Twin engine setups: counter rotating props?

Serenity · #1 01-25-2003, 03:52 AM

Need your opinions on whether or not I should go with counter rotating props? What are the pros and cons as to performance, fuel efficiency, cost?

Awaiting arrival of 23 Sceptre from w.coast. Will put 115/4 stroke Suzukis on when I get it.

Appreciate any info please!

JohnB · #2 01-25-2003, 09:52 AM

SERENITY,
Is there a reason you are not going with the twin 140's Suzukis?

Serenity · #3 01-25-2003, 12:55 PM

Thanks for replies. Based on what I heard from friends and dealer here, 115s would be suitable for my fishing (deepsea trolling and bottomfishing) but I notice on this site that more seem to suggest 140s but I'm debating if the added cost if worth it. Counterrotating props is avail. on 140s but not on 115s so is this really important to performance, efficiency, etc.?

JohnB · #4 01-26-2003, 01:17 AM

SERENITY,
For what it is worth, a guy here in FL put twin 140's non-Counterrotating on his boat. It is a 23 foot, a little heavier and wider than the 23' seacraft. My opinion is
1. I would not wanted 115's on it. The horsepower to weight ratio on these motors is close to double what it is on an 2 stroke. It would be like putting twin 115 2 strokes on, and having 2-3 guys standing on the transom.
2. You are looking at close to 800 pounds of motor to get 230hp. My Merc puts out 250 and weighs about 470 (rough numbers). I think that you might want to both, look into a bracket and talk to some one who has tried the same thing. Thats alot of time and money to R+D something that probably has been tried already. There is a guy here in FL that put twin 115's on his 23' secptre seacraft, I haven't been in it, but have talked a little to him. I forwarded this link, and you e:mail address, so hopefully he will contact you.
3. As far as the counterrotation, the few (I mean 2 boats) I have been on that don't have counterrotaion setups tend to throw alot of water up between the 2 engines. Alot more water and splash on them. This may have nothing to do with it, but if it was up to me, I would have counter-rotation motors/props on it.

Billsseacraft · #5 02-17-2003, 03:24 PM

Hey I dont know if you have already repowered but I currently have a 23 Sceptre with twin 130hp Johnsons non counter rotating. I dont get a lot of listing nothing that trim tabs could not fix. With 19 pitch props I cruise at 33mph@4000rpms. The major draw back is weight each engine is approximately 385 pounds. 260hp/770lbs=2.96lbs/hp where as a 250 would roughly get you 250hp/460lbs=1.84lbs/hp. With that being said the advantage for performance would go to the single engine although peace of mind goes to the twins. I will be repowering my boat one day with a single 250 or 225 and subscribe to sea tow for peace of mind. Good luck and always be sure to laugh on the inside when you see those new boats and $600 payments at the ramp, most dont ride half as good as an old SEACRAFT!

Matt1121 · #6 02-17-2003, 03:34 PM

Serenity-

I just read somwhere that SUZUKI is introducing a 250 and 225hp 4stroke in the coming weeks. You may want to look into it......one 4 stroke is a lot lighter on the transom than 2, especially with an older boat that wasnt designed for all that added weight.

ocuyler · #7 02-17-2003, 06:24 PM

Serenity,

I agree with Matt on the Suzuki 225/250 introduced this week at the Miami show. The weight is everything. It looks like an excellent choice.

Otto

Serenity · #8 02-18-2003, 03:10 AM

Hi guys,

Serenity · #9 02-18-2003, 03:43 AM

Hi again...hit he wrong key again. Just picked up the 23 this morning and couple of my buddies helped me scrub it down and removed the gas tank cover, backing for dash, etc. Gas tank looks in good condition...may have been changed very recently, hoses look fairly new including the gauge. 200 Mercury Black max looks in very good condition...will run it later after we check it our further. Trim works well. One potential problem is a possible delamination on the transom about 6-8" square on the right side below the lower engine mounting bolt. It was secured to the inside of the bait well and may be a problem. Hopefully not too bad. Will check out next weekend. As to the motors, its still on the back burner but plan to put twins. No towing service that I know here and we do go out a ways. 115 Suzuki is still in my plans but 140 looks better and better (counter rotating). Still wondering if added cost is worth it. After dealing with the transom problem (?), we plan to use the Merc a couple of times to check out the boat's handling, etc. and then make the decision about the engines. Sorry such a long post but appreciate any and all comments about motor(s). This site makes me even prouder that I have a Sea Craft.