Re: Time to get moving
 

Anyone have any sugestions on coring material? I'm thinking of using Coosa Composites Bluewater 26. 1/4" for the deck and 1 1/2" for the tranom. Also is 1 1/2" gonna be enough?

Re: Time to get moving
 

PS the new 130 Etec is a V4 and may save some weight, there not out yet but you don't look like your hanging a motor in the next couple weeks either :D
These new DFI motors are quite a bit stronger than the old carbed jobs we were used to, plus the Etec's seem to be all pushing the 10% rule, meaning close to 10% more HP than stated.

I watched BW's boat pull away at the FT Desoto and admired how very well balanced the boat looked, maybe the bracket maybe not?

Re: Time to get moving
 

No where near ready to hang a motor. My goal is to hange it by x-mas. No presents for me this year! I'm just concerned that I'm gonna drop 8k on the motor and I'm not gonna be happy with it. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Re: Time to get moving
 

Well another 10 hour day at work but i did manage to peal a little more fiberglass.
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/IMG_3030.jpg
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/IMG_3033.jpg
Did I mention how much fun this is?
More to come.

Re: Time to get moving
 

The bracket definitely helps keep it self bailing with the heavy motor, but my 70 qt cooler in the stepdown and 25# toolbox and other camping gear in the cabin also help! :D Balance when you're up on plane with flotation tank out of water is more important and would be even better with the V-4 which is 50-60 lbs lighter and ~$3K cheaper (better BANK balance! :D ).

The 150 E-Tec is actually a 165 as shown by the hp/torque curve in BRP's 2008 brochure, so it's overkill for the 20' hull, but great if you want a ~50 mph boat!

Re: Time to get moving
 

True statement on the 150 being a tad overkill, thats why I came back here when I heard about the new V4 130 Etec. Also good point on wieght in your Safari being firther forward but yours looks perfect. I wish I had 50 or 60 #'s less but do like the HP.

Re: Time to get moving
 

Whats that 130 weigh? Wonder if its close to my 99 375# 150 in weight. Its probably close to the old 150 in prop shaft HP.

Re: Time to get moving
 

The 130 is the same block as the 115, so should be about same weight, I think around 375 lbs.

As far as the horsepower "sandbagging" is concerned, this is just my opinion, but I suspect it's related to HP/cu. in., ie., more sandbagging on the more conservatively rated motors. On the 155 cu. in. V-6 block, it's rated at 150, 175, and 200 hp, or .97, 1.13, and 1.29 hp/cu. in., respectively. BRP's brochure indicates they've down rated the "150" by the full 10% allowed (It's really a 165). I'd figure they 175 is down rated by about 5%, which would make it about 180-185, while the 200 is probably right about 200. The 105 cu. in 115 V-4 is 1.095 hp/cu in and the 130 is about 1.24, so I'd guess that the "115" is really about 120-125 and the "130" is maybe 135 at most.

Re: Time to get moving
 

I did a little research on the (don't shot me) new sea crafts. Most of them are running 150s. You would think will all the advance in faberglass and other materials the new girls are lighter. But like most of you have said it a give and take. speed/economy/ride. Well I'm several months from getting one. Plenty of time to do a little more thinking and get more advice. Sorry guy no work on the boat this weekend. Honey dos! Gotta keep her happy.

Re: Time to get moving
 

We've got a 130 yammie (91)on a 74 scepter. Tops out at 40, light with two on board swinging a 13.25 x 17 yamaha semi cleaver 5800 rpm (thanks Fr. Frank). Light, with the top down, we get a touch over 3.5 mpg.

We get a little over 3.125 MPG loaded for bear with 3 guys, gear and a 150 qt cooler with 80 lb of ice, 40 gal gas, slight chop with bimini up.

Plenty of torque when you need it. We can't run faster than 30 unless it's really flat anyhow...

Just my two cents.

I believe there is 10-15% room for improvement when we find the "perfect" prop.

Matt