A single 200hp Yamaha 2.8 liter 4 cylinder is a fine engine for the 23ft Seacraft.
When this hull was introduced, the OMC 235hp 2.6 liter crossflow was the popular engine of choice. This was a crankshaft rated engine up until 1986. In 1987 this engine was reduced to 175hp prop shaft rating. The 235hp OMC was never much over 200hp on its best day.
Another forum member in Europe has a 115hp on his 23ft Seacraft and reports high 20 mphs.
In my opinion it all comes down to set up. I would rather have the new 150hp Mercury and spend a few days trying 10-15 different modern props (Enertia, Enertia ECO, Rev 4, and Mirage Plus) and engine height vs an F225 with an off the shelf M17 Yamaha prop mounted all the way down.
Set up makes a huge difference and very few people spend the time to dial a boat in. 25hp is not a lot with a poor set up. I would also argue that most boats are set up wrong (yes from the factory) right off the bat.
My proof is a 25ft Bertram Flybridge with bimini (10ft beam) that hit 41mph light with a single 225hp Optimax. I dialed it in and moved weight for the balance to get it right.
Just my 2 cents.
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