How to Make a Boat Faster

How to Make a Boat Faster
Contributor By Ann Johnson, eHow Contributing Writer
Make a Boat Faster For some boat owners it is all about speed. Those people will normally purchase a watercraft that has been designed to specifically go as fast as their budgets will allow. Not all boat owners look for speed when buying a boat. There is the fisherman, looking for a boat that provides all the desired fishing amenities, or the pontoon boater, looking for more space to accommodate larger groups, and the ability to move around the boat with ease. Yet, even these boaters, who don't include speed as the number one priority on their check list, will want to optimize their boat's speed. Here are a few steps that can make your boat faster.
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Make a Boat Faster Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions Step 1 Clean your boat's haul. If your boat is moored on the water for any length of time, algae will start to build up. Over time this growth on your boat's underbelly will cause drag and reduced the optimum speed. Some boat owners suggest keeping the boat waxed, to further reduce drag. Step 2 Check with a prop shop, to see if your boat's prop is the best choice for your boat, and if there is another design that will improve the speed. Damaged props can also reduce a boat's speed. Step 3 Tune up your boat's engine. If your boat's engine is not working to its full potential it will affect the maximum speed it can achieve. Step 4 Lower your bimini top or remove any aluminum shade covers. If you desire speed over shade, remove those covers that will cause drag. But, if shade is a priority, be prepared to sacrifice speed. Step 5 Balance your boat. If the load in your boat is unbalanced, this will cause drag. Are all your passengers sitting on one side of the boat, causing the boat to lean? Distribute the weight evenly. Step 6 Remove some of the excess weight in your boat. If your boat is hauling around unnecessary cargo, lighten the load. Less weight onboard will help your boat move faster. Step 7 Buy a more powerful engine. If your boat is an outboard, you might consider upgrading to a larger engine. Be certain your boat can handle the new engine.