The Fastest Single Engine Boats of 2021: 300R Powered 100 MPH Club

Years ago we did an extremely popular article called “The Fastest Single Engine Outboard Boats You Can Buy Now.” It was popular because everyone loves a quick single engine performance boat that can pull double duty as a family boat. That article focused on V hulls, we had another article for tunnels. Since then, the game has changed a little and part of that is because of the Mercury Racing 300R. Because of the power and torque of the 300R, more boats are now exceeding the 100 MPH mark that couldn’t before with stock power. Let’s take a peak at how some new boats are performing with the 300R.

To start, the Mercury Racing 300R exceeds its predecessor, the 300XS in a number of ways. The large displacement 4.6 V8 produces more torque across a wider RPM range, the 300R also makes 328 HP at the prop, as opposed to the 306 HP of the XS, and the 6,400 RPM range on the R is a slight advantage. Another difference is the gearcase on the R is larger, which changes the dynamics a bit, where you may have to run the engine slightly higher and use a larger diameter prop. The V8 R is definitely a little heavier but on bigger boats the offset is made up in the performance. And because of the increase in torque, Mercury Racing added a 1.60:1 gear ration option, allowing really fast boats to take advantage of that power.

The 300R is available in multiple configurations, HD mid section, wing plate, gearcase choice, gearing etc. While the 250R comes in just one configuration; mechanical 20” sport master 1.75.

On the water, the benefits are seen quite clearly. For the promotional videos and literature at launch, Mercury Racing used a variety of boats for demonstration, one was a red Bullet bass boat that easily eclipsed 100 MPH, and was said to be running 106 MPH after a custom prop was implemented. That’s impressive for a full dress bass boat. Not to be outdone, Allison Boats has some 21 ProSports running the 300R with some astonishing results. The 300R has created a standard where the once elusive 100 MPH mark is now becoming normalized. Sure, there were boats that could run 100 MPH+ with the XS, but the R seems to be pushing boats about 3 to 6 MPH faster and sometimes more. Here is a summary of some popular boats that are running the 300R and what kind of improvements they are seeing.

Allison ProSport 21

Geoff Ericson was kind enough to share some incredible numbers of his Allison ProSport. This is a bass boat with a center sport console, making it a very practical boat overall, with seating for up to 5. Keep in mind this Allison is designed for fishing, so that means a casting deck, storage, live well, trolling motor, extra battery. This isn’t a lightened up race boat. I always wondered what an Allison 21 hull would with lighter more aerodynamic sport deck like the SS would do. Tim Powell of Fastbass Marne, along, with Geoff have been posting great videos of testing the 250R and 300R on various Allisons.

The ProSport 21 Allison can run a breathtaking 108 MPH in a basically full fishing mode. Imagine what a lightweight sport deck version would do. You can get a ProSport with no fishing equipment and 2+3 seating.

Currently, Geoff is chasing the last couple MPH by putting a model of the boat in a wind tunnel and improving the aerodynamics. This is important because once you get over 100 MPH, the more and more aerodynamics affects the boat. Allison boats are generally pretty aerodynamic with rear deck cowls for the engine, and the shape of the console is fairly low on drag but bass boats do have heavier casting decks and weird shapes compared to a closed bow sport boat.

In the past, Geoff has run the 300XS so he has a great comparison. With the 300R he is running the Sport Master with 1.75 gears and 13.5" of setback on a manual plate. I believe he has ran his fastest, 108 MPH, with a Mercury Racing 5 blade CNC cleaver 32”, followed by a Performance Propellers Performer BC 4. Geoff has reported that the Performer BC 4 was overall one of the fastest on both the R and XS, with exceptional acceleration as well. The Mercury Racing Promax was also an admirable performer all around.

Tuff 24

I wrote a detailed article on one of the recent custom Tuff 24 builds recently. Being a custom builder, each boat is potentially unique. The one we featured, a white and red, 300R powered 24 was a light carbon build, made to fly and it did. With a relatively narrow beam and light overall weight, it stands to reason the sleek 24’ footer would be one of the fastest if not the fastest on this list from the Canadian builder who is known for building some of the fastest V hulls around.

I think the 24’ Tuff design is a product of the heavier and more powerful outboards available. A 24’ foot hull is much better suited for the kind of weight and power the 300R has. 110+ MPH with a 300R out of the box, with a 32” Dewald prop, is incredible. Additionally, the aerodynamics and weight distribution is superior on the Tuff compared to any bass boat, which is one reason why it’s faster.

Now that’s a sport boat. Perfect lines and possibly the most efficient 24’ V hulls produced.

Liberator 21/22

The performance of the 21 Liberator and its 22’ sibling is well documented by Randy Corson of Liberator Boats of Florida and it the 300R seems like a great match. Randy has reported improved performance over the 300XS, along with the smooth quiet operation of the big four stroke. After seeing many boats run 101 to 103 with the XS, the 300R will push them up to 110-112 MPH. 112 with a 34” x 15.25 five blade cleaver at 6350 rpm. That’s incredible. With a center pod tunnel design, the faster you go the more air and lift underneath, the less drag there is and the slipperier it gets. There is no doubt the fast Liberator hulls are an amazing match for the potent V8.

The 21 Liberator here is the same hull as the 22’ only a different deck. Both absolutely scream with 300R power and are stable at speed due to the center pod tunnel design.

Randy is running the 1.75 gearcase on these, with either Mercury Racing CNC cleavers or a Hill 5 blade Signature Cleaver. Randy custom rigs his Liberators, so they are all very unique and one of a kind.

Checkmate Pulsare 2100

The Checkmate Pulsare 2100, one of the best all around 21 footers one the market for family and performance, receives exciting updates for 2021. Since Caldwell Marine Design took over, they have made some great improvements to the venerable hull. First, the pad was widened to accommodate todays heavier engines. Billy Moore, Caldwell Moore Performance, told me the boat now handles much better than before above 75 MPH. Plus, there has been some upgrades to the interior, new seating, Bocatech switches and rigging is done to AYBC standard. And, the build has gone to all composite construction.

A timeless design, updated and a great family friendly performance boat. With 300R or 250R power the Pulsare would absolutley rip.

Checkmate has been busy, quite a few new hulls have left the factory recently. We will wait for one to be rigged with a 300R, or a 250R, I think both will really rip on the updated 21’. With a 300XS setup right, speeds of 95 to 98 MPH have been reported, with some work, a 300R should be able to get past 100 MPH and a 250R should get to the high 80s. Recently Checkmate finished a 2100 with a 300 ProXS and it came out really nice. Preliminary numbers put it in the high 80s, which is great, the ProXS uses the Torquemaster gearcase and the XS is not quite as potent as the R.

What makes the Checkmate Pulsare 2100 nice is the beam and layout make for a great family boat. The 19 degree bottom and 1,300 Lbs weight are perfect for overall performance and handling, plus it is an easy boat to drive. And, there is tons of storage and you can tow it behind anything. With all these improvements, this will continue to be a winner. The closed bow version is the one to get. Checkmate is making the 2000 BRX and the 2400 as well, both received similar updates, where the 24’ has a notched transom now.

Progression 22

The timeless classic from the Long Island builder is rough water dynamo with incredible performance. I heard of an older 22 being repowered with a with a 250R and running 88 MPH in the first run, with some minor setup changes. That’s really impressive. With that number you would expect the Progression to be close or better than 100 MPH with a 300R. The 250R owner was kind enough to share some photos and information on his pristine looking Progression.

The unmistakable lines of the Progression 22, a classic sport boat in every way. Ready for the rough water and a great match for the V8 R platform.

I’m aware that there is a new 22 being built with a 300R and a new 24 Progression was built last year that is being rigged in Florida. It’s nice to see the new power bringing life long time custom builders like Progression Boats.

Johnny Saris of Performance Marine in NY, rigged and setup this 250R repower. Coming from a 2.5L 200HP Mercury meant adjusting the setup, with a new 10” manual Bob’s plate and a 30” BBlades Blaster, the Progression impressed right out of the gate, 88 MPH.

Chaudron Pro S22 and S25

As we wait for the arrival of our Chaudron Pro S25, we can’t wait to see what it will do. Ours will be equipped with a 300R HD, Sportmaster 1.75 and have Imco side steering. Although this boat is focused more on rough water ability, the 300XS powered ones were getting in the 88-90 MPH range, so were hoping to be around there or slightly more.

The older XS engines ran great on the Chaudrons but the R engines should add a lot of performance.

The Pro S22 should be a little faster while giving up a little in rough water ability with it’s shorter length, both hulls are very similar, with the same 6’ beam and bottom configuration, the 22 has a slight weigh advantage and obviously a shorter running surface. That said, I’m not sure it would get to the century mark, although with the 24 degree hull and twin step design, I don’t think many on this list could run with it on a really rough day. Everything is a compromise, the fastest single engine V is probably not going to be the best rough water hull, and vice versa.

There are a few V8 ProXS powered 22 and 25 Chaudron’s but ours might be the first with the 300R. The narrow beam Chaudron should run really strong with the R.

Velocity Boats

After getting a bunch of center consoles and new sport boats out the door, the crew at Velocity is making the 220 Punisher again and I think it’s great to see. With some updates to the deck the 220 shares the same bottom as the 230, but will a lower profile and lighter overall weight. The wide pad but deep deadrise make the Velocity well known as a great rough water boat that can really fly. These should be in the high 90s if not 100 MPH when the dust settles. The 250R and 300R no doubt have helped revitalize the sport boat market as there is a strong group of people who still love sport boats.

A lower profile 220 Velocity is ready for production, a 230 shown here.

Round Up

There are several single engine boats not on this list for a few reasons, either they haven’t been tested yet, aren’t available or just aren’t in the 100 MPH range. The article was simply highlighting the performance of some popular hulls and how the Mercury Racing 300R as well as the 250R have pushed the limits on single engine performance.

Anytime you’re running a small single engine hull in the 100 MPH range or beyond, it’s really important to use all safety equipment, be extremely aware of your path and use extra caution. We all love going fast but safety is number one.