I know most of you don't mess with little boats like mine but I need help. I have a 1985 Wellcraft NOVA XL, 23 ft, 260 hp 350 small block w/ alpha 1 drive. I know my drive can't handle alot of power but would like to get the boat at around 58-60 mph. I know it has been done but don't want to over-stress my drive. I'm sure bumping it up to 300 hp or so and the right prop would do it but not sure. Any advice on what to do would be great. Thanks in advance guys.
Brandon

I did a small cam and dart heads last winter went from 46 mph to 50,I talked to a custom cam grinder and he said to put more compression in it,I was going to build a new shortblock but decided to use mine for one more season,that is why my compression is low,8.5:1 factory with 64 cc heads,I plan to build something this winter,just not sure what.
I have a 88 Chris Craft 245 limited,nice boat but heavy for a single SB,most are BB and run 62-65 stock.

Brandon - Little boats, big boats....it doesn't matter. have'n a little fun is what matters

Some here may not agree with me, but if you're careful, your Alpha will easily handle +300 hp. Just stay away from hole shots and be careful on re-entry. And remember, Nova's are heavy little suckers. Mine is about 4,000 lbs. With an Alpha pushing a heavy boat ya gotta be careful epecially with added hp and torque.

That said, my 23 Nova did around 56-57 with a 454/330 and a Bravo drive. So I'd guess you would have to be in the 375 or so hp range to get 60 on gps. With a ZZ502502 my '95 Nova 23 is good for +,- 70 MPH, more depending on weather and chop.