One of the things that every boater wants when out on the water is SPEED. Speed is a thrill and a rush. For some people, speed is everything and they desire to be able to go as fast as possible out on the water. For others, speed is not as important, but is a nice feature. Once you experience true speed on the water, you will either love it or hate it.
If you are someone who loves speed and can’t get enough, there will be little to stop you from seeking it out until you find something that suits your needs.
Go-fast boats are some of the fastest boats available and will deliver the speed that you seek as a speed demon on the water. Below, we will explore these boats a bit more in-depth to help you better understand what they are and can offer.
V-Bottom and Catamaran Go-Fast Boats
When looking at go-fast boats, there are two main types, which include V-bottoms and catamarans. Each one offers you something a little different and the one that is right for you will depend on your preferences.
V-Bottom Go-Fast Boats
V-bottom go-fast boats are also called cigarette boats and these boats are designed to go fast – faster than traditional boats due to the design of their planing hulls. Most of these boats are powered not by outboard engines but by an inboard stern-drive system. Many of these boats come with either single or dual engines and can be as simple or complex on the interior as you choose. These boats can reach top speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour.
In addition to the traditional V-bottom boat, you also have the V-bottom center console that is controlled by dual, triple, or quadruple outboards. These center consoles can reach top speeds of 85 miles per hour and are ideal for those who want to fish yet still enjoy zipping around on the water.
Catamarans
Go-fast catamarans are a bit different than cigarette boats in appearance and interior amenities. Most go-fast catamarans range in size from 28 to about 52 in length. Some that are powered by dual engines can reach speeds of about 180 miles per hour or more. These are some of the fastest options out there and it is important to note that it can take years to master how to drive them properly and safely at those speeds.
Sport catamarans are a bit smaller and only reach lengths of about 38 feet. These are also powered by dual engines, but they peak at around 130 miles per hour.
Fast Speed Boats
Before you choose a speed boat, it is important to look around at the different options that are available to you. There are differences between each type and the one you choose should be one that you feel comfortable operating.
In general, speed boats average around 70 miles per hour, of course, with some reaching much higher speeds. The Guinness World Record Holder for the fastest boat in the world reached speeds of 317 miles per hour.
Below, we will review some of the fastest speed boats out there.
Baja Marine 36 Outlaw
- Top Speed: 84 miles per hour
- Length of Boat: 37 feet 1 inch
- tyle: V-Bottom
- Starting Price: $307,000
Donzi Marine 38 ZRC
- Top Speed: 120 miles per hour
- Length of Boat: 38 feet 1 inch
- Style: V-Bottom
- Starting Price: $560,000
Eliminator 28 Speedster
- Top Speed: 170 miles per hour
- Length of Boat: 28 feet 10 inches
- Style: Catamaran
- Starting Price: $300,000
Nor-Tech 390 Sport
- Top Speed: 80 miles per hour
- Length of Boat: 39 feet
- Style: Center Console
- Starting Price: $700,000
Mystic C4000
- Top Speed: 120 miles per hour
- Length of Boat: 43 feet 10 inches
- Style: Catamaran
- Starting Price: $785,000
Outerlimits SV-50
- Top Speed: 145 miles per hour
- Length of Boat: 50 feet 1 inch
- Style: V-Bottom
- Starting Price: $1,500,000
Fountain Powerboats 42 Lightning
- Top Speed: 160+ miles per hour
- Length of Boat: 42 feet
- Style: V-Bottom
- Starting Price: $685,000
Fastest Boats in the World
When it comes to speed, these boats have been deemed the fastest in the world.
First, the Problem Child. This boat boasts a whopping 8,000 horsepower. It can reach speeds of 262 miles per hour in around 3.5 seconds. This boat won the Drag Boat World Championship in 2006, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
The next on the list is the Spirit of Australia. This boat is considered THE fastest in the world. This boat reached speeds of 317.6 miles per hour and holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest boat.
Lastly, the Bluebird K7 reached speeds of 276 miles per hour in 1964. Restoration work was conducted on this boat in 2018 and in a run in 2018, the boat reached speeds of 150 miles per hour.
Is a Speed Boat Right for You?
If you are someone who loves speed, a speed boat may be the right choice for you. It is important to evaluate your ability to handle the boat on the water, as it can be quite the learning curve to maneuver a boat going 180 miles per hour on the water.
Speed boats are definitely fun and can provide you with the thrill and adventure you want. As you look around at potential options, take some time to research each one to ensure your safety.
