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2002 Velocity 390 Photos
2002 Velocity 390 Test Details
| Category | Performance Boat |
| Length | 39ft 8in / 11.89 m |
| Beam | 8ft. 3in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 909 L |
| Weight | 8,000 lbs |
| Dealers | Contact Velocity Boats Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Velocity Boats Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For Velocity Boats For Sale |
2002 Velocity 390 Description
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Combining high style and a deep-rooted racing
heritage, the Velocity 390 is one of the hottest performing offshore
boats on the market today.
Following near-immediate glory with its Factory 2 Racer Veloci Raptor, Velocitys 390 production version captured the attention of performance purists with a knockout combination of hull design and interior
features. It is now well recognized for being fast, agile and easy to drive.
At 398 the boat incorporates decades of performance tricks learned by the legendary racer, designer and builder Steve Stepp, president of Initial Marine Co. of Sanford, Florida. With a flat-deck design and deep hull sides, the 390 is a bold offshore machine that stands out in the crowd, with creative, customized polyurethane graphics.
In every Velocity, passenger comfort and safety is prioritized, with grabhandles and grab-bars throughout the cockpit. The 390s helm is highly functional, boasting accessible thumb switches and Velocity-identified performance gauges, framed by anodized bezels. Built into the companion console is a chest protector pad, which to my way of thinking is brilliant, given the opportunity for passengers to be winded when they least expect it.
The steering wheel, custom-carved from billet aluminum and finished with a colour-coordinated suede-leather grip, is undeniably a conversation piece. Ditto for the contoured electric bolsters with formed sides and arm-rests.
Like most offshore boat builders, Velocity was challenged by its forward beam when designing the cabin. Stepps team compromised by manipulating the hulls depth to overcome restrictions in width. The cabin feels larger than most.
Back in the cockpit, the 390 sports a high-backed aft bench with storage beneath. Surrounded by diamond-plate aluminum and neatly-routed wiring, cables and hoses, the engines are force-fed air by ducts built into the aft deck. The test boat was powered by Mercurys new 496 Mag HO powerplants, breathing 425 hp/side.
Acceleration times and speed to rpm numbers were solid. In rough, windy conditions, the 390 planed in two stages, the first at 4.20 seconds and flat in 5.0 seconds. With tabs fully down, the boat accelerates to plane in just 3.62 seconds. With tabs level and the throttle pushed forward, the 390 hit 50 mph in 11 seconds, 60 mph in 15.5 and 70 mph in 22 seconds.
The hulls wide, concave chines help the boat plane fast and run at slower speeds without losing plane. At 2,200 rpm, the boat maintained a planing speed of 17.1 mph excellent for a boat this size. Mid-range and top speed benefit by Velocitys variable deadrise pad bottom. The 390 punched from 30 to 60 mph in 9.14 seconds, 40 to 70 mph in 13.86 and 50 to 70 in just 8.73 seconds.
Weather kept us from attacking corners at high speed, but suffice to say, the 390 can safely turn fast and hard. Even in four-foot chop at 55 to 60 mph, the hull slices through the white-capped waves. Built strong to withstand the demands of offshore racing, the hull performs best when the going gets tough.
Having tested Velocitys most popular models, the 390 stands out as my personal favourite. Its a breeze to operate and while generous in size wont intimidate those new to performance boating.
2002 Velocity 390 Test Specifications
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Test boat engines:
Twin MerCruiser 496 MAG HO, 8.1 L (496 cid),
425 hp, V-8 gasoline engines, pushing four-blade
26-inch pitch Bravo 1 propellers through Bravo sterndrives.
Acceleration
mph/sec
0-20/4.70 0-30/6.31
0-40/9.57 0-50/11.01
Top Speed (GPS)
rpm mph
5,200 75.3
Cruising Speed (GPS)
rpm/mph
3,000/30.5 4,000/55.5 5,000/71.2
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