Hello everyone - my first post; and I'm a 64 year old newbie to the powerboat sport.

I'm preparing to build my first boat and have chosen Hal Kelly's DU Class MADCAP.

I have the technical decision of pairing this hull with an engine. My first choice is the Mercury Mark A, with a displacement of 44 ci. But under the old APBA classes, the DU class was limited to 40 ci.

I can't afford to buy multiple motors and am wondering whether I should go with the 39.6 ci Mark 55. It has the advantage of weighing only 111 lbs vs 127 lbs. Weight is definitely a consideration because the driver - me - weighs a hefty 230 lbs. The old minimum racing weight for the DU Class was 525 lbs.

Of course there are other considerations and I would appreciate all comments & suggestions.

GH