I'm sure I am not posting these the right way but wanted to at least get a few pics up. Thanks for the help so far. And not afraid of getting dirty at all, just wanted someone that knows more than me look it over before I put it in the water and break something that could have been avoided. I have spent some time on a friends 30' panther and got hooked. I started looking for a "entry" boat to see how much I enjoyed and jumped on this one when I found it. As soon as I can figure out how to get better pics up I will.

looks good, I had one (1983) for 11 years.. three different motor set up.. 502.. 525SC.. 565 600 hp's.. added full hydrolic steering, interior, platform,..solid boat, lots of room

I remember reading a boat test with 460 Fords. The boat topped out at 58 m.p.h. I have always thought it was a beautiful boat
and nicely equipped. The base boat was 84k with standard 330/454s when I was shoping in 1985.

Thanks for the help so far. I got the boat back yesterday and put it in the water for the first time. Everything worked except the spedo and the starb trim tab. What I know so far is It started as twin 400hp 454's with trs drives. It has edelbrock carbs and intakes and from the sound fairly nice cams but no idea on specs. The shop that changed all the fluids and sea water pumps indicated that the stringers, mounts and fiberglass all looked good. GPS last night had us at 56 @ 4000rpms with almost a full tank of fuel and 4 adults. Boat was super smooth as it was kindy windy last night here. Not sure how that falls in line with what to expect so any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

That speed seems about right but you may be over propped. Generally you want at least 4800 rpm max rpm. Check your plugs also. But 56 mph on that boat sounds like you are right around 350 hp per engine

wannabe

I have a 1989 Scarab III with the stock 454 HO motors and Bravo1 drives The motors are rated at 365 a piece.
The engine trim and wind\wave conditions make all the difference in the world on these boats.
In a two foot head on chop I am hard pressed to break 4000 rpm with the drives all the way in.
If I raise the drives I can easily exceed 5000 rpm and significantly increase the speed.
The trick is to find the sweet spot for your conditions.

For a cruise I typically run at 3200 rpm, raise the drives to lighten the bow but not to the point of porpoising. Then reset the throttles and set the tabs to level the boat.

The fastest runs I have recorded have been in 2-4 following seas with the drives up. The air under the hull significantly reduces the water friction (and the stability) a lot of fun and requires undivided attention, things happen fast and turning is compromised.