26SD VP380 top speed

[CAM1222]

1st season with 2015 26SD

Has the 380HP VP DPS - from what I’ve read, top speed should creeping on 50mph..

At WOT roughly 5100rpms I’m barley into the low 40’s with half tank and 2 passengers

I’m pushing 4K rpm’s to get 30mph!

Has the F4 prop- unaware of current pitch etc.

Possible prop/shaft/coupler issue? Or is this the general experience with this motor?

[Dudley67]

Props are limiting your top end. Need to be F6 or F7?

[CAM1222]

Thanks for the reply- I assumed there was an issue with the current setup

Happily upgrade the prop if that’s the solution. Just seems like this motor is working awfully hard to get me into the low 40’s.

Is this a general/recognized compliant for this motor with the F4 prop?

[Dudley67]

It is, the F4’s are not the prop for top end. There’s another post on here about this. Basically those are like 3rd gear, the motor is bumping up against the rev limiter.

[CobaltDeadHead]

Why would they have sold that model with an F4?

Is there any good reason?

[CAM1222]

That’s a good question-

I can’t imagine anyone being pleased with the performance.

We’re a young family- love the boat, have only put about 25hrs on thus far. We’re on a big lake, so at cruising speeds often. Clocking low 40s at 5krpm has been a concern all summer.

Happy to find the forum, appreciate the insight.

[Snowman8]

Correct me if I am wrong but shouldn’t a 6.0 VP380 be running closer to 6000rpm at WOT? My 2014 R5 with the VP380 does. I also have the FH4 prop set with 2.14 gears in the lower unit. It will run about 50-52 and jumps out of the hole from a stop. I have always wondered what a FH5 or 6 would do change but I haven’t cared enough to spend $1500 to find out.

[Dudley67]

Correct me if I am wrong but shouldn’t a 6.0 VP380 be running closer to 6000rpm at WOT? My 2014 R5 with the VP380 does. I also have the FH4 prop set with 2.14 gears in the lower unit. It will run about 50-52 and jumps out of the hole from a stop. I have always wondered what a FH5 or 6 would do change but I haven’t cared enough to spend $1500 to find out.

Lower the prop set number, better hole shot. Higher number hole shot suffers, but runs freely and should be pushing upper 5500 rpm and 55 ish.

Heavy boat and that hull is not a “speed hull”. But should get in the mid 50’s with a tail wind.

[cmattj]

1st season with 2015 26SD

Has the 380HP VP DPS - from what I’ve read, top speed should creeping on 50mph..

At WOT roughly 5100rpms I’m barley into the low 40’s with half tank and 2 passengers

I’m pushing 4K rpm’s to get 30mph!

Has the F4 prop- unaware of current pitch etc.

Possible prop/shaft/coupler issue? Or is this the general experience with this motor?

Rpm is low assuming your holding full throttle for 20-30 seconds.
Let’s start on where you boat as elevation and density altitude may be a factor.

[CAM1222]

WOT is throttle is closer 52-5500 RPM- even at these RPMS I’m nowhere near 50mph. Not imperative that I’m running at this speed, Just trying to rule out and potential issues.

Just seems at high rpm’s for the speed I’m getting

[cmattj]

WOT is throttle is closer 52-5500 RPM- even at these RPMS I’m nowhere near 50mph. Not imperative that I’m running at this speed, Just trying to rule out and potential issues.

Just seems at high rpm’s for the speed I’m getting

The new Gen 4 tech that Volvo uses has a 6,000 rpm limiter.
Crazy right as it’s like driving your 6.0 truck in low gear on the freeway. Just kidding but not really.
I have a few friends with the newer 380hp and yes they buzz them. But unlike automotive tech the valve train is targeting higher sustaining rpm.

So in short you apear to be in higher elevation and it’s limited. Not knowing what that is yet your actually needing to go down probably in prop size to find that other 500 rpm your missing.
Your cruise speed will suffer a few mph but you won’t strain her.
Elevation?

[CAM1222]

I’m on lake Champlain in northern VT. Roughly 98’ elevation..

I suppose I’ll have the chance to opt for the F5 prop- struck an unmarked reef finger at about 3k rpm’s yesterday.

Damaged lower unit, and bent inner prop. Very minor vibration following, but pulling to initiate the repair.

Tail end of the season for me, which is the only silver lining I can find at the moment…

[cmattj]

I’m on lake Champlain in northern VT. Roughly 98’ elevation..

I suppose I’ll have the chance to opt for the F5 prop- struck an unmarked reef finger at about 3k rpm’s yesterday.

Damaged lower unit, and bent inner prop. Very minor vibration following, but pulling to initiate the repair.

Tail end of the season for me, which is the only silver lining I can find at the moment…

Sorry to hear as a lot of us have been there. Insurance is there for a reason. It could have been much worse.

As your combo is quite popular in the R series’s with F4 I would stay there. That’s R7 set up.
Sure some have pondered going up but she will strain above cruise speed and actually go slower on top if she won’t free up.
Looking forward to to the report after you get back to square 1.

[CAM1222]

Headed to the dealer tomorrow..

Pretty hard contact- although I’ve seen, and heard of much worse. (At least I didn’t have to be towed in) Doesn’t make it any easier to swallow once it finally caught up to me.

I’ve been on this lake for 15yrs, traveled this route 100x without issue.

This is my first cobalt hope I’m not cursed!

Thanks for chiming in here, I’ll likely stick with the f4 setup, it’s sufficient for us. I’ll circle back with the prognosis on the damage