"Dream" Power for a 23?

[bmaj319]

Guys,

I’ve stumbled on a pretty clean 23’ Savage without power. I love my 18, but this darn boat has me losing sleep! I know we all have our own cherished beliefs on engine design, configuration and make. Without wanting to start another “Yamahas are better than Optis/Evinrudes/Suzukis/Hondas,” thread, I’m interested in hearing what people think the “ideal/dream” powerplant(s) for this boat would be (and why).

Intended use is island hopping, diving, a little trolling, often running in 2-4 foot seas. It’d be nice to be able to run at 40+ as conditions allow. Fuel economy, reliability and longevity are big on my list. I'd either want twins ar a big single with a kicker, just for insurance. Probably willing to bite the bullet and buy new.

I know Hooper’s just bought himself a Rude 225, Briguy’s running twin 115/4 Suzi’s, some of the 23’s have twin Merc 200’s, other guys have Yami SW’s…what do you like about what you’re running, and if you can, what’s been honestly a little disappointing?

Thanks in advance, bmaj

[PipeDreamsMarine]

It might be alot of work but I like inboard power. If it's a total rebuild "dream project" I'd glass the stern and rebuild the console to house a 180 Yanmar.

Don Battin
www.pipedreamsmarine.com

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I HAVE A 225 YAMAHA 30” SHAFT ON MY 23 OPEN FISH AND LOVE IT. IT HAS PLENTY OF POWER AND STILL NOT BAD ON GAS. I USE SEA TOW HAS MY KICKER.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Billybob]

I'd have to agree with Don,"dream" power would be a Yanmar in the console - unreal range and reliability.As for outboards, I would get a new Evinrude 250, best combo of power/weight/cost in my opinion.I can't argue with the guys that like twins for the "get you home" factor, it would be nice to have but you're paying a lot for a feature that you hope you won't need.I have Seatow ,too !

[ScottM]

I'm leaning towards the new Yamaha 250 HPDI for a repower when the day comes. The reports I've read on this engine sound real convincing. Only time will tell though since it is a brand new engine block and not based on the other 2-stroke V-6's they have.

[ocuyler]

Personally? Yamaha 225 4 stroke. Kicker? Probably Yamaha 9.9 4 stroke. Why? Value, dependability, servicability, resale, controls and finally, OEM guages/fuel management.