The Big Bee was rated a "B-C" boat in the Swift lit and specs of the time...........
.............and I found that to be true. I purchased one new in about '57/'58 along with a new 30H and ran it successfully for several years, both as a stock engine on gas closed up exhaust, and also against the PR's of the day in "C" Alky Hydro. I had a couple of alky carbs that had been modified by a local guy who ran an "A" Merc against the "KR"s" of the day, and changed the timing a little when running on alky. Best I remember it was about a 58-60 MPH ride on gas and pushing 65 on alky with an open exhaust (not pipes) but basically stock powerhead Also ran it with a B on alky on a Quicksilver lower unit, but the power head was a highly modified Wizard Super 10, and it ran competitive speeds against the "SR's also.
Very stable safe ride at those speeds but never ran in white caps either.
Some place on the net are old copies of Boat Sport and there is a test in one of the issues of a BIG Bee and 30H with prop and set up information. I think the article was by Hank Bowman
ADD:
This boat pictured was pretty much a copy of mine, right down to the hardware and paint color and scheme. They were very attractive and well built boats for the time, and Joe Swift did a great job marketing them. I purchased mine thru the local Merc dealer, who also sold Speedliner's, and I seem to remember the price of the boat was right at 600.00 with crate, frt, paint, and hardware. The 30H was also in that price range but I don't remember the exact figures after this much time has passed.