geting a 2002 cat 540 merlin 29ft foceoffshore
 

never had a cat just a 24ft non step v . took the cat for a test drive and loved it not sure on how to trim her out properly. prev owner said 660 hp. what kind of speed should i hope for.gps speedo didnt work

Might want to get some seat time before worrying about wot.

That should do 80+ pretty quick in a 24'. Is the cat a HTM they made 24' with big power

29 forceoffshore
 

my 24 v hull went 68mph with the cat im hoping for 75 . do you trim out a cat like a v hull

Same concept, bump it up a little at a time till you get your best speed. Don't try to turn at high speed.

thanks for the reply

Surprized no ones asked about your insurance rates yet? +1 on the turns at speed. Get some seat time before you start doing turns. Maintain speed into the turn and accelerate out of it but try not to slow down in a turn. Drives like a car and the water can pack up on the outside and possible flip. Takes awhile to get used to the feeling. Stay safe!

I'm not buying a cat any time soon but as far as turning like you describe do the little cats( 24/26 ft) flip easy, is there much warning, what I mean is do you feel it hook and come up where you can turn into it and save it, just curios, Smitty

The boat leans out on a turn if you don't throttle through it, very odd feeling, never came close to rolling it. You just don't make turns at high speed, the boat wants to go straight.

Very odd feeling turning in a cat, Newcat my cat is 26' around 450hp and it will do 70+ with 4 people and 70 gal of fuel. You will know when you have trimmed to high she will start to bounce a little