Ed,
Jeff McAnally, a good friend on mine, bought a 27' Seamaster NEW from Frank Brown in 1967 and cruised it all over the Bahamas for many years! Unfortunately he's not computer literate so is not on the forum, but he's extremely knowledgeable about the 27 and is a real gearhead and performance-minded guy, so can provide good advice on any inboard or I/O engine and performance issues. I did manage to get him on the phone with Brian (3rd Day) to discuss engine performance the one time I stopped by Brian's place on one of my trips down the St. Johns river. Jeff went through 3 different engines before he was satisfied with it, finally ending up with a 454 and MerCruiser II outdrive. He discovered a special low-rise Corvette intake manifold which reduced engine height enough that he was able to eliminate the engine box and have a flush deck over the engine! He said the only thing better than the 454 was TWO of 'em, so he finally bought a 28' Bertram with a pair of 454's in it that was a 50 mph rig! Bertram had never built one with those engines and refused to sell him one so equipped because they said it would screw up the boat's CG. Jeff said, "Fine, just sell me the boat minus engines, and I'll install 454's with aluminum heads, which weigh the same as a small block!"
I can provide Jeff's contact info to anyone that sends me a PM. Denny
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