 blade to run with or out run that prop.
The first run Bill comes screaming by and the boat looked GOOD !!! On the return pass he came by the ramp at WOT and took his hand off the wheel and starting waving at us. (He liked it) After coming in with good numbers we advised Bill to come up on motor height, and go again. The first run was about the same as ET. We were met with adversity when Bill came out of the water, and told me how much he liked the prop. Lets just put it this way, Mercury Racing and Jacos were not HAPPY, since Jacos at the time was Mercs biggest hi po dealer. At this point I had nothing to lose and asked Bill to go out again and he did, much to the dismay of some people there. I did not care since the test was to see how fast that boat could go. Like it was not good enough that they had their motor and hand picked dealer to do the test. Bill Blistered both way runs and came in with the 96 and change, which turned out to be 1.5 MPH faster than the ET. I think the only person besides us that was happy was John Tiger !!! I have to say Bill the driver was one hell of a driver to work with and gave me a fair shot.
Now as far as the boat/motor go. I had nothing to do with that end of it. I can't speak for either of them other that I was told it was a production Motor from Mercury and a production 2003. I know the boat was set up light with 1 battery, and nothing else in it. That is how most of these top speed articles are run (Not real world) The weather was perfect 55* or so and light wind with no humidity. I had the chance to drive the boat with Dad and we rang out 94 with both of us in the boat. That motor to me was as strong or stronger than a Pro Max.
After a while we were told we were moving on to next test, but NOT so. A mysterious 32p Chopper showed up that you could of shaved with, and we were told they were heading back out to eclipse the 96 and change run. After the boat went by I looked at my Dad and John and said "This is going to end bad") the tail never laid down and the bow did not want to stay up. Nearing the end of the first run, the boat hooked and threw Bill out. Thank god he was ok besides a HUGE bruise on his hip from the shifter.
I really did not care about the particulars of the boat/ motor, all I cared about is that my prop outran the Merc ET. I had nothing to do with anybody there besides the invite from John Tiger. I have to say though I am thankful for the trip on a bunch of levels, but the best one was the new people I met, mainly Jeff and Leigh Whitfield. We have been friends since. Also had the pleasure of meeting Barbara Jaco who is a sweetheart.
To answer some performance numbers I can say this. That prop on my boat(GSE) ran 93.0 MPH with a 220Laser, SVS, Hydro LWP gearcase. So do I think it is possible to run 96.?? with a light weight 2003 with no windshield, stripped with a 150lb driver...YES And to Matt, to comment on your post, a boat gets BETTER slip numbers the faster it goes because it has less wetted surface, and less gearcase drag, providing you have a prop to hook it up. I run 7% all day long. Your Dad last year ran4-5% in the low to mid 90's Also I have a few customers that have hit 90 in a 2003/200XS combo set up for NORMAL use. I hope this helps answer questions and crazy theories...lol
I was not there the next day (Had to leave) when the 225x was run, so I cannot offer anything there, other than I do think it is possible. Remember this is not real world set ups !!!!
TBuck
