Overpowered?
 

I just purchased a 1970 Seacraft 20' that was completely restored in 2011. This is my first Seacraft. The boat comes with a 2003 Yamaha 250 Saltwater Series II on a 24" bracket, the boat has a closed transom. I would like to know if this boat is overpowered? I noticed that it does sit below the water line but it also had an empty fuel tank. Would filling the tank level the boat out? Would adding weight to the front help? Or should I just sell the motor and downgrade? If I do need to downgrade what motor and hp should I go with?

Thanks,
Luis

Does it have a flotation bracket? If not, then it will sit really low in the stern even with full fuel. Overpowered? Based on the max HP, yes, and most likely would be an insurance issue if you ever had to make a claim, but I bet it's pretty damn fun at full throttle.:D

Personally I would not want that much motor on a 20', bracket or not, as they were designed for smaller 3-4 cylinder OBs of the day, particularly in the 85-115hp range. That 250 is 500lbs hanging off the back, not the 275-300lbs the boat was designed for.

I greatly appreciate the reply. Boat does have a flotation bracket and does sit low in the back but it had an empty fuel tank. But, once this boat gets on plane it really flies. I would go to a 115 but I do not want to be underpowered. Do you think that with the flotation bracket and some fuel it will be better?

My 150 Merc moves my 20' pretty good.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...7/e95221bd.jpg

I have a 20' with a 250 yamaha without the bracket and the boat is over powered definitely but it's nice to be able to cruise at 48 mph at 4700 rpms.

Supposedly you can plane out on a 85 hp motor with these boats, maybe even 75. I can run 33 MPH on a 100 hp motor, and I am not the only one with that motor. That isn't for everyone, but it gives you an idea.

Now you are starting to think. The outer plane of the VDH brings you up. The next is sugar.

The center is where they shine.

Put her down and get on top.

Be prudent with conditions. Slow down and think of the Fishalot II.

Cheers,
GFS

The estimated 6 MPG isn't awful either! :D

Most were sold with 150's but thats all we had back then. I have 200 but really don't need it, 250 is a tad overkill no doubt. Filling the tank will make it sit lower, my batteries are under the very front of the console - not sure what that thing weighs but I'm at 410 and feel thats about it. Don't know the bracket effect