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Nova 23 top speed

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Topic author
tc57
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Aug 04, 2018 12:57 pm

Nova 23 top speed

Postby tc57 » Sat Aug 04, 2018 9:16 pm

Hi all,
I'm looking at a 1986 Nova 23 with a 350 (260hp, alpha drive).
Owner claims 55-58 mph. I'm skeptical.
I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks in advance,

TC


Topic author
tc57
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Aug 04, 2018 12:57 pm

Re: Nova 23 top speed

Postby tc57 » Tue Aug 07, 2018 9:05 pm

Anybody have an opinion?
Is this possilble?
I can't see a 260 hp motor pushing a 4000 lb boat anywhere close to 55 mph.

80's Wellcraft
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:34 pm
Vessel Info: 1985 Nova II
1989 Eclipse 215 Bowrider
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Nova 23 top speed

Postby 80's Wellcraft » Sat Aug 18, 2018 12:09 am

A sea trial with speed readings taken on a GPS likely will reveal lower numbers. Free GPS speed apps may be downloaded to a smart phone - Sea Tow has this feature in their smartphone app that I use.

The boat's speedometer may be more of a "wish-o-meter" and the current owner may not be aware? If it is a nice boat and a considered purchase - I would not upset the seller too much on the matter. Nova 23's in the late 1980''s were also available with the GM 454 (330 hp in stock form). If you want 55 mph or higher speeds - this is likely the engine combo to look for. Never operated one of these boats with the small block - but when new I would guess 45 mph to maybe upper 40's with a single driver, light fuel load, and very little gear on board as top speed in stock form.

Be aware that Mercruiser for a brief period mated the Alpha Drive to the 454 - I recently looked at a very nice 1987 Nova 23 with low hours bone stock with this setup. By 1989 - I believe - Mercruiser mated the 454 to the heavier Bravo drive. I am a granny driver - easy on hole shots and generally cruise at 2500 to 3000 RPM on my old Wellcraft's so the Alpha combo does not scare me on a 330 hp 454. Others had issues and most internet research will reveal that an excess of 300 hp is not a good idea on the Alpha One drives of this period. Keep this in mind if you look at other Nova 23's with the 454's around 1987 to 1988 that are bone stock.

Fred in VA
1985 Nova II
1989 Eclipse 215 BowRider

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