23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

I recently purchased a 73 23ft Seacraft i/o hull. The question I have for anyone who would be so kind as to answer me is this. I need to repower and a diesel i/o package is the way im leaning.Is there anyone out there who can give a suggestion as to which manufacturer and which package I should consider. Im thinking long term with this boat I want to do it right the first time !

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

i believe yanmar would be best from what ive understood. the lightest and ive heard less issues with them than any other diesel engine.....

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Someone on this site repowered with a Steyr (sp). Check it out

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

actually i heard those engines are top notch... italian made i believe..... and very pricey.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

A diesel SC is going to be quite rare, so you may not get a lot of intel through owners on this site, although some members are pretty well versed in all types of engines. If you haven't checked it out already, www.boatdiesel.com is a great resource to help you make your choice.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

The newish Steyr 256 sounds like a great candidate. Austrian rather than Italian, but what's a little border war between friends :D

Indmar is selling them as Indmar 256 and targeting the ski boat market.

708 lbs and offering 250 hp out of 195 ci, and 500 ft/lbs of torque at cruise, it looks to be a hell of a motor combo hooked up to a 200 lb Bravo series or a V-P Duopro...check out the details keep in mind fuel curve is in liters/hr

http://www.steyr-motors.com/products...engl_oct09.pdf

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

As the Yanmar diesel/sterndrive dealer network is rather slim in the US, you may want to consider the two diesel sterndrive power systems with extensive dealer support: Volvo-Penta, or Cummins/Mercruiser.

Or you could go with the Lancing Marine Transom Drive set-up. A lot fewer parts, and very simple. Add your favorite diesel engine (marinized, or course) and a ZF tranny. Cost is a whole lot less than a new diesel sterndive. A couple of threads I've read show them to be popular with the International/Navistar diesel V8's (Ford 7.3, and 6.8 liter) and with smaller 100-180 hp Isuzu and Peugot diesels.

Finally, there is the bolt-in/bolt-up replacement for GM V8 gas motors from Marine Diesel in Sweden. 170 to 300 hp.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

I agree with the Padre, and the Volvo setup is the lightest since the block, head and drive are all aluminum. You get 220hp in their most powerful iteration, more than enough for the boat, the middle of the road 190hp version is probably the best bet. I tested a Bertram 26 with twin Cummins and she ran great but they're pretty heavy engines, since the Seacrafts are much more susceptible to extra weight in the transom they may not be a good idea.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

i thought volvos were the heaviest????

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

The total weight of the 220 hp D3 engine WITH the DPS outdrive is 800 lbs, all other diesels of comparable hp are either steel or iron and weigh much more. The 220 hp Cummins-Mercruiser engine weighs 794 lbs and the Yanmar weighs 703 lbs, both WITHOUT the drives.

However, lesser hp Cummins and Yanmar engines weigh less, around 550 lbs without the drives. That's where the difference lies, the lesser hp Cummins and Yanmar engines weigh less than the lesser hp D3 Volvo engines which ALL models weigh 800 lbs.


Have fun with the choices! :D

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Thank everyone for the info on my 23 project boat I found the Lancing marine transome assemembly quite interesting. Has anyone actualy used one ? And the next question is it a possible to convert my 23 sterndrive into a inboard. I have a donerboat with many of the parts that I would need. Has anyone done this? Is it worth the effort?

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

I bought the vw 225hp tdi w/ 450 lbs. of torque. They have just signed with mercruiser to market them under the merc name. Its an i/o v6 thats set up for a bravo. They have been running them in europe with good results.Emissions have kept them out of the states I believe.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Wags, thanks for poppin in here. Could you share some performance numbers? please? That motor is super-light and the economy numbers I'm getting from vwMarine site are ridiculous: 4+ nmpg WOT, 8-9 nmpg cruise... what's your result?

Thanks.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

That TDI/Bravo looks like a sweet package, how does it compare in cost and weight to a 4 stroke outboard?

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Tommyv welcome to CSC, When you say donerboat do you mean youre starting with 2 23 hulls? I think you could find an inboard hull and save a lot of work.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Mcgill I would love to give numbers but the engines on a crate and theres a foot of snow up here.Gonna have to wait to spring Johnny

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Wags, Roger, that... and judging by our Wednesday rains it looks like you'll get another 6" by Sunday... We'll look forward to your spring results.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

This weathers good for planning the projects. I need to get me one of those bravo diesel outdrives.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

How hard is it to convert a 23 to jack-shaft with engine in console? Cost prohibitive?

Also, is Mercuiser 7.3 a good fit for the 23?

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

The IB will have a tunnel to deal with which would be some major surgery to remove. An OB or I/O would require work under the console and potentially filling in a transom (OB). Either way the work would be fairly extensive.

I remember seeing a 23 CC inboard for sale a few years ago (maybe NJ) that was running a 454. Not sure if that was a factory option but it would appear you can squeeze one under the console.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Scott - I have 23 that was set up for twins sitting in my front yard. I did spend some time looking up jackshaft thread on CSC though. Is is possible to convert an OB boat to jackshaft?

The plan is a bracket and then a 250 ob. But I have access to some good clean biodiesel and have been considering a jackshaft and an old diesel.

I ask about that turbo powerstroke because the grease car guys love that engine.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

The 7.3 Powerstroke engine is a 1960's International design now made by Navistar since they bought out International. Ford purchased most of the production of that engine for years. It is also marketed under the T444E designation for Navistar, and the D444T and D444E under the International nameplate. While most of these engines not sent to Ford were used in buses or small commercial trucks, there are marine variants of this engine out there, mostly marketed in Asia and Australia. Mahindra manufactures this engine for Navistar in the Asian market.

With regular proper maintenance, the 7.3 will easily exceed 500,000 miles, or 10,000 hours of operation. It can be tuned to produce between 215 and 700 hp (depending on how it breathes), and produce over 600 ft. lbs of torque.

My '02 7.3L was re-programmed by Ford during a recall in early '06, and according to the documentation, the HP rating went from 275 to 315hp at 2600 rpms, and the max torque went from 500 ft lbs up to 525 ft lbs. At the same time, my fuel economy went up by about 12%, from a combined average of 16.3 mpg, to 18.2 mpg. Since then I have gotten to the point of needing my injectors rebuilt or replaced, and my economy has fallen over the past 8 months to only 17.6 mpg average. I have over 200K on the truck, which is about the expected life-span of the injectors. Reman'd injectors are about $300 to $400 each.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

I like the idea of a Cummins 4bt turned up some. Bread truck motor, shares tons of parts with the 6bt. Guys are turning them up fairly cheap and getting an easy, reliable 250-300 hp and 600-700 lbs. of torque on the stock longblock, you can run a continuos 40psi and spike for a bit to 60psi watching the pyros on stock headbolts, stud it and you could boost much higher, again reliably. Not saying you would or should, just saying the Cummins really doesn't mind being turned up and they have flatter torque than anything else and are cheapppp in a lot of cases. I'd just do injectors, a fuel pin, & a lift pump, it'll rip in a boat that size and still get great fuel economy. Just my opinion.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Sorry Ken, when you said 7.3 I thought you really meant the gas 7.4, not the PSD. I have no experience converting a boat like this so I really can't comment if you can or can't do the jackshaft thing. I suppose with the right amount of money and skill anything is possible.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

I guess that's why they have boat shows, right? To figure out how much the conversion will cost. I have no doubt someone will tell me it's possible... the issue is $$$.

The true world marine guys do a jackshaft, and I think I have seen the set up in the albin/cape cod 26. AND obviously Tug's boat is bada$$.

I just wonder why more guys have not done jack shafts in 23s. Price of tranny/block? Loud noises? (thanks brick tamland from anchorman).

Anyway if I can get the whole rig together for under 6k or 7k (including and old engine block that won't mind drinking kitchen grease) it's at least worth considering.

This seems like a good deal: ($5k buy now.)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Konra...#ht_500wt_1182
"For sale is a Konrad 520 Diesel outdrive. The drive is in good condition and in proper working order with no corrosion issues. They have been checked out, filled with fresh gear oil and are ready to be bolted on and go. Great replacement for outdated TRS drives and other drives that cant handle the torque of the diesels. These will also work with gas engines. As you know Konrads are bullet proof and the only drive that can handle the abuse of commercial applications and high horse power and torque ratings. The ratio is 1.43 and can easily be changed by matching it to the appropriate ratio transmission, Serial number 5746. I have 14 drives available...and 8 complete transom assemblies...Also in stock are complete Bravo 2 drives and bravo 1 and 2 lower units complete and empty cases. Quantity discounts available trying to clear room in the shop.

All items are sold as-is where is. I will assist with shipping; buyer is responsible for cost. Drives are located in Westchester NY and can be seen anytime. If you have any Questions give Randy a call at (914) 384-9869. Thanks"

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Sorry frank, I am little confused. Is the merc 7.3 this same engine block? Did this engine make it into boats? Is this too much motor for a 23 with jackshaft?

And Do I even want to consider marinizing on my own? There is a guy on the tolman skiff site who says down under (I think he is in new zeland) they regularly marinize diesel car isuzu and nissan engines. He is currently doing the conversion himself. Not sure what he is changing.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

"The bears can smell the menstruation". Okay, I have officially derailed this thread. ;) I ran into Steve Carrell at the super market last winter around Xmas (he has a house in my town) and I chatted with him for a few minutes. Seems like a pretty down to earth guy but you could tell he just wanted to get on with food shopping.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Same block, but Mercruiser gets the D-Tronic 7.3L motor direct from Navistar, including fuel system and intake. No, it's not too much motor. The D-Tronic is rated at 270 hp, but produces 500 ft lbs of torque, compared to the measly 365 ft lbs of the 5.7L MPI gas motor.

Changing the D-Tronic over to the Ford fuel system and using the Ford computerized controller appears to be a process few have tackled, although one guy claims success, and says he Superchip'ed his motor and uses an aftermarket turbo to achieve 600 hp in a Baha 33' with a B2 drive.

So it can be done, but do you really want to be a trailblazer in this?

This is a case where I recommend the Volvo-Penta.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

Thanks Frank that makes sense. Always enjoy reading your posts.

Is this cat too big?

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/boa/2185609958.html



For Sale: (1) Caterpillar 3116 / 350 H.P Marine Diesel Engine With Z.F. 220 A, 1.533:1 Ratio Transmission. Running Take-Out. Listed On E-Bay As:# 300505857943 Price: $4,250.00 Offered and Sold As Is, Where Is As Shown. Cash and Carry. No E-Mails*.Best To Contact Me On My Cell Phone: (774)451-2889. Mon.- Sat. 8:00 -5:00

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

I don't know jack about jack-shafts but that seems like an awfully heavy motah choice for any 23... really tall too...

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

OK first one was too small. Second was too big. According to the story with the three bears, this one is supposed to be just right.

So which block on this list is the best fit?

http://marshallsmachine.com/

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

For a 23' GM 350 & 5.7 L vortec are the only ones that make sense to me. 305 would do the job, but for same $ you'd be happier with the 350 cid. Parts and mechanics everywhere. Pretty sure jack-shaft kits are available.

Re: 23 SEACRAFT PROJECT BOAT
 

i agree with Gillie.