I had a 1997 253 with over 1100hp. It ran a best of 104mph on GPS so I don't think 80-85 mph is beyond the capabilities of the hull. I did have full hydraulic steering and k-planes. The boat did require some "driving" to control chine walking but after 90 it settled down and just handled great.

Wow! 104 MPH! You've Got to be kidding! That's got to be the fastest 253 out there. who did you sell it to? CanDo

I took out the motor and put in a stock 502. I sold it to a fellow out east. The motor out of the 253 is now in my 30' Check.

check300
for sh#@! and giggles, what did the size of the boat due to performance.
you added 4-6' of boat and plenty of weight, however i would guess you run twins right, did you build another?

check300: is running just the 1 motor with a #6. and it to runs in the 100+ club. very nice and clean looking. and the motor is so cool to look at. see you at hardy bill.
todd

It is a very sweet setup, twin turbo engine and a #6 drive.

I reconfigured the engine with bigger turbos, different headers, and a new engine management system. The 30 is faster than the 253, because the engine is making a lot more power.

thats sweet, can you post some photos of boat and turbo setup?
maybe a new thread so i dont step on the 253 speed thread here!!

dont know the difference in hulls but my 242 runs 72-73 with about 550hp,
i would think it would compare though.

kevin

As I'm just a standard member right now, I can't post photos. There are some pictures on the Checkmate-boats forum. News and views Pg 12 of the thread about the 2005 regatta.

Check300 "Wild Bill" is one of the Gun lake ban of Crazy SOB's they can build chit that will really run! My 1994 253 with a 385 HP mag ran 63 on gps added a B&M 250 blower and pipes it ran 77 solid as a rock.