Single or twins?

stanley · #1 07-06-2009, 11:58 AM

Curently have an 86 23 sf with a pair of 225 evinrude ocean pros. Transom weight here is about 950 pounds. Boat is extremely quick (about 58 mph). Thinking of a suzuki 4 stroke 300 that weighs in at about 600 pounds. I would think performance would be pretty close to the same/or should I do a pair of smaller 4 strokes. Any thoughts?

Bigshrimpin · #2 07-06-2009, 12:14 PM

Go with a single 300 . . . I would expect that the performance will drop top end under 50mph, but your fuel economy will dramatically improve.

KenB · #3 07-06-2009, 01:32 PM

Shrimp... you are supposed to tell him to go with the single 250! I remember when you told nat to look at the 250 over the 300.

Lower price, and unless you are doing 100 plus hours a season for many seasons, the increased MPGs don't save you any money.

That said, the 300 is a sick engine. Everyone should buy one!

Bigshrimpin · #4 07-06-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Shrimp... you are supposed to tell him to go with the single 250! I remember when you told nat to look at the 250 over the 300.

after reading about twin gas hog 225 Rudes and 58mph top end . . . I was operating under the assumption that poster wanted as much top ended and didn't care as much about cost/fuel economy as Nat might (being a new charter capt'n with limited budget). Just seemed like a different set of needs.

Snookerd · #5 07-06-2009, 03:29 PM

Big knows his stuff.........I have twin 225 Mercs @ 950 lbs on an Armstrong bracket. A big single is superior for weight and anything 250 to 300 is ideal. The current 250 Suzuki is priced excellent and the 300 Suzuki has even better speed and economy over the 250. FWIW.......

stanley · #6 07-06-2009, 05:12 PM

The rudes have been great motors, but they are getting old. Their is a dealer near the lake selling brand new 250's for $10k. For just a few bucks more can get the 300 and make the boat that more fun, let alone saying good bye to all those old shifters and gauges. The suzuke has fly by wire and single cluster gauge packages. Twins can get pricey.

DonV · #7 07-06-2009, 07:40 PM

Mr. "Goin"

You must spend all your time going to the bank to get money to feed those Ocean Pros. I had one of those and I can not believe that much fuel will run through a 3/8" hose in that short a time!!! Very dependable, very strong engines...It's just those six carbs per engine are VERY thirsty!! Keep us in the loop on the new power! Take Care.

SteveH · #8 07-06-2009, 07:45 PM

I like the 300 suzukis and 300 verados, personally over twins. More economical and less to maintain. I may be buying one or the other in next year or so for my 23 sc. Mercury website has some test numbers on it; one with a 250 verado on a newer 23 ft. tracker-built sea craft. Good example of what to expect with a 250..... It tops out at 47.7 mph, if memory serves. I would imagine a 300 verado (maybe suzuki too) would be in low 50s based on this. I can vouch for the 47.7 (with 250) on the newer seacraft too. My uncle has same exact set up and these numbers are very close to his.. Incidentally, is your boat located in the tampa area? I recall looking at a mid-80s seacraft for sale a few years back with twin 225 ocean pros on it.... no biggie, just wondering..

Fr. Frank · #9 07-06-2009, 08:10 PM

Merc also makes a 350 hp I6 Verado that is the same weight as the 250. Costs a bit more, though.

BA17 · #10 07-07-2009, 12:11 AM

Have not seen much talk on here about them, but did see a set of the 200 verados. Supposed to be close to 300#'s each. Looks like it would be a great motor for the 23'. Anyone have any experience with these motors?
BA