best single motor hp for 1983 seacraft c.c.

[el pescador]

need to repower a 1983 seacraft c.c. the boat wt. 3100 lbs it has no motor now , would a single motor be enought power or need to rob the city bank (for 2 motors)

[ScottM]

Depends on your definition of "enough" and what you intend to use the boat for. If your carrying a lot of fuel, gear and crew, maybe twin 150 or 175 2- or 4-strokes is the way to go. Lighter loads and inshore fishing, a single 200 or 225 will do just fine.
On my dad's 23 Sceptre (3300# dry weight, 144 gal fuel), a single 225 Yamaha 2-stroke gives us a 25-26 knot cruise at 4,500 and a WOT of 35 knots at 5,400.

[ocuyler]

I have the same hull with the original '89 Yamaha 200. It's plenty for that boat. I would, however, replace it with a Suzuki 250 4 stroke or Bombardier E-Tec 250 if that's available at that time.

[Hooper]

Hi there-

I have a 1983 23' center console. I put a 2003 Evinrude on at the end of 2002. I now have almost 300 hours on it and it has been a great engine. I usually run it at 4000 RPM's and get somewhere around 23-24kts which is usually plenty here on Nantucket Sound. In perfect sea conditions I'll run at 4500 and get 27kts. Fuel economy with the Evinrude has been great.

Someday, if my resources do not allow me to move up... (another story for another time!) I would love to install a Potter-made bracket and bump up to the 250hp....Hmmm [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

-Hooper

[ScottM]

Hooper,
Check the specs on the Evinrude 225 and 250, you're not getting much more by going to the 250. I think the prop HP of the 225 is 238 and the prop HP for the 250 is 249, so the net gain is only 11 ponies. However, the 250 probably has more torque. Just a thought.

[Capt Chuck]

Hooper

Scott M is right on with the "Torque" deal. I have ran a 200hp and 225hp over the years on my 23'. I put a 250hp on in 1999. The torque difference is quite noticeable especially when loaded up with fuel (135 gal) and a couple of fat-ass fishermen like me! [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

PS: I ordered my Potter Bracket last week and the 250hp is going on that Bad Boy for sure! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Hooper]

Yep, I'll agree. I have heard that and seen the specs. Probably just dreamin' anyhow!

Hey Chuck, talk to me about your bracket. Was it an relatively easy task to measure and order it??? My your estimates, how expensive will the project turn out to be when all is said and done?

I may end up doing that instead of moving up to a larger boat but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

-Hooper [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Capt Chuck]

Hooper

Hey Chuck, talk to me about your bracket. Was it an relatively easy task to measure and order it??? My your estimates, how expensive will the project turn out to be when all is said and done?

First off "Sorry Everyone" this will be a long post and I appologize upfront [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Well, I've been following all the posts and talking with the other SeaCraft members about their experiences, ideas and final decisions. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Off course it's really going to end up a personnal one.
I like the solid transom deal with the bait well up top and keeping the two back little boxes on each end. Therefore since Wildfire Marine has done a few SeaCraft transoms and has all the molds, and of course he's here in Stuart, I've chosen to use them. I'm not too savvy on glasswork unlike the skills of several members on the CSC Web. Like Fellowship, I wasn't much of a bracket guy and I was scared of changing the ride, but after riding in a couple bracketed ones, especially Generaiders 23' [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img], I was then convinced with the added room and ride, thats the way to go. I think Diego's 23' impressed me the most. The cost of new boats and of coarse tradition, pride etc., I'm keeping my '78 SeaCraft [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Next I decided after talking with the pros like Trayder, Mark, Generaider, Finster, Don at Hermco and Mr. Potter, that I didn't want a metal bracket because of electrolisis [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Plus the Potter Bracket sits level with the bottom of the boat thus preventing all squatting. I'm going to paint it to match the hull and then mount it to the Wildfire transom. I really didn't like the Potter transom enclosure (aesthetics)

Sizing is not a problem. You either are going twins or single. Now I've heard of some people putting a single engine on a twin bracket. To go that route you need a 30" shaft motor. I'm keeping my 25" 250hp. I thought hard about twins but I didn't want double maintenace, double trouble etc. I think the twin bracket with a single motor puts too much lift (bouyency) in the rear and you would change the ride.[img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]. I'll add a small 4 stroker, say 15hp, for a get motor later. Potter makes a sweet aux motor attachment for the bracket. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Costs, my friend, I'm estimating when all said and done with wiring, new pumps, moving the batteries under the console, baitwell, fish box in the floor, painting the inside hull and misc hardware, etc. etc. is more likely then not, going to put a dent in he pocket book. I won't know until it's over. [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

But it's my toy right? [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Mark]

Trayder, Generaider, Finster, Don, and Mr. Potter may be experts, but Mark don't know diddly! [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

[Hooper]

Thanks Chuck-

I enjoyed reading your reply, it's obvious that you have put quite a lot of thought into this move. It's interesting that you like the Potter bracket, but another company to do the enclosure. When I reviewed the Hermco paperwork, I too, wasn't blown away by the enclosure either. I'm glad that I wasn't the only one.

The more I read, the more the bracket idea is becoming very appealing to me! Many thank Captain C!

Do keep us posted on your progress!!!
[img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
-Hooper