2002 Velocity VR1

Testers Notebook: 2002 Velocity VR1 Location: Sanford, Florida. Test load: One adult, safety and test equipment, half fuel. Test day conditions: Calm water, little wind. Synopsis: The Velocity VR1 is a brand new model staying traditional to the V-bottom design touted by Steve Stepp for years.  The single Mercury Racing HP500 EFI powers this craft to over 84mph with a solid feel that insires confidence both in the straightaways and the turns.

By: Mark Rotharmel
     You have to admire a person who sticks to his beliefs.  Steve Stepp - the legendary designer of Velocity powerboats - has, for years, maintainted that conventional V-bottoms, when designed properly, could out-handle, out-run and be safer than boats with stepped or ventilated hulls.
     Well, so far he hasn't been proven wrong, and we're about to discover what this brand new model the much anticipated VR1 will do when powered by Mercury Racings' HP500 EFI.  If it is as fast as it looks, this test should be fun.  Come on aboard with me:
     "From its integrated swim platform to the point of its bow, the VR1 is bold and aerodynamic. This is a race-bred pleasure boat featuring Velocity's own custom bolsters and an equally secure aft bench seating arrangement.
     Climbing behind the wheel, a driver's eyes immediately focus on the helm, full of Gaffrig gauges and accessory switches mounted into colour-matched red dash panels. Who needs a windshield? These pop-up wind deflectors work amazingly well.
     There are many power options available, but Mercury Racing's 470 hp, HP500EFI engine is a solid choice.  With well integrated ammenties, the look is crisp and contemporary, and two tall people can stretch out in this striking berth.
     The VR1 is a brand new model from Velocity, it was on the drawing boards for almost a year before going into production.  Now, it utilizes the same basic bottom as their 280 model, but has cut-down deck design and for aerodynamic purposes is much more efficient.
     Let's see how it comes out of the hole.  5.12 seconds.  The bow stays down.  We have a beautiful angle of attack on this boat.  Love the way this boat looks. 
     We've got lots of power on this boat. Now these motors are the same motors that go into the Factory 1 racers. On its' debut race, the VR1 scored a win. 
     Now, one of the things Steve Stepp has done to mkake this boat more aerodynamic is round the corners aft and forward.  But aft he's got some real improvements to the air flow. The air actually flows up over the rounded sides at the stern, goes across the swim platform, goes in through the great big scoop on top, and in through nack adacks in the side.  That air flows right through under the cowl and into the flame arrester of the engine. 
     Now for acceleration, this boat has plenty of low-end and mid-range torque.  Let's see how fast the VR1 goes from 50 to 70. Here we go.  Rev it up.... climbing.... 70 miles an hour - 12 .2 seconds.  Real quick. Now running at mid-range speed, say 50 to 60 miles an hour, the VR1 settles down real nice.  Trim it up, keep the tabs up, the tabs don't need to be down at all, you can keep them completely out of the way. The boat stays very level.  The VR1 at speed feels very solid indeed.
     Let's set up for a starboard turn.  Back off, trim in, carving its way through the turn - absolutely beautiful and hammer it down. Going down the straightaway, flat out again, beautiful. Set up for a high speed pass, here we go, trim it up, 78 miles an hour.... 82 .....keep trimming it .....83.8...... 84 mph.  If we had a little more chop on the water it would probably go quicker.  Beautiful
     You know this is one mean, lean, in-your-face looking boat that meets some very high expectations. 84mph in calm conditions is awesome and this package has more.
     The VR1 is stable, solid, and most impressive, it carvces a turn like few can.  Trimmed up or trimmed under, there are no surprises, And when you run hard thats what really counts."
 

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

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