Inboard SeaCrafts

[riprunner]

ScottM, yes you are correct hull speed is not the correct term, it's the drag of the running gear/angle of the prop etc....If it were hull speed the outboard versions wouldn't be any faster.

Senator Kerry had a blue Potter hull 23 with a pair of 225 mercs and no t-top and believe me that thing did more than 30knots! He kept it at a Marina I worked at when I was younger.

[dsharp]

We took a 23' in on a trade on a larger boat about 10 years ago. It originally had a 120 hp volvo diesel inboard with a jackshaft to a sterndrive. I ran it like that for about a year in the gulf out of Freeport, tx. They run o.k. when they're light on fuel; maybe 18-20 knts. The main problem is it carries 120 gal. of fuel right in the stern. It was about 15knts full of fuel and the noise was deafening; would barely plane. Took out the deisel and put in a 454 Crusader with a 1:1 borg warner - went straight inboard. I think I've got a 14x13 3-blade on it. It planes at about 1800; cruises mid 20's at about 2800 slightly over 30 at 4300. The main problem getting speed out of a Seacraft is the weight of the hull and fuel placement. I personally prefer a heavier boat than a light flimsy one. They ride better and seem to be fairly indestructable within reason. It probably would have run a little better with a 1.5 gear to get some more prop under it; that goes back to the weight. All in all its been very comfortable for its size and low on maintenance. I was wondering if anyone had tried putting a 383 chevy in one with a 1.5 to one; it would be about 300lbs lighter;

[MarkR]

Just for comparison, I run a 1975 Sceptre inboard, V-Drive, with a 260HP, 350. The prop is 16x15 and there is a reduction, 1:1.15 I think. On my GPS I get 19knts @2800rpm cruising and 30knts, with a clean bottom, @ 4200rpm.

My fuel, 62 gallons is forward of the engine. The wieght distribution allows my boat stay flat as you run up the rpms. Unlike other I/O boats I have run, there is no real transition when the hull planes out and speed picks up fast.

[Miles Offshore]

my boat originally came from the factory with a volvo deisel but it was gone when i acquired the boat. I run a straight 1.52-1 and am turning a 16/15 lhw. Tide dependant (it was 6 knots today at cape henry) I get anywheres from 19 knots to 23 knots turning 3000/3200 rpms and burning around 9 gph with fairly light fuel. 30 gallons or so. garys boat (Knot Working with his newer 350/320?) does quite a bit better then me , maybe he will chime in- hope this helps- craig