How Fast is a Sande Ace?
Ned and Ed in Ace Race 2005, the first in probably 35 years.
One question we get frequently is: "How fast is a Sande Ace?" Of course, there are many variables but speed was addressed in the 1956 original plans.
- 32 MPH with a 16 HP Evinrude
- 36 MPH with a "25 HP outboard motor"
- 50 MPH with a 40 HP Mercury with a quickie lower unit
32 to 50 MPH with those motors? Wow!
Granted the original Ace was a lighter 12-footer and not 13 feet like the Sande Ace and it used lighter 1/4" plywood for the bottom and not the 3/8" that the Sandes used. The motors were probably not electric start avoiding the extra weight of the battery and starter motor. The Quickie racing lower unit helps.
Maybe Eddie Arcaro was at the helm but 50 MPH? Perhaps there was exaggeration to help sell the original plans or a bad speedometer.
Bob has done extensive studies on two of the Sande Aces that he restored. Powered by his 50 HP 1961 Merc 500, he assessed different props and motor tilt and measured the top speed by GPS and the RPM. Here are his results.
Tom also has GPS speed data for his new-built Ace and its 35 HP 1959 Mark 35A using the 3rd tilt hole. The 10-incher is aluminum.
Ed remembers 32 MPH in 1959 while racing cars on the North and South Shore Roads of Hood Canal (he lost) with a 12-inch "speed" prop when the 35 HP Mark 35A and Airguide speedometer were new. Orrin Sande told Ed to not use the 11-inch "power" prop for running around at full throttle because of excessive RPMs. It was used only for waterskiing. The Waalis would switch props several times per weekend.
Ned "zipped along at an honest 42 MPH" in his 2001 return to Hood Canal. His Ace was powered by a 45 HP 1960 Merc 400 and 14-inch prop.
