Etec 175 on a 23 CC?

Rainmaker · #1 08-12-2009, 01:02 PM

I run a 23'CC with a 225 etec on a bracket. I typically run with 2-3 people in the boat, 100g fuel and 150# of ice. Add that to the T-Top and fishing gear and I would say the 225 is just about as small a motor as I would want. When it is time for a repower it will be a 250 or 300 or maybe even twin 200s if the budget allows.

In addition to top end, if you do not have enough power you will have a hard time getting up on a slide and you will also struggle when the weather turns and you need to power through some seas.

I would say take it for a ride, make sure you have your typical weight in it. If you need find a couple of large people to go with you. Fill the fuel tank... If your not happy with the power, you will regret it until you decide on upgrading. Since the motor is new, it may be a little while.

77SceptreOB · #2 08-12-2009, 01:56 PM

We ran a 200 E'rude on our 23' Sceptre for years without any problem. WOT = 42mph. We added a tower (Lots of wind resistance) and upgraded to a 225 and the result was 41 mph WOT and 28mph cruise @ 4300 rpm.

1bayouboy · #3 08-13-2009, 09:32 AM

You could always move it over a bit and add a second 175 ETEC...

gofastsandman · #4 08-14-2009, 11:31 AM

Try to pick a sporting day for a seatrial. I have an `89 20sf w/ a 96 150 Ocean Pro w 900 hrs. Runs well. 42 mph both ways light load gps. Having been on Bushwacker`s heavier Seafari with the e tec 150, I can only say hang on. Subjectively, that motor feels 50 % more powerful than mine. No kidding. I also think that the old gross hp ratings vs SAE at the prop is more deceiving than most realize. If you take 10 hp BRP fudge and add it to only 10% SAE and 10% for the crank vs prop, you get the idea. 175 + 45. Go beat on it and let us know what you think. I wouldn`t be surprized if you see close to 40 mph with a good load.
GFS

zach · #5 08-14-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

You could always move it over a bit and add a second 175 ETEC...

bingo

bmajvi · #6 08-15-2009, 02:45 PM

Okay, just back from a short sea trial on this boat. Three people onboard and 50 gallons of gas. Seas were around 3' (it's rarely much smoother here in the Caribbean), with 10-15 knots of wind, boat has a hardtopped t-top. Engine is quiet at idle, but doesn't seem as quiet as a four stroke. Boat jumped right up out of the hole and accelerated nicely right up to 32 mph on the gps, where it topped out. Sliced through the seas in typically great Seacraft fashion, but honestly not sure how much faster I'd really want to have run through the stuff. My old 18 could run 42+ in flat water, but I very rarely ran it over 25 down here to keep from throwing my back out - not much protected water in my neighborhood. The seller has owned it for 10+ years, is selling due to serious health issues (Big C), and doesn't have any GPH/MPG calcs (engine only has 6 hours on it). The hull is an '85 (non-Potter), and has been cleaned up, rewired, repainted, etc. Thinkin' about it. Would ideally prefer a closed transom/bracketed 250hp, Potter hull, etc., but this one is here, and doesn't need anything right away. Hmmm...

castalot · #7 08-15-2009, 02:57 PM

if the price is right do it and if you are un happy with the motor size trade up and it should be a matter of unbolting and rebolting it on since it's already set up with guages and controls otherwise run it until it's done then enclose the transome and go from there

Snookerd · #8 08-18-2009, 02:02 AM

Bmaj-

Great hearing from you............It has been around 5 years or more since you lived in PB County! Your living that good life down there. Your 18SF was one of the first ones to sport the DF140 here on CSC. If I recall......You had a comment about cruising with 10 people on the 18 "back in the day". You gotta use your old user ID.............Get the 23SF with the 175. Add another 175 IF you want more power some time down the road when your back in the states on flat water........

bmajvi · #9 08-18-2009, 07:52 AM

Thanks for the recollection Snookered! Yup, moved to the VI in'02, and the 18SF served me well, although I felt she was just a little stubby for the typical conditions down here - the Suzy 140 ran flawlessly though. Bought a 40' sailboat in '05, which my wife & I have sailed all over the Caribbean, and sold the 18 to a guy who's put her in the water exactly twice since then...sheesh. I seem to have caught the Seacraft bug again, and while up in FL a few weeks ago looked hard at the Savage for sale in Stuart. I was visualizing a nice new DF250 on the bracket, but the floor replacement/restoration project + shipping were a little more than I wanted to bite off. Went over the 23CC here pretty closely yesterday, Refinish work done is okay, still some tinkering to do, and the current owner never tried any other props, so the performance numbers might improve a little with a different prop. Thinking about making the guy a lowish offer and see what happens. Film at eleven! PS - I had tried my old login, but couldn't get in, so created new.