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Old 04-17-2009, 02:19 PM
Fr. Frank Fr. Frank is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Shalimar, Florida
Posts: 2,265
Default Re: Porpoising Seavette

Quote:
...Didn't think economy at cruise was an issue to a dude set on running over 60mph On the other hand you can do more often if there's more gas left to burn
You have a point, here. But SeaCrafts CAN be made to run over 60, and I have seen a 20' SeaCraft with a slightly modified hull approach (but not quite reach) 70 mph.

I didn't do the hull work, but I did tune the rig on a 20' SF with a 240 hp. Merc Bridgeport on a hydraulic jackplate. We ended up running a custom prop from 2nd Effort in Lk. Hamilton, FL. The boat was REALLY, REALLY Squirrelly from about 55 to 62-63, and then settled down until reaching 68, which was WOT. Without trim tabs and the hull mod, there is no way it could have been pushed past 62.

The hull mod was done by Rybovich/Spencer in WPB, and included a flat planing pad on the rearmost 5'-6' of the center V, much like the early Steve Stepp 22' Velocity hulls. With a similar modification, I believe a 20' or 23' can easily be pushed past 70 mph with modern outboards.

I think your hull, Steve, can be pushed to near 80 mph with a similar mod, and a change in drive and engine, ..say to Mercruiser EU662-SCI.
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Common Sense is learning from your mistakes. Wisdom is learning from the other guy's mistakes.

Fr. Frank says:
Jesus liked fishing, too. He even walked on water to get to the boat!

Currently without a SeaCraft
(2) Pompano 12' fishing kayaks
'73 Cobia 18' prototype "Casting Skiff", 70hp Mercury
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