just got a 23, please advise

[Briguy]

FatAlbert, I have twin 115 Suzuki 4 strokes on my 78' 23' CC. At 4000 rpm, I get 25-26kts and burn only 10gph. Even if I crank it up to 4500 rpm's for 30kts I get about 2.8mpg. My max speed is 43mph. If you went with the 140hp 4 strokes, you would probably touch 50mph. This package would let you cruise out 60 miles, troll all day and ride back on about 45-50 total gallons. I bet with the twin 200's you burn 90 gallons. That 250hp Merc is a gas hog. If you were going to buy it, make sure the dealer hooks up a computer(if possible) to the ecm and find out if it really has 50 hours on it. In addition, run a compression test. It should be up to factory specks. Lastly, weight with twins is always an issue. I am adding a flotaton bracket as we speak due to my low transom. It wasn't dangerous but I still want that extra peace of mind. Good luck with whatever route you choose and welcome to the board. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[fatalbert]

Capt. Brian, thanks for the first hand insight. I'm leaning way towards the 140's, they weigh the same as the 115's and my boat is a little heavier with the cuddy up front, I'm hoping that in itself will help raise the transom. It also has one of those teak doors that closes the transom in when offshore, just nothing I want to leave up and forget about when tilting the engines up. The cabin (I would guess) has to put about 600 lbs. extra up front.