Isn't there anyone else that might have some idea of boat set-ups? I see that you have found one of the same issues that I have with Chris Fine (re: email). He may hold 11 records, but everytime I talk to him about about the same setup, I get a different story and I get the feeling that if I don't ask the right question, I don;t get an answer I am looking for. Don't even get me started on the screw, nuts, etc that come with the hardware I received from him. Always inconsistant and often missing needed items.
yes you need to ask the right questions. He can't read minds but, knowing Chris the way I do I am sure he is saying something to the effect that you won't get a mean machine into the 60's for 4 mins. I haved raced a mean machine with 18 cells in a 4 min race and its all you can do to keep it on the water and thats at 40 mph
as far as screws with hardware. Get a good supply of what you like and discard what comes with it if you don't like it. Everyone has a faviorite way of putting on hardware.. Mine is blind nuts others its lock nuts.
a mean machine is to small to race at 60mph and a 2250 would be to big for the boat.
if you want to race at 60 you better be ready to spend about 2000 on motor, lipos or matched cells and a 40-160 plus a 36"+ boat.
I haved raced the gas/nitro guys at the internats and the INDY races last summer. even a 36" boat is small in that chop and at those speeds. If you want a cat then look at a team believer or avenger. both have been raced in the high 50's to low 60's already with electric power but, are big enough to handle the race waters.
as far as setups look at the 2280/11 or /12 with a prop around a x447 or x450 with a 40-160.
or a Plettenberg 370/50/A1s witha x455 to x457
or the Neu Bam motor not sure on the prop since I have not personally ran the motor
you will have to pull a good amount of amps and a hacker 77 will not cut it for a 4 min race under that kind of load. it will over heat quickly.
so if you want to play with the nitro/gas guys I hope your not on a budget.
Now you could probably get your mean machine into the 40's on 18 cells and race a .21 nitro boat.
I would probably run a Hacker 10,11, or 12 xl with a x442, x445, or x447 depending on the motor.
or use a lehner 1940/10, /11, or /12 with the same props
If you are seriously wanting to be in the 60's with electric then call Chris and tell him " I want a 60 mph boat that will run for 4 mins so I can race the nitro/gas guys. What would you recommend for boat, motor, cells, esc and hardware?"
all of this of course is just my opinion and what I have experienced. There is always more then one way to skin a cat.
Now to handle that amount of power I would strongly suggest a Schultze 40/160 controller. I have run that combo on a Hacker Navy 77 with little problems but it's really pushing the limits of that controller. Your really looking at the high end of FE racing but it sure is fun to drill a nitro or gas boat with electric power. I never get tired of seeing the look on a fuel racer or the comments that follow after a good heat. 
