Kahuna - thanks for the kind words. It's a 1972 hull . . . I'd love to see some pics of your boat. It must be in great shape being stored inside on a rack.
I struggled over the I/O outboard swap . . . and strick talked me into making the bracket. It's taken forever mainly b/c I screwed up a few times, but the bracket is getting sprayed today in my garage.
I'm also really excited to see how the numbers come out with the motors. I have two power options . . . 1980 Merc v150 and a 1979 V200. Both motors are right out of a time capsule (essentially brand new). I swaped the carbs, reeds, and tuner off a Mariner Magnum (same as the XR2 Merc) on the old v150 . . . I'm also going to run the 16 amp setup instead of the original 9 amp. I'm expecting to hit low 40's top end with a 25 - 28 mph cruise (good for the west coast). 150 should save a little $$ on fuel too over the 2.4L motors.
The plan is to fish this year with the engine box and next year tear out the box and free up the back for a nice 30 gallon live well.
Here's some 2.0L 150hp merc numbers on a heavier Wellcraft V20.
3800rpm
4500rpm
5400rpm
