1978 23 Sceptre type of power
 

Hello I am Twist. I am restoring a 23 1978 Sceptre at this time it is set up for I/O I am trying to decide if I should stay I/O or go Bracket and outboard. I will be buying a used engine as I am on a budget for power. Glass work is easy when your best bud builds and repairs boat. But he is not a Seacraft guy so any tips would be of great help. I live in the Tampabay area and will be fishing the gulf. i am not into fast but I do need to ass to do what needs done. I troll a lot so what size outboard would do the job.

Estimating CG Shift
 

Twist
You may be interested in examining my post "estimating cg shift with heavy engines" dated 9-24-16 and the subsequent remarks. My post links to an example calculation which can help you estimate the effect of Outboard on a bracket versus the I/O, Note there are other effects to consider: space opened up for other uses, minimum planing speed, better ride in the rough stuff with the pig iron in the boat. The inherent forward weight in a Sceptre versus a center console provides some compensation for aft mounted weight. Searching the CSC site provides a ton of answers and of course opinions. Search posts from Bigshrimpin, Bushwacker, Marshtacky, NoBones, DonV, FlyingFrizzle, Flexpat, and Kmoose to name a few. There are other knowledgable folks as well.

Man O Man have I seen that transom view before!!!

http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...ad.php?t=29137

One thing my brother has gained is more storage with the engine/outdrive gone. He's going with a flat floor front to back and to give you an idea how the space between the stringers is set up, from anchor locker back to transom. First 36" shallow storage, 48" fish box/storage, 74" gas tank, 36" dry storage, then remaining 36" or so bilge area. Plus he has the large console with the door in front for more dry storage, I could only dream about that much dry storage in my clunker.

He's going with a fixed bracket or a porta-bracket and outboard power 250 or 300 hp. I would think a Sceptre with bracket and 4S power would balance nicely.

Good luck.

Oh yeah, go on Instagram and search Seacraft boats, there is a white Sceptre with a late model Yamaha and one just below it with a Suzuki on a bracket to give you an idea how it will balance. Or just check out Moose's rebuild thread.

I for sure will take a look and I am leaning toward the outboard. The advantages makes sense. Ty for the reply

I will for sure be doing some searching and reading. i will check out the posts you have recommended.

Have a 23CC running a 357/265 Mercruiser rebuild coupled to a Alpha Gen2 outdrive. Rig is super well balanced,trolls all day, and gets up and goes (41kts wot, 30Kts cruise, plain at 18) This set up rides better in all conditions than my 25 Bertram. Also if your a semi gear head repairs are a snap, no chips, micro processors, special cables etc.. Maintance is on going but not rocket science, however isn't isn't any engine down here.

Deck space loss is the one big consideration on returning to an I/O. They do ride well with them but there are sacrifices with that option. Expense wise it is certainly cheaper.