[ocuyler]

OK...

I've decided to defer the "pocket rocket" aquisition in favor of finishing the 23CC and putting the bucks into a new motor instead of re-installing a 1989 Yamaha 200 with 850 salt water hours (although she runs great).

It's down to Evinrude Ficht DI 225 or Honda 225 installed with a gauge package. Pricing is only slightly higher on the Honda. I love Honda products, but between a higher price, not much better MPG and higher maintainence costs, I believe the Ficht is a better choice. In our area, Yamaha dealers are hard to find, or I'd be looking there too.

The 225 Ficht will hypotheticaly push the 23CC to around 48 MPH at 3 MPG give or take. I'm calculating this with 3000 pound hull, 540 pound motor, 60 gal. fuel/half tank (500 pounds), 2 persons (500 pounds), 200 pounds of gear and 100 pounds batteries & oil. That's 4840, say 5000 pounds.

I'll place an order this week. Any comments?