Power for a restored 18SF

[pjzabo]

Guys - this is great information. I usually do quick runs with 2 on board, 3 at most. That's the reason I got this old 18SF. I have a 2006 24' Robalo with a Yamaha 250 and it is a great boat, but more than I need 90% of the time and that heavy tank burns a lot of fuel (it really needs a 350). I thought my whole family would get into the boating thing but it is usually just my son and I and my wife and 2 girls stay home.

I usually only get 4-5 hours on the water (working for a living sure does suck) when I go out I usually stay within a 5-10 mile radius of my home port. I like to get on the fishing fast and not waste time moving around, so an efficient 30mph cruise is a big plus for me.

I am a big guy (6'2" and 240 lbs), maybe I should just lose 50 pounds and get the bigger motor, lol. Sounds like the E-tec is the ticket. Maybe the 130HP at 390 lbs. I also plan to mount the batteries in the console and keep the boat real simple and lean. I am not going to raise the floor since it is sound and firm, boat has a fresh transom and tank, I just want to focus on power, electronics, wiring and details.