1988 wellcraftnova 23 xl

[usnavyame70]

Alright so I bought a 88 wellcraft xl 23 foot. The boat has a bravo one outdrive and a 454 with a roots style supercharger. The motor is blown and currently looking into building another. My question is what type of speeds can the nova xl handle without becoming dangerous.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: 1988 wellcraftnova 23 xl

Mine ran stock 64 with no problem solid as a rock in open water not a lake. Never a concern. Very good hull. I had one of only four made with twins. 470s (170hp) with alpha drives. I don't think 70 would be out of the question. Same basic hull as the 26 and with standard twins they run 63 in 4ft all day. I have ridden in a few that broke 70 without a any bad habits.

I had a real Nova 26. The ones made in California before Wellcraft bought them. That was a 72 I think. I had to sink it in the Storm of the Century. The owner of Renegade marine bought it and restored it. Big block bravo drive Still his personal boat.

 

[usnavyame70]

Re: 1988 wellcraftnova 23 xl

Im hoping it can handle approx 80 mph. Any idea on how much HP is takes to get this boat that fast.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: 1988 wellcraftnova 23 xl

I ran stock everything it could hit 64 loaded. The 26 with twin stock 260's ran about 64. Remember that speed is not linear. A friend had a 23 Baja that ran right at 80 and that was a very, very modified 502. Look at some of the new boat websites. Fountain claims 100 with their 35 with twin 525s.

Just keep in mind with a standard bravo you are gonna reach prop blowout at some point. I don't know what that point is anymore its been a while. Fountain claims on their 33 at 9000lbs dry. 82mph with twin 425s. Running bravo 1-X's