A stated before, better to over build and de-tune. 1300hp sounds wound to the max, with higher octane needs, and quality fuel all around. This is a large inconvenience. I overbuilt and then de-tuned so that I could boat and enjoy it. 14-71 blowers barely working at max 5 psi boost. My boat is making pretty conservative power and not stressing the components as long as I pay attention, it has good fuel, proper timing, proper tune (carbs), and doesn't get hot.

Good luck in your HP adventure, it can be a lot of fun. or a lot of frustration.

Now I sure wish I understood this insurance thing better. I am expecting a call back from my agent because he said some times a survey is needed on these high HP boats. I understand this from financial institutions, but not insurance companies...unless the value of the boat is being challenged (e.g. $85K for an 89' 272 sr-1). I am curious as to what would trigger the survey need from an insurance company, if it is something other than being insured for way over book value.

Even if one of these specialized insurers is a couple hundred more a year, that won't influence my HP decision near as much as relaibility would.

Now I am curious about the diversity of insurance stories.....

If you go big (HP) you either 1) need to have deep pockets or 2) Be able to do the work yourself.

I'm running a decent amount of power in my Apache for the past 12 years I've owned it but I do all my own engine and drive work. It's still VERY expensive but because I do EVERYTHING on my own, I save a lot.

Find a hull that will deliver the speed and performance you want with less HP. It might cost more up front but a wise investment with more security/reliability in the long run. Just my $0.02.

And if you think you know what it's going to cost you to do something.... double it just to be safe... ;-)

Bravo outdrives are typically weaker than the motors bolted in frt of them.

Replacing a Bravo every year or every other year gets tiresome and spendy.

Try to keep hp under 500hp or so hp, and be easy with holeshots,

Drive will be happy and a chevy big block at that power level will be long lived unless someone screwed the pooch with tuning/rigging/machine work.

Nothing wrong with bigger power if done right, but purchase a bigger $$$ outdrive right off the bat . If not ready for this, stay with what I said above.

SB - I assume your 500hp & drive comment is per engine. With 2 500hp engines and reasonable precaution I would expect b1's to hold up reasonably well. I'm starting to confirm I just want a set of stock mercury blues....Santa, little help here

Yes. 500 per engine.

I know a few people with single engine 502MPI / bravo boats that where always loaded with people and coolers that ate Bravo's every other year.

that sounds like reason enough to kick people off the boat

When insuring our Lightning with 600s thru Wakezone, they required an insurance survey. A proper survey can be used for insurance and financing.