How bad does smooth water cut your top end?

[SB]

Water is "sticky" so a little chop helps the boat air out, and reduces wetted surface on the bottom, making you faster. This is well documented in larger fountain type boats.

[HBjet]

Glass = More surface contact (more friction)
Mild Chop = Less surface contact (less friction)
Less friction is always faster then more friction... even if it's glass!

[OkieDave]

My Cheyenne runs faster going into the wind, especially when carrying extra weight. I took a big guy for a ride once and could only run 85 downwind but the return trip we hit 95. My 26' Firehawk is the same way, wind helps lift which helps speed. gotta watch it tho, it could cause a blowover.

[Ken F]

Kevin, as has been said-any boat will run slower in glassy conditions.
Race boats will run their fastest in about 4" chop. Think about all the air bubbles which are created under your boat running in chop-little ball bearings!
Ken

[HBjet]

My Cheyenne runs faster going into the wind, especially when carrying extra weight. I took a big guy for a ride once and could only run 85 downwind but the return trip we hit 95. My 26' Firehawk is the same way, wind helps lift which helps speed. gotta watch it tho, it could cause a blowover.
This is true for any air entrapment hull. More air, more lift, less friction, more speed...
HBjet

[HBjet]

For air entrapment hulls (such as a 19' daytona or others like it)
What do you think would be faster/quicker?
Running on glass into the wind or running on 6" chop with no wind?

[Danhercules]

Glass = More surface contact (more friction)
Mild Chop = Less surface contact (less friction)
Less friction is always faster then more friction... even if it's glass!
Ok, we all seem to agree on this. But now, how much dose it affect top speed. Any guesses? 2MPH, 5 MPH, 10 MPH?

[Nucking futs]

6" chop with no wind ..............hands down

[roostwear]

I go my fastest (relative term) with a slight wind chop. Glass can cost me 5-8 mph.

[HBjet]

I go my fastest (relative term) with a slight wind chop. Glass can cost me 5-8 mph.
Don't forget the bimini adds lift! haha...