Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Hi Everyone,

For those of you who own a Z210, Z212, 210, or 212, what top speed are you achieving on the water? Also, what outdrive/engine do you have? I have the 5.7L 250HP Merc matched with a Bravo III and top out at or near 50 mph (GPS), and was just curious what others are achieving.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

I am surprised at no responses here, sorry I do not have the numbers yet for me.

I have a 94 Z212 5.7 Aplha 1. 3 blade SS Laser II ported 21P prop:wink_thumbup:. (Spare 21 Aluminum).

I have only owned her since October, I have only had her out 3 times, the first time she did high 50's and unknown rpm( I was too overwhelmed and excited to be smart enough to pay attention). Then I put away for winter and had the prop perfecitified and thought I would see 60ish? Although now I have only been able to get 3200 rpm out and had trouble getting over 40mph.

So I am working on it, I think I have a fuel related performance problem and will get figured out, but at least you got SOMEONE to respond.

I will look forward to others results as well.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Hey Guys,
I have a 2000 212 and just had it out yesterday. My top speed on my speedometer is 54-55 but I think Im going a little slower than that. I ran it with the GPS last year but dont remember what it was, I think around 52 or so. I have a 3 blade SS prop with a 21P. This is with my wife, 2 kids, full cooler, 4 beach chairs and a giant tube in the ski compartment. I think if I was by myself not a full tank of gas and completely empty I could probably do a true 55-56. We go on a boat trip every year with a bunch of other boats and I love walking by the Sea Rays and Crownlines. They just look at me and wave!!!

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Zack I hate to tell you but if your speedo said high 50's it is way off. A 5.7 on a z212 can expect 50 mph give or take a slight amount with a LIGHT load.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Yeah,,,,, rain on my parade. I don't really care what I THINK, I will get the results here soon when I can get her out some more. I think I need to get that fuel issue resolved and I will be running much better with as good of performance as it will get.

I understand fully the speedo is inacurate, i will take a gps with me.

50 is fine with me, its alot of boat for 50 with a small block. I just want to optimize the performance.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Nothing wrong with 50! We all want more dont we? I have a buddy with an American Offshore that does 110. He plans on replacing the engines and drives soon. Guess why?

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Cuz he's nuts?? :rolling_laugh:

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

1995 Shabah 212Z

355 Performance Built
63.8 GPS @ 5100 RPM
Alpha One
Laser II 21"

When I was running the stock Merc 350 Mag Carb 250HP I ran a true GPS 53.4 mph. This was with the same Laser II 21" @ 4700 RPM.

The Shabah 212Z is a light bow boat which runs high out of the water on its tail in slight chop water very well and will outrun most boats in its class with the same powerl. However, the hull is not the best in rough water (swells coming from the sides).
:wink_thumbup:

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

I would have thought a 210-212 with a 5.7L should get into the low 50's without too much trouble. Much more than that might be tough though.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Good job on info and performance.;)

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Knock it off, you guys! I picked up a 97' Z198 with a 5.7L 2bbl (I think only 210 hp) and haven't even had the chance to take out yet. I'm travelling for work... Now I already want a bigger engine! :mad:

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

I believe the hp for the 5.7L is 250. Given the lighter weight of your 198 you should hit the mid-high 50's.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

His is a carbed 2 barrel 5.7. It's not going to hit mid 50's. I would *guess* it to be high 40's.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Could be....i checked the brochure & it indicates 46-52mph with the 5.7. It seems a little odd considering that my 180 with the 4.3LX will hit a GPS recorded 50mph (50.1).

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

It almost feels like the boat speed thing lately is following the fishing tales of old. My fish was <----T H I S----> BIG!

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

I've got a Z202 with a 300hp Volvo. With wife and 2 kids and a full tank, we topped out at 49mph. It was plenty fast for us! The boys are very proud of their all black Shabah! So is Dad.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

When I first purchased my boat, it came with a 17" aluminum prop and had a top speed of 55mph on the Dream-O-Meter. After stepping up to a LaserII 21" it went to about 57. A year later I had my Mariah Dealer add factory Through Hull exhaust which added another 2 mph which now put the speed at 59. I then found out about Synthetic lubricants and began running Amsoil gear lube and motor oil. I then added a K&N flame arrestor and got rid of the restrictive Merc arrestor. In the end I was then running about 60 on the Dream Meter. Then one day I purchased a hand held GPS and was surprised to see 53mph.

As you can see, good results in speed can be obtained by small upgrades by finding the right prop, increasing air into and out of the motor and reducing drive line friction.

I believe that the above changes gave me at least 4 to 5 mph!!;)

And it was a learning experience.:wink_thumbup:

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

So what is that, about 500 bucks per mph?

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

The math is a bit off.

Laser prop $300 used
Thru Hull $700
Synthetic oil changes $100
KN air filter $80

Closer to $220 per mph. It's up to the boater if performance is important or if stock is fine. Both decisions are different and valid.

Also you have to understand that each improvement has an additional benefit such as all around better performance wit the SS prop, Great performance sound with the thru hull, far superior drive line protection with the Synthetics, and increased gas milage with the increased air flow.

However, my motor rebuild was a much higher cost but went from 53 mph to 63.8 GPS. This was closer to your math but here we are involved with quality new internal parts.

You do the math:)

:)

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Thanks everyone for the great discussion!! I am headed to the lake this weekend for the first time this year......It is ridiculous that it will be July before I get the boat into the water, but that's what happens when the weather and work are always interfering with my weekend fun. As this is only my second year owing the boat, I will take my GPS and report back to everyone what my top end is. I hope everyone has a great 4th of July!!

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Just ran the boat this morning with 4 adults, moderate chop, and 2/3 tank of gas. Without messing with the trim too much, I hit 47 mph on the GPS. Not bad in my opinion. Not a racing boat, but it fast enough for my needs. I am guessing with a little less gas and only two on board, I could probably hit 50 mph.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

My Avatar 52mph my speedo reads about 3mph above the GPS.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

94 Davanti 225, 5.7 Alpha. Light fuel load, light passenger load 48 mph speedo and gps. for some reason my speedo is spot on.

Another hobby of mine is snowmobiling. Sleds give new meaning to dream-o-meter.

Weight and displacement are not the be all and end all of speed.
My '97 525 lb 600 triple will humble my '05 470 lb 800 twin in top speed.
My 800 runs out of steam at 100mph but my 600 will just keep creeping up the top speed to around 110.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Built 383 stroker, with a Merc 21 inch 4 blade on a Alpha 1, 63 mph gps . 1998 Shabah 210 :)

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Or you just need the right boat. A good friend owned a 24' Douglas Skater for a while. 2x500HP mercs. It would do a buck five... Which is usually the speed we travelled at. :eek_animated:
50 seems slow by comparison. ;)

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Rooperdan,

How much did it cost you to replace your factory motor with the 383 Stroker?

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

With R & R and Build out it came to around 5500- 6000. New Vortex heads new maniflold with Holly 4 brl carb.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Even thogh my Mariah is a 98 it came with a 350 stock motor with out vortex heads just regular chevy heads with a 2 brl carb . Mecury had a lot of these motors lying around and placed them any where they could. So the cost of my stroker cost a bit more than what you might have to pay.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

1996 mariah z210 limited edition
7.4
2 people smooth water 62mph.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

UAL777- That is extremely impressive!! My top speed is currently only 48 mph with three adults and 2/3 tank of gas.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

thanks it has a
7.4 454 engine
capt choice adds speed.
great and fun boat

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone think it is weird that with a 250hp 5.7L and Bravo III in my Z210, I am only able to get 48mph with three adults in the boat? I would have thought I could get up to 52-55 mph with that set-up. My RPMs are right where they should be. Does this appear reasonable? If not, does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Just wondering if that speed is on the speedo or Gps?

thx

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

It is on my GPS, so it should be spot on.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Just got home from a afternoon of boating.
WOT of 4,800
Boat speedo showed 52 (forgot my GPS at home)
Equates to 11% slip if speedo is correct.
Calculated speed if slip is 15% would be between 48 and 50 which sounds more right.


1996 Z210 Shabah
5.7LX MerCruiser
Alpha 1 with 1.47 gears
14 1/4 x 19 Aluminum Turning Point prop
80 lb smart tabs set at middle setting
3 adults
3/4 tank of gas

It seemed like I wasn't planning as high as I should be so maybe need to try a lighter setting on the tabs which might give me an extra mile or two on the top end.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Just ran another test, 3 adults, 1/2 tank of gas, water smooth as glass.

51 MPH GPS
53 MPH on boat speedo
4,700 RPM
smart tabs set on the second hole from the lightest setting.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

I have a 98 shabah 454 mag mpi with bravo 3 and I'm running 70 gps. 26 pitch props that have been cupped

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

Figured I'd chime in even though this is a fairly old thread.
My very low hour '94 Shabah Z211 with stock 5.7 4-barrel and Bravo III and thru-hull exhst., and the stock quicksilver 24p props GPS'd at 57 mph in light chop. (speedo does not work) With over 10 gal of fuel and two skinny adults. lol. Top speed was with the trim 1/8 up on the guage.
I just installed a K&N filter and am hoping with less fuel and just me it will go 60... just so I can say I did it once. lol. BTW... I lost track of the RPM when I was watching the GPS, but was a tick over 4500rpm I beleive. When we tested it before purchase with 3 adults and a full tank (30gal?) it GPS'd at 54mph.

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

My 1996 shabah Z210 with 5.7 runs 53-54 mph with wife, teenage daughter & boyfirend, 12 yr old daughter and friend. This is with the 2bl motor, electric marine fuel pump, K&N filter and aluminum prop. Next year I am changing over to an aluminum manifold, 4bl carb, Mallory pointless ditributor and hopefully will get to the 57-59mph....I have had this boat out once so far just purchased end of last year. Seems to have great power all the way through Owner called me a week later and try to purchase back? I bought for $7800 nice condition.:rolling_laugh:

Re: Z210 Shabah Top Speed
 

I know this is an old thread but what was it you were running for a prop? what did you end up going with? and what were the results? I have an identical setup but can only get it to run 45 on GPS by myself with the 3 blade aluminum prop on it that over revs to 5100 father in law just brought home a brand new cobalt and I want to try and out do the 52mph that will do thanks