[bigeasy1]

I can't help with the outboard performance as I have an I/O. Maybe the following will help.

My 1974 23' Tsunami (Sceptre) with a 260hp 350 ci Mercruiser with an alpha drive sits low in the stern as opposed to the outboard models that many say sit low in the bow.
My low stern is probably due to the weight of the 8hp Yamaha (105 lbs) hanging off the back and also the four electric down riggers with 12 lb weights adding another approx. 150lbs.

Having said that the boat jumps on plane almost instantly and rides extremely well. Trolling speed with the I/O does well from 3.5 mph and above,(I can go slower with the I/O but have to throw the bags out to keep the RPM's up).Most of our salmon trolling speeds on the great lakes is from 2 to 4 mph depending on currents.

95% of our trolling is with the 8 hp Yammie kicker If its blowing and too rough for the kicker I'll throw out two bags and use the outdrive.

As for tracking, this is one of the only boats I've owned that tracks in a very straight line when we are trolling and away from the wheel when netting a fish.It also tracks good in idle speed when coming into port.
The above may be because I run a set of 12x12 Bennett tabs with drop fins on them.The drop fins are about 3"deep.
I rarely use the tabs when fishing but they help a lot in a quartering sea, helping to keep the boat fairly level.

I honestly can't say anything bad about the boat other than the thru-deck scuppers are a PIA. The ride is excellent .The only thing that gets a bit squirrely is running in a following sea,it tends to get a bit spooky at times although It may be due to me not being the best pilot.

Hope this was of some help.