996mb gives a Max Possible Intensity of 79 mph under ideal conditions.
Bret doesn't appear to be under ideal conditions, but the conditions are improving.

July 18th is a bit early for a Hurricane. And in close proximity to land.

URNT12 KNHC 182041
VORTEX DATA MESSAGE AL022011
A. 18/19:29:50Z
B. 28 deg 09 min N
077 deg 04 min W
C. 850 mb 1406 m
D. 60 kt-- estimated surface wind speed
E. 271 deg 11 nm
F. 005 deg 53 kt
G. 269 deg 10 nm
H. 997 mb
I. 16 C / 1530 m
J. 21 C / 1522 m
K. 15 C / NA
L. OPEN N-E-S
M. C18- eye diameter( elliptical at this time )
N. 12345 / 8
O. 0.02 / 3 nm
P. AF307 0302A BRET OB 04
MAX FL WIND 53 KT W QUAD 19:26:30Z
MAX OUTBOUND FL WIND 62 KT SE QUAD 19:39:10Z