More on twins for 23'ers...

[sandman]

Hello fellow SC owners,

I have been lurking around for a while here and been meening to get on-board with you guys...

I am in considering re-powering my 2000 23' SC CC. Currently I have twin 150 fichts 'rudes on the standard transom (no bracket). They run fine. I have had some annoying electronic issues with one of them this past season but I finally got them worked them out (I think). That said for my type of use they are starting to age a little and I am thinking of newer more reliable technology. I really need reliablity first, then a fast cruise speed more then anything.

First, I have not witnessed the weight issue with twins that some says will happen on this boat, perhaps it is more of a factor with older (ie heavier) SCs with heavier engines. True with a full load of fuel and passangers the boat sits a little deeper but it still self-bail's fine and have had NO trouble in a following sea (has splash well with flip up backsplash panel. This boat came from seacraft pre-rigged with these engines. The 150 rudes weigh in at about 405# or each, boat holds 135 gal of fuel.

Performance: I don't consider this a " fast " boat but it is fast enough for my needs. I really don't want to go much slower however.

At 5000 rpm with SST props with full fuel load and 2 fisherman the boat will make 47.5 mph on gps. On a good day with clean bottom, light fuel load, downwind with the moon phase in my favor and trimmed up a bit with just me onboard I can hit 49 and change @5100. My calm-cruise is generally about 32-3400 rpm and cruise at about 34mph give or take. For rougher conditions @2800 I am running about 24mph. As far as fuel consupmtion...I have no idea, I wish I had one of those flow-max gauges but I don't. It does not seem excessive though.

With that background, I am considering new twin power and a slight chance for big single but really prefer a twin setup for personal safety issues. A single with a kicker will really not work for me.

While I think the boat handles the 150’s now just fine I really don’t want to add much more weight back there then is already there. This basicly limits me and I am leaning towards the 4 stroke140 suzuki's/johnson , pushing it a little would be the Yamaha 150, straight replacement with a 2 cycle 150 or 175 evinrude, or wait a year for the bigger E-tec's.

The 140 is the current choice but I am concerned about the losing a bit off the top end and having to run them pretty hard to maintian my cruise. I wish they were 150’s or 175s.

Hear are my questions to you quys:

Does someone here actually have twin 140’s suzukis or johnosons on a 23’ SC? If so, what is the top end ?

There seems to be a big difference in price for the yahmaha vs the suzukis..anyone know why that is? greed or quality?

What is the deal with Johnson and their 140? Is this really a Suzuki engine painted white? Is this just a Bombedier short term solution until Johnson develops their own 4 strokes? (or until the outfit is sold off again and they can forget about it/you?)

Lastly is it worth waiting for a 150 or 175 hp ETEC? I could get a couple more seasons out of these engines easy but I like fresh power and new tech.

Thanks!!