"Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Guys,

I’ve stumbled on a pretty clean 23’ Savage without power. I love my 18, but this darn boat has me losing sleep! I know we all have our own cherished beliefs on engine design, configuration and make. Without wanting to start another “Yamahas are better than Optis/Evinrudes/Suzukis/Hondas,” thread, I’m interested in hearing what people think the “ideal/dream” powerplant(s) for this boat would be (and why).

Intended use is island hopping, diving, a little trolling, often running in 2-4 foot seas. It’d be nice to be able to run at 40+ as conditions allow. Fuel economy, reliability and longevity are big on my list. I'd either want twins ar a big single with a kicker, just for insurance. Probably willing to bite the bullet and buy new.

I know Hooper’s just bought himself a Rude 225, Briguy’s running twin 115/4 Suzi’s, some of the 23’s have twin Merc 200’s, other guys have Yami SW’s…what do you like about what you’re running, and if you can, what’s been honestly a little disappointing?

Thanks in advance, bmaj

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

It might be alot of work but I like inboard power. If it's a total rebuild "dream project" I'd glass the stern and rebuild the console to house a 180 Yanmar.

Don Battin
www.pipedreamsmarine.com

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

I HAVE A 225 YAMAHA 30” SHAFT ON MY 23 OPEN FISH AND LOVE IT. IT HAS PLENTY OF POWER AND STILL NOT BAD ON GAS. I USE SEA TOW HAS MY KICKER.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

I'd have to agree with Don,"dream" power would be a Yanmar in the console - unreal range and reliability.As for outboards, I would get a new Evinrude 250, best combo of power/weight/cost in my opinion.I can't argue with the guys that like twins for the "get you home" factor, it would be nice to have but you're paying a lot for a feature that you hope you won't need.I have Seatow ,too !

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

I'm leaning towards the new Yamaha 250 HPDI for a repower when the day comes. The reports I've read on this engine sound real convincing. Only time will tell though since it is a brand new engine block and not based on the other 2-stroke V-6's they have.

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Personally? Yamaha 225 4 stroke. Kicker? Probably Yamaha 9.9 4 stroke. Why? Value, dependability, servicability, resale, controls and finally, OEM guages/fuel management.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products.../03f225_34.jpg

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Long way to go before this happens.....BUT ........

Either the Yamaha 250 HPDI or a pair of Suzuki Four Strokes on the Potter bracket has me in a "trance" at the moment. Was recently on a dive boat with a pair of 140's ..... WOW !!!!

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

I am also with Pipe dream, inboard Yanmar. I havent ever worked on a diesal but I am certain I could. I can work on my gas 350 everything just about and that is why I like inboard power. If it dies I can replace and have a brand new gas powerplant for 3k. I carry spare fuel pump, electronic ignition circuit board, and plenty of hose clamps and duct tape,lol. It has gotten me in from offshore before . craig- to much info

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

My answer, a 260hp Yanmar inline 6. Before I bought my twin 115 suzi's, I got estimates and performance #'s for a 260(then called a 250) Yanmar. To fill the transom and mount the engine with a jackshaft to a bravo 1 the cost was estimated in the $26,000 range. Top spead was est at 46-47 mph, 4.0mpg at low cruise of 23kts or 6.6 gph and about 30kts cruise at 9 gph for 3.8mpg. We were going to build a custom helm seat that would house the motor and still leave the center console free and the stern open. I chose the Suzuki's because the cost was 14.5 for the pair installed. I get about 2.8mpg at 27kts and 4200 rpm's. Perhaps when I get this bracket project over I will pick up a little speed and/or mpg. If I had to do it over again, I would do it the same.

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

As far as cost is concerned, Billybob, two Suzuki 115/140's will run you about 16k installed. A new 250hp Yamaha or Rude or a Honda 225 or Yamaha 225 will cost the same installed. Go for two fours! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Twin suzi 140's for now counter rotating.

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Are twins out of the question for direct Transom mount on a 23'? It seems that everyone says it causes the Boat to sit too low in the ass end. Would twin Suzuki DF140's or 115's be too heavy? That's around 850 lbs. What is the max weight that the 23' can handle on the back and still perform properly?

Thanks,

Rich

Also, what's to the rumor I keep hearing that Suzuki is soon to realese big HP 4 stroke??

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Rich

Some of the early boats had twin motors on the short transom .... I know mine did...but the motors of yesterday also didn’t hav ethe weight of today’s engines. My personal feeling is you need a bracket for twin motors.

Briguys the one to talk to about mounting a pair of motors in the notch. Cant wait to hear how Capt Brian does with the twin 115 on the bracket

horsepower .... I have seen a pair of 225's mounted on a Stainless Marine bracket on a 23 ..... dont understand why …… but to each his own.

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Rich- twin 140's with a floating bracket should be fine (thats what I plan). Should make a nice combo I would think.
Haven't heard anything about a big uki 4 stroke, it's not in their '03 product line at least.
I have a 115 on Aquasport 200 and I think it's the greatest thing since sliced white bread. Dry weight of the boat is 2300lbs and it does close to 40mph 5900rpm, cruse at 30+- mph at 4000rpm, which for that boat is plenty (12 degree deadrise).
These engines redline at 6000rpm's [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

Scott, I spoke to the owner of the 23 with twin 225 opti's. The boat was a 99 redone by saltshaker marine with a full solid fiberglass transom, flotation bracket and '02 Merc 225's. He put some hours on it and decided to sell it. During my conversation, he said the boat was fast and furuios but was really ass heavy. He almost swapmed it in the keys! When you add up a solid glass transom(250lbs) twin opti's and ss props(1200 lbs) and a bracket(175lbs) your talkin nearly 1600 pounds! My 115 suzi's are 830 total wet with props. As for my project, I am ready to roll and tip the transom and I finished sanding and fairing the cap today. A little bit of fg work on the inside and I'm ready to BRACKET. Hopefully santa will bring me a digital camera. I've been working 12 hour days at my real job so it has seriousley cut into my boat work.

Re: "Dream" Power for a 23?
 

my 23 seacraft currently has a 225 suzuki on it. get good performance out of it. 28.5 knot cruise and 38 knot max. i believe the boat would go faster if it didnt have so much bottom paint on it (really needs to be sand blasted down). im really looking forward to when suzuki is coming out with their larger four stroke. i'd really be interested in twin 150's or 175's. just a little larger than the current 140.