18SF guys, anyone run a 25" motor?

asdfhood · #1 04-24-2010, 12:25 PM

I don't know when the transom height was changed but my 1989 Tracker 18 has a 25" transom. With a light 2 strk Yamaha 130 I have no problem with water over the transom.

Michael Vezzosi · #2 04-24-2010, 01:05 PM

My brothers 1987 18 SF is running a rebuilt 1995 Johnson 150 25" shaft, with original transom. Original owner, from Hilton Head, states its one of the last Potter built and not a Tracker. Not sure if thats true or not.

Unfortunately, I'm thinking of selling my 1999 Johnson 175 carb, 145 original hours, but 20", so he can't use it. I'm getting closer and closer to having the transom enclosed and bracket installed on my 79 MA, but understand I will need a 25" engine. Vezo, Part II.

jorgeinmiami · #3 05-04-2010, 11:49 PM

nfortunately, I'm thinking of selling my 1999 Johnson 175 carb, 145 original hours, but 20", so he can't use it. I'm getting closer and closer to having the transom enclosed and bracket installed on my 79 MA, but understand I will need a 25" engine. Vezo, Part II.

How did your MA run with that engine...are self bailing? I too have a 20 MA and am at the point that I'm thinking of what power to hang on the back
Any feedback would be appreciated

CaptMick · #4 04-24-2010, 08:30 PM

I am fairly sure the transom on mine is a 25". When I have run it (3 times now including water test before purchase) I have not noticed anything that would suggest it was mounted incorrectly.

As far as the water over the transom I know the other Sea Crafts I have been on have had some water over the transom especially if you slow down too fast. That is why they have the splash guard which mine does not have. That is project #1. Like the one in Paul Toppino's pics in the gallery. Gonna put a starboard cutting board on top and make sure I make it so when I upgrade to a Suzuki 4 stroke It will trim up w/o hitting it.

I am assuming the older 18's had a transom for a 20" because I seem to have heard that. Not sure though.

Snookerd · #5 04-25-2010, 12:37 AM

Harry-Your 18SF has not had a transom rebuild. It was orig a 25". So are the 80's SeaCraft Industries 18's 25". The Potter 18's are 20" for the most part that I have seen unless they have been redone. Very few folks would rebuild a transom and not go to 25"-except to stay with a 20" motor that they already have.

25" transom is going to get water in the well, but with a lighter 2 stroke it will be very little and it will not self bail above 400 lbs from the deck or engine well.

CaptMick · #6 04-25-2010, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Harry-Your 18SF has not had a transom rebuild. It was orig a 25". So are the 80's SeaCraft Industries 18's 25". The Potter 18's are 20" for the most part that I have seen unless they have been redone. Very few folks would rebuild a transom and not go to 25"-except to stay with a 20" motor that they already have.

25" transom is going to get water in the well, but with a lighter 2 stroke it will be very little and it will not self bail above 400 lbs from the deck or engine well.

just to be clear; you are saying that a 25" transom 18' hull with a motor that weighs more than 400 lbs will not self bail From the deck scuppers or engine well drains?

Snookerd · #7 04-25-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

just to be clear; you are saying that a 25" transom 18' hull with a motor that weighs more than 400 lbs will not self bail From the deck scuppers or engine well drains?

Potter and Tracker Era self bail from the deck slightly better, but over 400 lbs. or more will not self bail from the deck. With a 140 Suzuki the motor well drains ALLOW a bunch of water in the well. If you search this topic here on CSC, you will see the posts over the last 8 years.......... On our 87 18SF with the DF140 on a 25" transom, we have plugged the well drain holes permanantly and the deck drain holes with plugs.

CaptMick · #8 04-25-2010, 08:43 PM

Interesting. I will do that search before I upgrade to a suzuki df140. As of now I have done the measurements and I have a 25' motor and a transom to accommodate that motor. Yes I get water over the transom to the splash well but my deck drains work fine. my current motor is 407 lbs. Mercury 150 carb. 2000 or so.

Snookerd · #9 04-26-2010, 09:06 AM

Ball scuppers or flap scuppers over the drain holes help the drainage situation by keeping out water coming in......
CaptMick-That Merc 150 must be right at 400 lbs.. Plus, I noticed in your photo (great looking boat) that your front casting deck has been raised to be flush with the cap. That slightly extra weight in the front offsets some of the stern weight.

CaptMick · #10 04-26-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Ball scuppers or flap scuppers over the drain holes help the drainage situation by keeping out water coming in......
CaptMick-That Merc 150 must be right at 400 lbs.. Plus, I noticed in your photo (great looking boat) that your front casting deck has been raised to be flush with the cap. That slightly extra weight in the front offsets some of the stern weight.

Right. I forgot about the extra weight from the bow deck. Thanks for the compliment on the boat. I will have a few more pics soon. I wish I could say I did the work but I cannot.