Thanks Denny, I really appreciate the insight. WOT feels like 30 mph or less at 3900 rpm... Original tach, so sketchy at best. Seafari quickly does 36 mph and that feeling of speed is there. That nimble quickness is not there in the 21. Of course it's a lot heftier and I really haven't spent the time or effort to dial it in. The seafari is dialed in with a solid 115 tower, goes w/o saying. very different animals.
I'm not really wanting to hop it up just seeking I6 reliability and a sense of giddy up if necessary. I'd love to see 40mph or so cuz the hull deserves it, but I don't think I'd be inclined to spend a big wad of cash on a hot cam or carb to gain 2-3 knots on top end. Most of the time I would be cruising 15-20 knots or less searching for fish offshore.
I want consistent and absolute control @ low idle for trolling and docking and the inherent low and midrange torque of the I6 on plane. I want to preserve Carl's balance fore and aft, and to keep the original engine cover. I really like the original layout, although truth is l really lack Brian and Terry's discipline and motivation skills to do fantastic restorations like theirs.
