Hello everyone. I'm new to the forums here and considering a purchace of a '98 260. The engine is a custom built 540 which supposedly makes in the vicinity of 600HP, what I'm told about the engine is (I've verified all I can see) Brodix block, steel crank, forged steel pistons, H beam rods, Dart heads and intake,roller cam, Demon 800cfm carb, Stainless Marine exhaust. the drive is a Bravo 1 but I'm told it has been upgraded with "bigger bearings and shafts", it also has the shortened lower half with the pointed tip and he's running a 24 pitch 4 blade cleaver prop.
He says he's had the boat to about 84 (GPS??) and the boat was very smoth until the low 80's when it "walked a little" I'm assuming chine walk? The boat has external steering but no tabs or k-planes. The current owner was told by someone the prop could be causing it.
I guess my questions are: Does this set-up sound like it would push the boat this fast? Shouldn't it have a higher pitched prop? Should it have some type of tab or k-plane on this type of hull to stop the walk?
I was also wondering about the stock swim platform. I read in another thread where someone took all the bolts out but was still unable to get it off, but the thread ended with no solution. An aluminum tubuler would be a great upgrade to the looks if its not too much trouble.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions

Yes, the 24'/260 could vary well go 84mph with 600HP.
Twin Ram, Full Hydraulic Stearing is a must on just about any boat going that fast.
K-plans or big trim tabs will help with chine walking.
As for the prop only being a 24p, the drive ratio place a roll as well as the red line of the engine.

Good luck with your hunt for a boat and if you'd rather a 26'/280 with all the good stuff, mine is for sale...

The drive ratio is 1.5, the steering is hydraulic all the way to the wheel but its only a single ram, he tells me you can run the engine to 6k rpm, but that sounds a little scary on a stroked motor right?