2002 Velocity 280

Testers Notebook: 2002 Velocity 280 Location: Sanford, Florida. Test load: One adult, safety and test equipment, 80 gals of fuel. Test day conditions: Calm water, little wind. Synopsis: The Velocity 280 addresses the customer needs list of space, comfort and proven hull design.  A design that with a Mercruiser 496 MAG HO engine can power this luxurious machine to well over 75 mph

By: Mark Rotharmel
      With single engine boats under 30 feet in length, comfort is often sacrificed in the name of speed, or vice versa. 
     Velocity Powerboats of Sanford, Florida is a leader on and off the race course and doesn't believe in compromise.  As such, they have engineered this beautiful model –known as 280 – to address a long list of customer needs which include space, comfort, and Velocity's proven hull design. 
     As an outright performance machine,  the 280's raised deck leads to a well padded cockpit, making it very comfortable indeed.  Together with snug-fitting bolster seats, the integrated foot rests at the helm permit people of different heights to brace for offshore conditions. 
     Performance features include a customized steering wheel, several panels of easy-to-read Velocity-logoed Gaffrig instruments, accessory switches, and a chrome control panel.  Protection comes standard with a solid windshield, companion chestpad, grab bars and latteral supports for the aft bench. 
     The electric hatch lifts high to reveal a neat, clean and spacious engine compartment housing Mercruiser's powerful 496 MAG HO. 
     Stepping into the cabin you'll find 5 feet 4 inches of headroom, a monotone colour sheme, ultra leather seats and plenty of space to store your gear.  The forward v-berth is a good example of how a builder can blend style and function. 
     Like every Velocity built, the 280 pits a conventional v-hull design with a pad bottom.  And this is the bottom that Steve Stepp patented for the offshore racing community over 20 years ago.  The boat also has 4 full length running strakes, radius chines, and a notch in the transom. Come aboard with me and we'll see how fast it comes out of the hole.
 
     "Up, lays flat... 4.90 seconds.  Accelertion is very smooth. Now the 496 MAG HO puts out 425hp, but it puts it out very consistently.  Very smoothly.  With the windshield on this boat, you don't feel the air pressure. If you stand up in the bolster seats you feel a little bit more.  But sitting down, it is very comfortable to ride in.  We've got a really hot day and it's directing the air over our heads, but it's still cooling the interior of this boat. 
     A nice feature on every Velocity including the 280 is their Velocity ram-air-induction system which takes the air and roots it in through the nackaducks on the side of the boat and into the engine. 
Now when your running along at slower speeds.... let's run along here at 30mph.... punch it.... it's up to fifty in 6.75 seconds.  Dynamite! 
     Now where these boats really come into their own is in the turns.  Once again this straight v-hull design has proven itself once again.  Steve Stepp knows that putting alot of tricks into the bottom... boats don't handle quite as well sometimes in the turns.  This boat you can literally turn at top speed just like I'm going to do now.  The 280 is coming around beautiful, absolutely beautiful.  I didn't even have to back off the throttle. 
     Well this boat is a pleasure to drive at a mid-range speed.  Let's see what she'll do at top end.  Here we go.  Set up for a high speed pass..... 62 mph .....65 ......67mph.... we've got 80 gallons of fuel ......stretch it out a little more ......70 mph!  70 on GPS, 71 on the Gaffrig speedometer. Very nice indeed." 

     Having driven many Velocity boats through the years, I shouldn't be surprized at how well the 280 handles.  Still, with very little chop on the water to free up its' bottom, a boats' performance has to stand on its hull design alone.  And the point is clear – the 280 handles incredibly well in the straight line and through the turns.  And feels safe doing so.  The way it's powered – it's a 70 to 75 mph machine – and a luxurious one at that.

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

Velocity Powerboats,
Initial Marine Corp.,
1690 Fitzpatrick Point,
Sanford, Florida, U.S.A. 32771
(407) 321-1340