TOPIC: Top Speed for Dorsett

I just took out my new to me 63 Dorsett Catalina with a 45 hp Chrysler. I heard the motor run before I bought it, but did not take it out because of the rain. Yesterday I took it out on the Delta and it probably went about 8-10 mph I was going to try and put a larger motor on it but finances are thin right now. Is that about all I can expect as far as top speed for this boat? I and my partner were in it at the time. I weigh about 210 and he weighs about 250. Thank you in advance for any help.

MB,
My Wagemaker Clipper weighs about 1250#'s with motor not including full gas tanks, myself and my wife. I'm pushing it with a 1959 Evinrude "fat fifty". I have to check her out with a GPS since she's only been in the water three times since restoring her but I'm getting at least double what your getting. I'm not real familiar with the Chrysler motors and how much torque they have but I'm thinking your motor may not be putting out all it can. I'm sure someone much smarter than I can chime in here.

Bob

try a 4 blade prop had a similar situation on my skagit 17 with bearcat 55 with my wife and I and the two kids 28 mph wot with two more 225 pounf inlaws added now were down to 10mph I was running a 11 cup pitch propeller next time i will try the 4 blade 8 pitch.

Motor needs some serious looking at first, but a old Chrysler 45 on that boat, with a lotta weight, I wouldn't expect much. I'd look for a 70 Rude 70hp, 3 cyl. Light and good power..

Thanks. I will check out motor.

Thanks, I will check my prop out next weekend.

It has been sitting in the Delta for 3-4 years. I was told maybe it has a bunch of growth on the bottom, and I probably expecting too much out of it. Thanks

My 20ft Owens which weighs a ton gets 27mph w/ my Mark78.

My '59 Catalina had a 90 horse Johnson on it. It would get up to a about 30 mph but was very unstable above 20- a lot of roll. I think trim tabs would have helped.