How fast do you run?

[MSranger]

I used to own a 179 Stratos with a Merc 150 that would top out around 55mph, but I rarely ran it that hard. That was 20 years ago. After a long break away from bass fishing I recently purchased a 2018Ranger Z520C with a Merc 250. As I have it rigged I can run right at 70mph. The boat and its handling at these speeds is amazing as it feels solid & stable, but I find I am more comfortable loping along 45-50 mph. Just curious what speed you guys ‘cruise’ at in good conditions?

is anyone actually running 70mph?

Robert in MS

[LTZ25]

I have a 250 SHO and cruise around 45 mph . No hurry anymore .

[PolarKraft195]

No matter what bassboat I’ve owned (fastest gps’ed at 76) I usually run around between 60-70% of WOT, with an occasional WOT to keep the motor healthy!

[Rangerdawg]

Mostly around 40 in prefish....then maybe wide open at blastoff if calm....rest of tourney day at 50 or 60...unless freaked out then pinned everywhere if it’s safe

usually on my way to no fish

[JR19]

When I am in no hurry I typically run around 4500 rpm in open areas which equates to upper 40's - low 50's. When in more narrow areas I usually run about 3500-4000 rpm which will be around low to mid 40 ish. When I run wide open I can hit 62-63 solo if conditions are right. GPS history shows my max speed 64.94 That was solo, very light load, cool air, cool water and perfect running conditions. It's all I can do to hit 60 with the livewell full and a bubba passenger...more like 59.

[okiebass]

most of time about 48 to 50 ---light load have seen 62.5 gps

[kry29]

My normal is mid 50s but I will run it on up to the 70s every now and then. I admittedly can't drive it to the top

[Jwolff]

With family, around 45-50mph.
With a fishing buddy, 60-70mph.
By myself, 60-70 with the occasional jaunts into the 80's just to remind myself what it feels like.

[Champ2005]

I'll usually take it up to around 95 if it's calm and once comfortable I'll run it past 100. However, that doesn't last long because usually my wife wakes me up and tells me I'm dreaming.

[db220]

My boat will run in the 60's but I usually get around at 35-40.

[basscat tyler]

I normally run 45-50

[Tarheel14]

It depends on the time of day and boat traffic. My boat runs low 60s... I mostly cruise about mid 40s. If im trying to get to a spot so I can fish, I'll run pretty fast.

[gehol]

4600 rpm is about 65 mph. That is a pretty good cruise. I have been to 85 a couple times which takes about 5600 rpm. Not in as big of a hurry as I use to be.

[jt c]

Wide open in tournaments 70-74 mph and cruise around 4500 to 5000 rpm around 55 to 60 mph on most other days less if it's rough out on both occasions

[alpine4x4]

Usually around 60. I have a 20i with a 250 hpdi which will go 72-73 top end. I push it there occasionally, but usually cruise around 60mph.

[BSSCT98]

I usually cruise between 45 to 55 and that is a comfortable speed and get the best gas mileage. I will run 70 to keep the carbon build-up down and it seems to keep the motor performing better.

[Junk Fisherman]

Most of the time I am fun fishing so 35-40 but I go WOT when it is calm on Lake Michigan at least once a day. In the few Ts I fish I go WOT which is about 55 mi/hr.

[Jim Dunn]

Mostly around 40 in prefish....then maybe wide open at blastoff if calm....rest of tourney day at 50 or 60...unless freaked out then pinned everywhere if it’s safe

usually on my way to no fish

I'd have to say this is my typical tournament weekend, front to back

[LJL]

Depends on how fast she will run that day.

[AdamB]

45-50. I'm out to enjoy my time and beat the fish and not myself.