[Water Rat]

Alan:

My apologies for not responding to your post sooner - seems I always get interrupted every time I log onto ClassicSeaCraft.com. Also, Scott, thank you for your kind words.

I repowered my boat in 1989. Went from a single, old OMC 230hp V8 with the lousy OMC outrive to a MerCruiser 7.4 litre (454 c.i.) block, 330 h.p., with a Bravo 1 drive. At that time the Bravo 1 had been around about 2-3 years. Here is my list of pro's and con'son this set-up.

Pro's:
Though some may disagree with me, the installation is not all that tight. I do most of my own maintenance work, and only really wish I had better access to the bottom end of the motor (starter, plugs, etc.). Access to front, rear, and top is generally good, and should be especially so in your boat if you maintain the original cut-out for the twins. As for performance, at a 3000rpm cruise, light boat, calm conditions, I get approx. 24 knot cruise and 36 knot top. 3500 rpm will give 26-28 knot cruise in those conditions. I do not care so much about top end, but comfortable cruise and plenty of torque. Compared to my first motor, performance in that area is night and day. However, I still wish for more torque when riding the back of a large following sea. I am very pleased with the Bravo 1 - little to no cavitation, and boat responds well to trim adjustments. The boat is relatively fuel efficient; with my 2 tanks totaling 110 gallons, I get about 150 to 200nm range, depending on conditions. Also, noise levels are very good, even with no sound insulation. Overall reliability has been excellent. I now have about 1400 hours on this block and drive with no significant problems ever. Just make sure you are properly "zinced" and watch them carefully to prevent corrosion.

Con's:
Again, access to the lower end of the motor could be a lot better. My motor is carbureted, and I do wish for better efficiency. At low speeds (under 7-8 knots) the boat does "wander" a lot, like most single engine deep V hulls, but I have heard a Bravo 3 drive eliminates a lot of that (I have never run one). I am at the number of hours on this drivetrain now where I am looking at repower options and think that a Yanmar diesel I/O set-up (315 hp) will probably meet all of my needs the best. I believe there is another member on this site with that drivetrain, but forget his name. Weight aft is an issue with any of the old 23's; however, I only get really heavy "puddling" with an full load of fuel and 2 guys on the same side of the boat.

One last thought is that put Mercury Kiekhafer 280S "K-Plane" trim tabs on my boat a few years ago. They may be a bit overkill, and you can "overtab" with these if you get careless, but they mad a huge difference in the heavy water ride, and high speed smooth water handling of the boat.

Hope this helps with your decision. Please e-mail me if I can be of further help.

Chris