I thought about that too, after I had posted it. PO said he had it up to 70 before, but I'm skeptical about that. It's an 18.5' Eliminator Formula. The pump is a Berkeley JC, with an A impeller, and Places diverter. Logs are Hardin, not 100% sure on the model. We're in Fort Worth, so we will be running lakes from Arkansas to Oklahoma, and with any luck- Louisiana too.
You have a hull capable of your goal (my personal opinion).
That hull will require, among other things, a droop to gain some bow lift. This means getting a split bowl pump, essentially converting it to a JG.
It will also be a good idea to install a shoe and a ride plate on the intake, a loader will be important.
To support the extra bow lift, I feel you will need to make in excess of about 500 horse power. Not impossible to do, but the logs will limit you on camshaft selection. You could get away with a bit more lift and duration with something like jacketed headers or high performance manifolds and tips.
You will then want to focus on the weight and weight distribution. Keeping a majority of the weight rearward and centered. As low as humanly possible.
70 is not out if the question if the load is light and it's trimmed out properly, it will need to be freed up, maybe a small riffle on the water, no wind.
If the boat does an honest 60 or so now, in thinking you need to spend $2,500-$5,000 depending on how much of the work you can do yourself.
Biggest thing to keep on "the list" is fun and reliability, as soon as you lose either one, you have a race boat. Lol
GT
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