105mph_38_2003

How does the 28' handle at 98? You have one awesome masheen

panteraman28

For the most, like a slot car It is very predictable

riverrat772003

I am happy to say I just bought a 1981 24' se. I am currently running a fresh 468 ci chevy with 550hp and a bravo 1 outdrive. The motor was blown when I bought it so the new motor is still fresh, I have taken up to 66mph on gps @ 5200rpm, with 3 people, 70 gallons gas and 3-30 packs of coors light in the Ice chest. Although I think I can get more out of the boat. I'm still trying to find the right prop, being as the previous owner mounted the outdrive way too high. 3 blade props just won't get it on plane. Also the motor seems to be a little lazy, which I believe is a carbureator problem (power valves sticking?). Any body with any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. I am still learning the boat, considering I came from a 20' jet boat to this pantera. Eventually with this motor and the right prop and drive hieght I hope to see 70+

Stormrider

rat, you sure should see more than 70.
I hope to see 70-72 w/ a rebuild on a 454mag 365hp.

riverrat772003

Storm that would be nice to see 70+, but first I gotta learn how to drive the thing, I got 10 hours behind the wheel and I'm slowly getting a feel for it. I have been driving it on the rough waters of Lake Havasu, az, and hopefully soon I'll be able to run it out to Catalina island, although I hear that we here on the west coast don't have as rough a water as you on the east coast, but before I go blazing across the Pacific, I want to feel comfortable behind the wheel. Also I am considering removing the windshield and putting a small faring on, and taking the drop out bolster seats out and making it a sit down boat, what are your thoughts on that? and have you ever seen one with the sit down style?

Stormrider

Rrat, lets see a pic of yours.

Tmone has an awsome sitdown!

rchevelle71

I have a 3-man sit down seat that came out of a 1981 24, great shape, new upholstery, but its red , Ill post a pic if your interested, I'll sell it dirt cheap, but shipping to Cali would probably kill ya. Here is whats going in mine, I am going to convert this seat to sit down.

riverrat772003

Hey chevelle thanks for the info, would love to see a pic of the seats, red won't matter since I am going to repaint a reupolster the interior (lavender just won't cut it). Also my cousin drives trucks between here and florida, and has brought stuff back for me before so that shouldn't be a prob. But let me know on a price, cause I was going to build the seats using a template from a buddy of mines superboat.
Stormrider, as for pics of my boat I don't have any but you can go to the owner's gallery on pantera's website they have a pic of it on there from the previous owner, all the info has been updated though (thank you Jo). You can't miss it, it is on the 3rd page, white with a god aweful pink and blue stripe down the side .

Pat McPherson

Hey Storm,
It does sound like your engine is vary tired... You should run 70+.
My 1989 24' Pantera sport ran 63mph @ 4900rpm with a 22p Bravo I.
62mph @ 4500rpm with a 24p Bravo I
64mph @ 4600rpm with a 23p Mirage plus
and 65mph @ 4600 with a 23p Turbo Vector
Power was a 330HP/7.4L carb motor Bravo drive...

Hey anyone try one of those 5 blades on a 24' yet?

Stormrider

Pat, yeah, i have no idea how tired it was.
I look forward to getting it back strong and see how she runs.
I bet it'll be stronger across the entire powerband.
Should make a huge difference.