I have a full flotation bracket and twin Suzi 115 4 strokes.(850lbs) That is about the maximum amount of weight I would put on the boat. It rides awesome with the extra iron but it won't self bail. I even moved the fuel tank 3 feet forward.

I think a single 300 would be your best choice if you are looking to break 50mph.

My performance is 4000 rpm's 25.5kts. wide open 5950 rpm's 38.5-39kts. (45mph).
2.8mpg.

My friends 23' Seacraft with a Mercury Verado 350 Sci..... Twin Armstrong Bracket. Boat runs in the 60's
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r73/PharmD2B30/6.jpg

Nice! How heavy is that motor ? i can not find any specs on it.

The Mercury web site says 635# dry weight. Add prop and oil I'm betting over 700# easy.

I was leaning towards twins because of the security of running offshore, but I'm definitely open to a big single. What is the fuel economy of that Mercury?

Dry weight is 300 kg (660 lbs). I'll try to see if I can get some fuel burn numbers on his set-up. He did say that the 350 is one of the lighter engines out there for its class. Any other engine he said he wouldn't go over a 300 hp in a four stroke due to the weight. This boats floor also has been lifted about 2-3" and the fuel tank moved as far forward in the boat that it could possibly go. Boat also has about 150 gallon fuel tank. Twin Armstrong bracket for extra flotation. Bow is pretty much fully enclosed as a fishing deck so that's also added weight in the front on the boat.

Your buddy's boat looks like a minature version of the 36 yellowfin. Too cool!!

Nice looking boat!! I'm starting to restore a 1974 23 and want to put a verado on as well. I'm thinking of putting engine right on transom after the rebuild and make it a 30 inch. Any thoughts?

Patrick

There's a guy here in Chas that had a 23 he repowered with a verado. He sold it and I think the new owner is a member here at CSC. There may be some history here about it.

Thanks for the heads up. A lot of great posts on here and nice looking projects that came back to life. I have been my research for quite sometime now. Alos doing new floor and transom, scuppers, etc.