Did you see the article on PBN?

Hey Pre, Ive seen a lot of posts in reference to these motors but it seems like they range from recent to a while back. I am a believer. The fact that I am in a position to purchase this 308 at all makes me an optimist and I feel very fortunate to be part of your club. I believe they are not far off. I have specific reasons for that but can't say. I also know that anybody can be very wrong at any time. I would love to see it. Please point me in the direction. Maybe Im stupid. Can you be more specific PBN? Burned a lot of brain cells in college. Ha and thanx. Steve.

I think the 400's are the motor of choice for sure. Based on the sheer size of your boat and the weight of the motors 120mph might be a little tough for real world every day conditions. The motors will weigh close to 700lbs with no tie bars or steering plates. A 30 with stock 300xs's runs 100mph and with 300x motors 110 or so. The 300x is around 480lbs.
It is really going to interesting to see the wide tunnel generates any more lift/speed.
We should start a pool! LOL. I am guessing around 115mph.
You will have a beautiful boat no matter how fast it is.
Keep us posted.

Hey Pre found the post you were talking about. Thank you very much.
Hi Double R, You are probably correct. There are so many different variables involved in my build. The windshield scrubs speed. The widened body may add speed. The new motors weigh 150 to 200 lbs more a piece than the 300XSs if and when they come out. Plus the whole transom is different with no notch and extension brackets being used.Think I would be happy with 115mph for a bit. 120mph would be great and might quench my thirst forever. Only time will tell. If they come out before delivery on my boat Im also hesitant to grab them because of the whole new thing even if I could get them. But I think if all the stars in the universe align and they come out and I can get a set I would probably take them. I would almost have to right. Ha. Rather than run 300s for a year and replace them in 2016.

My inside Intel says new higher powered mercury racing outboard will be introduced at miami boat show this February. I have no reason to doubt him. It will be interesting to see exactly what hp and price tag :)
Nastybug your timing seems to be perfect, for setting your new skater up with the latest from mercury racing

Nasty- should be good either way!! Can't wait to see your boat when it is done.

It is coming. Based on my intel from more than one source. It is 400hp, Sportmaster available and a version of the 350hp Verado. No pricing but speculation to be 27k retail. Big question is warranty and how do they plan to handle the steering for a 100+mph cat. Front tie bars only not very good in my book.

I really like your paint renderings Steve - it looks great! And I agree with a few others on here, keep it simple with the blues/silvers/greys/whites/blacks. If you add purple it could really hurt resale. I get compliments on both my Skaters all the time for their clean, classic colors/looks. It's easy to get excited and take your paint over-the-top when you're going through the process, but do yourself a favor and refrain from doing it. Keep it how it is in the renderings - it's beautiful! As for your motor situation, I would guess that the new 400s will be available by the time your boat's in rigging. I think you're crazy to not put a set on it - as long as Pete is good with it. I know he said he'd never put a set of Verados on one of his boats (and never did), so I don't know how he's going to feel about this new hot-rod 400 which is based on the Verado. Even if you have to wait a little while for the motors, steering systems, whatever - just be patient and wait for it all to come together. Re-rigging is a pain-in-the-ass, and it's very costly - you're way better off to do it right the first time. Just remember to mount everything you can up under the deck if you do put a set of those 400s on the back. The boat will not be balanced very well if you don't. I'd love to see the results of your build with those new motors - my guess is it would be solidly in the teens! What a great boat it will be, either way!

gotta be people in line for these in the know already...he!! they're probably sitting in boxes just waiting for the Thursday unveiling to hang them on a new boat....NASTY are you holding out on us??? LOL.

Mercury has boats in the water running the engines for the show! There will also be motors on display on boats as well.