single or twins - 23 CC

[jleek4]

Hello everyone...this is my first time posting on the site. I've been following along for almost 2 years. I've been doing a restoration on a 1972 23 CC and am trying to decide what to repower with. I've filled in the transom and am using a HermCo twin bracket, so I can use either a single 30" shaft motor or twin 25". I'd like the boat to be pretty fast. Does anyone have any feedback for putting on a big single (250 or 300) versus twins (150, 175, 200)? The boat is completely ripped apart so I'm putting a new fuel tank in as well. The motor decision will help decide how much fuel to put back in.

Thanks,
-J4

[Capt Chuck]

Welcome to Classic SeaCraft jleek

A single will suit the 23' just perfectly. In todays economy ---------> double trouble, double maintenance, double water pumps, double props etc etc means double expense

I can top out 48 mph with a light load given good sea conditions with my single. The big blocks give you solid torque when needed. How fast do you want to go anyway? How often are you going to be running balls to the walls?
Oh and BTW if you decide on twins, should you drop a motor, you won't plane that hull with one 135hp - 150hp engine......

my 2 cents

Capt Chuck

[Blue197320]

im going with a single 250 on mine as well. no bracket though.

[cdavisdb]

Lots to consider, mostly dependent in what you plan to do with the boat.

If you are going to boat a lot where coming home under your own power is real important, twins or a single and kicker are pretty much required if you like your skin.

Twins can be made faster top end, but there should not be much difference in cruise speed between a big single and twins.

A single is a whole lot less money, weight, maintenance, fuel, etc. Adding a kicker is cheaper than twins, but ungainly, subject to damage, and slower than coming home on one of twin engines. Also less control in snotty conditions.

If you are planning to scuba dive, think about space in the stern for dive platform, etc. Also total weight( carrying capacity) after adding 10 tanks, divers, gear, etc

Having owned most of the possible combinations, my preference is an 1/0 single and kicker with a big dive platform, mainly because I can force myself to maintain a single to the max. Twins maintenance gets away from me (personal experience)and I end up limping home too often.

Have fun considering the options.

[eggsuckindog]

It will handle much better with a big single, I did a switch from 2/150's to a 300

[Old'sCool]

I have a single 250 Yam on bracket and will probably repower with a single 250-300. That said, if I were to your point and really had the choice you have ($$ not a real big issue) I would like twins at least 200's. I think twin 200 Yam HPDI's would be awsome.

[Bigshrimpin]

I have a single 250 Yam on bracket and will probably repower with a single 250-300. That said, if I were to your point and really had the choice you have ($$ not a real big issue) I would like twins at least 200's. I think twin 200 Yam HPDI's would be awsome.

Twin 200 HPDI's on Trayder's conch 27 is stupid fast and that is a much much bigger boat that cruises at 40mph+. Twin 200's is totally unnecessary on a 23 seacraft.

[DonV]

Yeah, I kinda agree!! If I had my way and the money....my wife says I can't have my way and I know I don't have the money.....soooooo I would have either a single 250 or if I wanted to go crazy twin 150 ETECs on a Hermco bracket. My 'ol 225hp single does a very good joob and I really think anything over 300hp is serious overkill. My two cents.

[small45]

[QUOTE]

Twin 200's is totally unnecessary on a 23 seacraft.

Yes, but there are few things in life like the sound of two big two strokes and the smell of twice the oil.

[Fr. Frank]

Twin 200's is totally unnecessary on a 23 seacraft.

Tim, you're absolutely right. BUT, blasting along in 1' to 2' seas at 65 mph in a 23' SeaVette running twin Bridgeports (and burning 70+ gph) is one of my fondest SeaCraft memories.