1984 23 Seacraft Sceptre Hard top

[diver429]

I bought this boat down in Point Pleasant NJ back in May , 2008. It has a 200 mercury optimax outboard on a full transom armstrong bracket. The boat according to seacraft specification weighs 3150 lbs. The boat at 5400 rpms runs 35 miles an hour. I have to run the boat at 4600rpms just to go 25 miles an hour. Do these numbers sound accurate to you guys. It also has a 100 gallon tank which I dont fill. I usually leave not more than half in the tank. I would like to put a 250hp 4 stroke on the bracket but I am concerned about the weight. I definetly think the boat is under powered at this time and I hate to run at such high rpms. Between the 2 motors there is a 80 lb difference. Does anyone have a hardtop with a outboard bracket with a 250 hp 4 stroke on it. If you do what speeds do you run at, meaning wide open trottle and at cruise. Thanks for any input in advance. Peter M.