i just bought a 98 260 (24') it came with a 310hp 7.4 mpi and i was planning on putting in a 502 mag 415hp. do i need to do anything to strengthen anything on the hull?

thanks

neil

The construction and lay-up schedule were the same whether a 7.4MPI was installed or a HP500. Just make sure everything is still structurally solid after 13 years, add some external steering and you should be ready to go. Good luck.

Neil, keeps us posted on your progress. I want to do the same thing for my 98 260 but I'm probably a year away from doing anything. John

is there any areas i should be looking for? i know what ever i could see around the engine is rock hard. but there are some stress cracks in the gel at the top corners on the entrance to the cuddy

for my repower/upgrade i have a 502 mag, k-planes, lathams full hydro steering

The key places to look are the transom, the stringers themselves and their connection to the transom and bulkhead. Make sure the mounting holes in the stringers are still solid. Don't worry about the other gelcoat stress cracks.

Other then (hopefully) needing a bigger prop - it sound like you're ready to go! Good luck!

I have a 98 260 26' I run a Procharged injected and modified 454 Mag with a B-max drive. Makes 720 HP and 727TQ does not need tabs and already had external sterring. It pushes 90mph GPS and has had no problems stress or otherwise. Been running similar for 9 years.

I agree with revelocity but i would also check in the bow of the boat and the bulk head in front of were you sit some of them come apart pretty good ours did.
I did new bulkheads in the bow reset the tank and reglassed all the stringers we did a lot of work but my boat has had a rough life .I have a 510 pump gas made 715 hp its went 94mph and climbing but that was about all it had.