If i were you....
I'd buy Dude's 525 he just listed in the swap/shop.
Sell yours for whatever.
I paid 2500 for my internals, but i got hooked up by my builders buddy down at a big factory in NC.
So i have no idea what it'd take... are there any XRs for sale in the swap? or classies?

And dont forget FULL Hydraulic Steering to the helm, or just forget about it.

AND... this wont be cheap, and dont fool yourself thinking it will be.

5500engine + 5000drive + 3000steering

you may be able to get away w/ just an xr upper.
i'm sure plenty here would chime in on that.
you could also not do much to your drive and risk it.

oh yea... and don't forget an exhaust to go w/ that engine... $2500.

Now.. you ready to stay at 63mph?

I think I have full hydraulic steering already. Just not all of it installed. ...but agreed it is needed.

I may have the engine taken care of... unless I decide to buy one complete. Either way it is going to cost some bucks. A buddy of mine's uncle owns a speed shop down in Little Rock. I need to get ahold them sometime to see what it is going to take to push the 550 to 600 hp bubble.

Probably a pretty lofty goal. 13k added to the 10k I have already in my boat. ...and I won't be seeing that again.

careful of who you use to build the engine.
1. if not a marine guy, will not know how to build for marine use.
2. if not well known, could hurt resale.
2a. Gellner is in Ohio, probably just as far as Little Rock.

Good luck and keep us posted.
We've all been in the same boat as you.
never be afraid to post on here... misery loves company. ;)

...you're raining on my parade... or being a realist...

Exhaust = check
Steering = check
Engine = 5500+/-, I've got heads already, thinking of punching it to 468 and with a good port job. hydraulic roller, flat top pistons, 8.75 comp. Balance cast crank for now...
Drive = 5000+/-
Trailer = 3000
---------------------
Total = 13500, 10 was my number. If it wasn't for the damn trailer...

....BTW, really kind of makes you appreciate/respect the 80 mph boats even more. You guys out there running 90+ ...my hats off to you...

You've all been great help to me. I was really looking into the "cough" shogren boat, 80 mph already, but I just can't swing the 49k even though its a great buy. I'd be scrambling to sell my boat and probably couldn't get what I paid for it a year ago. It just didn't make sense.

I like projects more than turn key anyway kind of puts you're own personality into the boat. And realistically, Kansas boating you don't need a 28 footer most of the time, its just the occasional LOTO or Grand lake 2x year, I'd like the extra length and the WOW factor never hurts either.

With 525hp you could get away with your stock Bravo IF you were easy on the holeshot and good with the stick.

...yeah I'd think you're right. but I'll be straight forward with you guys I don't have a lot of experience with offshore boats... I'd like to blame my heritage of being a Kansas native, and about as far away from big water as you can be...but I won't...

I've owned a couple of 20' bowriders in the past, some I've had quite a bit of money wrapped up into them new, but that's like comparing a Ford Taurus to a 69 Firebird to how they ride and drive.

T-Mone on here has a 24 with somewhere around 600 HP and he runs right around 80 I believe. I'm sure he'll chime in son.

I run with T-Mone 3-4 times per year. He has a 600HP 502 hooked to a stock B1 and has not blown it yet. No one runs harder than Anthony, believe me. He ran it for 3 years and I think just had it gone through. A newer stock B1 will hold up fine on these smaller size boats. I suggest you just buy a spare drive rather than spending the $$ for an upgrade if your drive is in good shape. I bought Storm's old upper for my spare.
As for HP to reach 80mph, I agree 550HP should do it. Remember torque matters too. A 550HP/454 is not the same as a 550HP/502. The 502 cube engine is going to get your there quicker and more often...