[Scott]

Menhaden ...what year is your boat ?? I think the max hp guideline for the older boats (Center Console) was 400 hp

Todays boats , which are heavier only recommend up to 300 hp

Why the need for such extreme speed ??? I think your mechanic is giving good advise

I know of a 23 with 2-225 on a bracket, restored 5-6 years ago. Besides costing a whole lot of cash for the restore and bracket / motors I've been told by the guy who did the work that the boat had too much engine , porpoises even though it had tabs and 450 hp was just unusable given our typical sea state. On top of which after the restoration the boat started to develop stress cracks from the hard running. He said it sure it moves !! but for what ??

Like Chuck said about insurance ...and its hard enough to get the insurance companies to insure an older hull ... wait till you tell them how much HP you got on the back(I guess the rules are different in every state)