single or twins - 23 CC
 

Hello everyone...this is my first time posting on the site. I've been following along for almost 2 years. I've been doing a restoration on a 1972 23 CC and am trying to decide what to repower with. I've filled in the transom and am using a HermCo twin bracket, so I can use either a single 30" shaft motor or twin 25". I'd like the boat to be pretty fast. Does anyone have any feedback for putting on a big single (250 or 300) versus twins (150, 175, 200)? The boat is completely ripped apart so I'm putting a new fuel tank in as well. The motor decision will help decide how much fuel to put back in.

Thanks,
-J4

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Welcome to Classic SeaCraft jleek

A single will suit the 23' just perfectly. In todays economy ---------> double trouble, double maintenance, double water pumps, double props etc etc means double expense :(

I can top out 48 mph with a light load given good sea conditions with my single. The big blocks give you solid torque when needed. How fast do you want to go anyway? How often are you going to be running balls to the walls?
Oh and BTW if you decide on twins, should you drop a motor, you won't plane that hull with one 135hp - 150hp engine......

my 2 cents

Capt Chuck

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

im going with a single 250 on mine as well. no bracket though.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Lots to consider, mostly dependent in what you plan to do with the boat.

If you are going to boat a lot where coming home under your own power is real important, twins or a single and kicker are pretty much required if you like your skin.

Twins can be made faster top end, but there should not be much difference in cruise speed between a big single and twins.

A single is a whole lot less money, weight, maintenance, fuel, etc. Adding a kicker is cheaper than twins, but ungainly, subject to damage, and slower than coming home on one of twin engines. Also less control in snotty conditions.

If you are planning to scuba dive, think about space in the stern for dive platform, etc. Also total weight( carrying capacity) after adding 10 tanks, divers, gear, etc

Having owned most of the possible combinations, my preference is an 1/0 single and kicker with a big dive platform, mainly because I can force myself to maintain a single to the max. Twins maintenance gets away from me (personal experience)and I end up limping home too often.

Have fun considering the options.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

It will handle much better with a big single, I did a switch from 2/150's to a 300

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

I have a single 250 Yam on bracket and will probably repower with a single 250-300. That said, if I were to your point and really had the choice you have ($$ not a real big issue) I would like twins at least 200's. I think twin 200 Yam HPDI's would be awsome.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Hi jleek4:

One of the reasons I love my 23 CC is because it is about the biggest boat you can get and still go with one single with out compromising on performance.
If you go with one 250-300 you will have more than enough power and speed then your sea conditions will let you use. Your hole shot is fast and your cruising speed will not over tax your engine. You can put lots of people and stuff in the boat and still be ok. As for security here in South Florida one engine and Sea Tow is all you need and because of the dependability of the newer engines I have never called Sea Tow.

FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins :D

Official Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

A boat salesman who was trying to sell me a new boat a few years ago said.

I would like to sell you twins...do need them NO....

Most engine's fail because of maintenance. So if you have twins and you do not maintain them, one fails and guess what the second one is not far behind.

If you don't need them...don't get them. ;)

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

I did the switch from a single 225 hung on the transom to twin 200 etecs on a bracket. I love the current set up. It's fast like I wanted.
When I had the single top speed was 46 mph cruise was 26 mph getting almost 3 mpg. With twins I get 61 mph WOT cruise is 29 mph getting 2.26 mpg.

There are pluses and minuses to both. The single will get you better fuel economy and ride like a Seacraft was meant to. If you hang twins you will need to move weight forward to get the same ride or you will be using lots of tabs. I moved my gas tank forward.

If I had to do it again and money wasn't an issue. I don't thnk I could decide.I would have to flip a coin.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

IMHO, a single 225 is adequate. A single 250 is ideal.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

All this input has been very helpful. Thanks everyone. I think I'm gonna go with a single 300 Yamaha.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Have a Yam 200 ox66 on mine and its fine, you dont
need a 300

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Good choice John... I'm guessing one of those new 4-stroke V6 300's. Didn't know you had a project like that. Anyway, hope all is well and don't forget to post some pictures.

Steve M.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

I wanted to ask the same question and stumbled across this thread. But I have a different desire. I want to use a 23CC with a hermco bracket and run from Boston Harbor towards Newport R.I. occasionally. And mostly fish. With the conditions around here and the time of year for fishing (into October) I don't need speed. And a 4 stroke (or two) is a must as I get seasick fast around two strokes. As is getting home. 25knots is fine for me for speed. But I was wondering about the weight of dual 4 strokes on a bracket. Like dual Honda BF90s or BF115s?

Haven't bought the boat yet, looking at a 23CC, maybe a 20CC with a bracket and trailering it more.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Ouick story on this......years ago a guy was docked next to me at the same place as I was staying and had just had his twin 2-strokes replaced with twin Honda 130hp on his 25' Pro Line which had a bracket. Was so proud on his decision to upgrade to 4-strokes, save on gas money, etc. One problem, it would not get on plane properly, way too much weight versus the two strokes. Had to trim the engines all the way down and put the passengers to the front to get on plane. Keep the Honda 4-stroke weight issue in mind.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

yeah, that was why I was maybe thinking dual 90s at 365 lb each. For some reason I think earlier BF90s were lighter at a 1000cc size but I have to go google that.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

i dont think you will have enought power with anything less then 120hp but i may be wrong i have twin 130's and it seems perfectly matched jumps out of the hole and cruses easily at around 30 at 4000rpms as far as top end i haven't ever opened them up but they respond to throttle input very well to adjust to what's happening up here in out very unpredicable weather and sea conditions but keep in mind it's a complete dog with just one running but it is still going foward or out of danger!!! as far as a 4 stroke my 2 smokers are a lot of weight on the back without a flotation bracket also keep in mind the new 2 strokes are very clean burning so dont rule them out just yet i would love to put on a 250 e-tec and loose some weight and double my mpg's
just my 2 cents don't hesitate to get a hold of me with any other questions
matt

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Twin 200 HPDI's on Trayder's conch 27 is stupid fast and that is a much much bigger boat that cruises at 40mph+. Twin 200's is totally unnecessary on a 23 seacraft.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Yeah, I kinda agree!! If I had my way and the money....my wife says I can't have my way and I know I don't have the money.....soooooo I would have either a single 250 or if I wanted to go crazy twin 150 ETECs on a Hermco bracket. My 'ol 225hp single does a very good joob and I really think anything over 300hp is serious overkill. My two cents.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

[QUOTE]
Yes, but there are few things in life like the sound of two big two strokes and the smell of twice the oil. :D

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Tim, you're absolutely right. BUT, blasting along in 1' to 2' seas at 65 mph in a 23' SeaVette running twin Bridgeports (and burning 70+ gph) is one of my fondest SeaCraft memories.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

I must be getting old. Don't get me wrong 45mph cruise is awesome!! but there just aren't that many days when it's calm enough. Running faster than 30mph in the 23 with 20knts SW winds requires too much concentration for extended periods. Outboard motors have a narrow powerband and Twin 200's on a 23 moves the optimum cruising speed into the 40 - 50mph range. IMO this is way outside safe and comfortable cruising speeds in typical conditions on a 23ft boat. If you like to fish without wearing crash helmets, find a nice single 250hp engine.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

You got that right after about 30-35 MPH in average seas you need a longer boat or your just start skipping over the tops of the waves and when you land on the next wave the boat starts biting into that wave and usually in a way you really don’t like.

The first rule in boating is “Bring Them Back Alive”



FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins :D :D

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

Amen and Amen.

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

I have twin 175 optimaxes .I'm planning on adding a bracket this winter, one of the reasons I bought the boat was I had a friend with a 23 with twin 200 mercs,just because you can run 20 mph faster than some guys can doesn't mean you have to,better to have it and not need it,I cruise around 40 at 2.8mph

Re: single or twins - 23 CC
 

I am running a single 225 on my 23. It is fine. I would like to put twin 200s on it though. I do run a ton of 100 mile plus rides alone and the security would be nice. Of course if you can not get on a slide on one of the twins it does not do you much good.

When I repower it will be with a 250eTECH to replace my 2006 225 eTECH since I can not justify the cost to go with twins and as some others mentioned, I will not maintain 2 motors as well as I do 1. I tend to run 300-400 hours a year so the maintenance bill will climb pretty quick.

Go with what makes sense for you, if you need that back up and have a fat wallet twins is tough to pass up on but if you do not have much wiggle room in the wallet a nice 225-300 will be just fine.