2003 Velocity VR1

Testers Notebook: 2003 Velocity VR1 Location: Lake Monroe, Sanford, FLA Test load: Light load: one adult, 1/2 tank fuel, no water or waste. Test day conditions: Winds light. Synopsis: Originally designed for F1 racing, the 2003 VR1, equipped with Mercruiser 496 MAG HO, is rock solid, safe, and still tops out at over 75 mph. .

By: Mark Rotharmel
     "Setting speed records on water is no easy feat, but for Velocity Powerboats of Sanford, Florida the challenge is always there.  I'm standing in the VR1.an exciting new model I tested on Powerboat Television last year.  Then it was destined for Factory One offshore racing, and powered by Mercury racing's HP-500 AFI, went on to claim an F1 speed record of 83.6 miles an hour, and an A-class world championship.
     Well, pleasure boaters take notice.  Velocity is offering the VR1 with custom graphics, some creature comforts, and the popular Mercruiser, 496 MAG HO.   Let's find out more.
     "V" is for Velocity, and "V" is for victory.  The VR1 is a winner on and off the race course, and with its paint and upholstery scheme the water is going to boil.  As hot as it looks, the boat is also well built without any wood used in construction. 
     Passengers fit snugly in place, as does the operator and companion in these custom electric, upholstered seats with contoured sides.  Drivers will enjoy this chrome-plated, aluminum steering wheel, surrounded by Gaffrig analogue gauges.  From oil pressure to speeds, the numbers are right out front.  These controls and accessory switches are easy to reach. 
     Together with this neat and spacious engine compartment, Velocity's Ram-Air induction system provides cooling for Mercruiser's 425 horsepower, 496 MAG HO, with its Bravo One drive and four blade prop, rigged for maximum performance. 
     The VR1's cabin is clean and straight forward, softly decorated with enough compartments and amenities for comfort and convenience.  It's certainly a luxurious place to escape from the sun, or to catch a few winks.
    Well, our test today is being conducted on Lake Monroe in Sanford, Florida, just down the way from Velocity's new shop.  Now, this boat is 28 feet, six inches long, has an eight foot two inch beam, and weighs 4,500 pounds.  I tested the boat last year.  This year it's a little more pleasure boat friendly, with a 496 mag h-o, and a windshield.  Let's see how it gets out of the hole.  Here we go.
     Drops down at 4.32 seconds, nice and quick.  Now, the boat doesn't have any tabs at all.  You certainly don't need them to get this boat out of the water, or cooking across the waves. 
     Running into the wind and with the wind, the boat handles impeccably.  Well, we know this boat motor company provides good bottom end torque.  Let's see how it runs on mid-range.  Here we go.  Back down to 30 miles an hour.  Punch it, rev it up, and we're at 60 miles an hour, in 9.09 seconds.  Very good.  Now, clearly with the cut down deck design, it's to one's advantage to be sitting down, and with the windshield, you get the air over the top of your head, it's very comfortable, and the ride is soft. 
     Now at 28 feet six inches, this boat is probably longer than it feels.  Out here you can really kind of toss the boat around.  At speed, you can actually carve your way through a slalom course, really incredible.  When you steer, the boat reacts, and that's what you want it to do.  The bow certainly pulls you around, but there's no slide, and of course that's what Steve Step has been promoting for years, is how safe his boats are at high speed. 
     Okay, let's set up for a port turn.  Here we go.  Trim in just a hair, and turn.  Basically, I just flipped the throttle, going through the turn at full speed, rpm dropped from 5,000 down to 4,500, hanging in at 55 miles an hour, 56, and coming out of the turn, back around the trim, right up to 75 miles an hour, terrific. 
     Now, we'll set up for a high speed run.  Start trimming it up, you can feel the bottom really come into play.  Good wide tab.  This boat sits high on top of the water.  The ride never changes though.  Running 75.3 miles an hour, top end speed.  Excellent.  
     Our data shows the VR1 powered by Mercruiser's 425 horsepower MAG high output, cruised at 48 miles an hour, or 3,500 rpm.  Mid-range punch to the boat from 30 to 60 miles an hour in nine seconds, and with this engine, Velocity was hoping for 75 miles an hour.  Well, they got it.
     Now, here's a fun but potent package for anyone looking for a single engine offshore boat.  With stock Mercruiser power, the VR1 topped out at over 75 miles an hour, impressive.  But you know, that doesn't surprise me.  Steve Step is bent on building the fastest, safest vehicles possible. Velocity's VR1 handles with precision, turns on a dime and feels rock solid.  Always in championship form.  We'll see you next time."
 
*this profile taken from a transcript of Mark's test of the VR1 for PowerBoat TV.

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

Velocity Powerboats,
Initial Marine, Corp.
650 Hickman Circle
Sanford, FL. 32771
407-321-1340
www.velocityboats.com