Converting IC to Electric
 

Hi all,
I have just been given a model boat hull which used to have an HP 61 Gold Cup engine in it. The hull was designed by my Dad using 8 designs from Renato Levi, a well-known Italian offshore racing boat designer (full-size), and performed pretty well with this engine.
I wish to convert to electric using a decent brushless outrunner and li-poly batteries.
The bare hull weighs around 4 or 5 lbs (I know, really heavy, but it's also really solidly built), is around 39 inches long and has a home-built submerged drive. I can probably save a few ounces by removing the internal exhaust system, but not much.
Here are my questions:
1. what sort of power (watts) am i looking for here? My thoughts are 1000-1500 watts.
2. what KV rating
3. what ESC rating
4. What prop size
5. what number of cells

I am an experienced rc flier, and also experienced with full-size boats, but totally new to RC boats so any help is really appreciated.

p.s. I live in Malta (centre of the Mediterranean Sea, South of Italy) so this boat will be used in salt water.

Many thanks

Chris
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