23 Seacraft Repower question
 

New to me 1972 23 Seacraft Master Angler. Was running a 250 ox66 which died the other day. 25" Shaft on original transom ( no bracket). The boat was redone in 2002 so the transom is in very good shape. Original console, no ttop and batteries are under console. I do not use the rear live well.

I was very happy with how the boat ran with the ox66. I am considering a used yamaha f300 outboard

My question is will the boat be able to handle the added weight of the 4 stroke? I have read the hill is rated for up to 400hp. Has anyone hung a 300 on a non bracketed 23 and how did they like how the boat handled?

I have spent the past few days reading through old posts and most of the 300hp are on brackets. Any advice would be appreciated.

I think you would be just fine. Your current ox66 weights @ 25" shaft is 522 lbs, a new Yamaha F250XCA is listed at 562 lbs in a 25" shaft. This is dry weight tho, but time you factor in the oil container weight of the 2st, it should be pretty close in difference to these #s provided.

My 250 Tohatsu is 610# and it did make a difference how the boat sits in the water versus the 225 Merc EFI I replaced, I would say it's about 3/4" lower. However on plane it works just fine. Good luck finding a Yamaha re-power dealer who want's to work with you!!! I had no luck whatsoever. Bring your big check book!

Thanks for the feedback. Im considering used power and starting the search to see what is out there the past few days. Height of boating season here in Northeast so not so easy getting anyone on the phone. I’m not in a huge hurry so will see what comes up

Local Yamaha dealer told me not to buy the 300 due to issues. Was amazed they would say that.

Be careful purchasing used.

Thanks for the heads up on the 300. Still looking. A few leads but nothing locked in yet. Also considering a 250 as well

On my 23, I've had a lot of different wheels on it over the years and in my opinion, the large diameter ones just made the boat ride the best. I still have the saltwater series
15 1/4 x 17 that was on my ox 66 225. It didn't quite get the rpms that I needed. I've used it on my yami f225 and it just didn't have the power. I really think the f250 would have been what I needed. Of course my 225 has been on the boat now for 15 years .

I have a 300 G1 Etec haning on a notched transom 23, 30" shaft. Boat sits really nicely and handles like a dream!

Nice SeaCraft! What part of SC?

Vezo

Vezo - Charleston but have family in Bluffton

The absolute best transom option for a CC and likely any Sceptre/Tsunami as well.

Update
 

Found a 2006 F250 with 650 hours and had it hung last week. I picked up the boat on Wednesday. Mechanic did a great job hanging the engine and rigging controls etc

I am very happy with the motor. At 4400 rpm I am seeing 31mph with a burn rate of 3 mpg. Tops out around 5900/6000rpm although I don’t ever see myself running it that fast. 4-4500 rpm is the sweet spot

No noticeable difference in performance vs the 250 ox66. Maybe not quite as much torque in the low end but that is more than made up by the quiet and smoke free benefits of the 4 stroke.

Boat sits a touch lower but nothing that is of any concern

Thanks again everyone for the advice and feedback on engine selection