1970 Luhrs 25ft Sedan - Speed Expectations

[JohnnyO]

I just purchased a 25ft 1970 Luhrs Sedan Bridge in New Jersey - There is a 318 gasser in the boat and prop size/pitch and gear ratio is unknown at this time.

Can anyone tell me what the average weight is for this vessel ? How about speeds others in the same size range are seeing out of 300HP... Prop sizes and gear ratios would be very helpful as well.

Previous owner is quoting 14kts cruise and 19kts-20kts top end and this just seems very slow for a vessel this size.

Warm Regards,

JohnnyO
aka - Captain DaDa

[witeagle]

That isn't actually a bad speed for a boat of that vintage with a straight inboard with original engine. It's only more recently that they are putting more power and upgraded hull designs that are pulling off higher end speeds. Also, another key factor, if you only have a single screw on 25 foot boat, 14 knts may be about right. Many boats in the 25 foot range these days are slapping on a pair of 200 or so hp outboards.

[JohnnyO]

My calculations show a top speed of around 25kts-27kts and a cruise of 21kts-22kts.... This is what a 17inch prop and a gear ratio of 2:1 - I am unsure of prop size or gear ratio at this point. I will have more information soon from the guy I bought the boat from.

JohnnyO

ps - how do I insert photos here ?

[JohnnyO]

http://www.luhrsowners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=23


Just uploaded photos of the boat in a photo album on this Forum.

JohnnyO

[Dennis]

I had the same boat about 20 years ago. We named it the lead sled. It was great boat and handled well, but was very slow. Our crusing speed was about 12-15 knots. We had a 318 chrysler and sold it instead of repowering. Best of luck and we still talk about that first Luhrs boat.

PS: I now have a 29 Open and still like Luhrs.

[dannym]

he I also have a 25 mine is a little newer a 1972 but looks a lot different smaller cockpit larger salon I have repowered w/a 250/260 hp yanmar got rid of a lot of weight aka steel tanks and such now its pops out fast and flies upper 40 to close to 50 mph its a riot if you get tired of going slow the mastery boys from st pete fla. are great help dannym