:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :(

Here`s the facts guys:
This is probably the LAST boat I will own. I am not that well off financially or else I would already own a larger, faster boat.
When I do build a bigger engine, I can do so a little at a time, buy the block one month, buy the crank the next month, buy the heads....etc...This is the ONLY way that I can afford to play. So let`s say I build a $8000 big block. If I spread that $8000 out over, let`s say, 2 years, the sting isn`t so sharp. Now let`s say I get 5 years use out of my original engine, that`s gotta be worth something. Now, install the $8000 engine into my $24000 boat for a total investment of $32000 and hell, let`s throw in a $5000 outdrive for grins. Now I have a $37000 boat that would bring lots of enjoyment. It may not be worth $15000, but who`s saying that it`s for sale anyway?
I simply cannot afford to go out and buy a bigger boat. If I had a bigger boat, it would take even that much more horsepower to push it!
I hope you see my point.
My momma always told me "Just play with watch ya got"
It sure beats the hell out of sitting on the dock watching!

Bro...I TOTALLY do not see your point...i have told many of my friends that have had a VERY small budget as you do...don't do it!...so your telling me over 2 years of down time saving and building to take it out and gernade it....then what???...ask j here on the board about "mod'ing" a boat on a shoe sting budget...i love all boats and would be out on the water no matter what boat i'm in....

24 months of boat payments (it's insured as well!) is 333=8000....

this is not the first case where Tread and i have tried to warn people of the pitfalls in do'n exactly what your about to do...

I think a few of you have missed the whole point of this thread that I started.
The question: "HOW MUCH HORSEPOWER DOES IT TAKE TO REACH 80 MPH?"
My boat runs great right now. I would continue to drive it while I build a new engine. NO DOWNTIME. I am wondering about the horsepower, so that I may begin gathering parts for this new engine. My plan would be to buy parts as my budget allows and as I find good deals. If it takes a while, THAT`S OK. When I do get the engine finished, it will replace my current engine, which I will keep as a spare. If new engine blows, swap old engine back in and "regroup". I don`t know if I will need $8000 to build a 550hp engine. But again, if spent over a period of time, will not be a financial shock. I can`t use a bigger boat, no where to store it. I like to ski, bigger boat not as well suited for that. I am truly happy with this smaller boat. Would just like to see it go a little faster. I may be happy with 75 mph, who knows. But, as asked initially, I was curious as to how much engine I would need to run 80. If my research finds that I will be spending an unreasonable amount of money to reach this speed, I will re-think my goals.

i have no idea what the bottom of your boat looks like....you may need bottom work to EVEN make it SAFE....no where do you say what componets do i need aside from the engine to support this kind of speed. the boat was NEVER designed to go that speed! fact is the parts and rigging you need cost more than the engine upgrades!


"If my research finds that I will be spending an unreasonable amount of money to reach this speed, I will re-think my goals"?????? It's an unreasonable amount of speed to ask from that hull.

Audacity, Just wanted to let you know that there are a few Baja members with the same hull that are running into the upper 90's along with myself in the upper 80's. The Hammer has the ability to run at 80 with no ill effects as long as it's propped correctly with external steering. My post here was promoted by experience, not by chance. Don't get me wrong, the Hammer will always be a lake boat that should be respected during rough water conditions. It's always an issue of driving skills, even if the boat can handle it. I posted this to give you another idea about this hull and mean it with all due respect. Scott:)

Safety is ALWAYS my #1 concern, way beyond speed. This is a "Lake boat" and is used that way. I always respect water conditions and never apply full throttle unless water is very smooth.
I have been speaking with a board member who`s modified his Hammer significantly. He is currently at 100 mph. I have seen plenty of these hulls achieve 80+ mph with no ill effects.
Audacity, I respect your comments and concerns. I know you are a veteran of rough water. I realize my boat will never see anything like what you encounter frequently. Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated here.

"The Hammer has the ability to run at 80 with no ill effects as long as it's propped correctly with external steering." MUSIC TO MY EARS!

my only ponit here is respect the water! seems like people loose sight of it...we all love to go fast! but remember NOTHING is free. it all comes at some expense...be safe:D

Well said. ;)

DITTO!!!!!:D