1974 20' Sceptre

[Step Up]

I just inherited this boat for free. yes Free and with a clean title. The boat has a 6 cyl. I/O that is in running condition. It will need rebuilt to trust the boat. So my Choice is the rebuid the 6 or I have a 20 inch Yamaha 130 2 stroke that runs great. Should I stay I/O of close in and go bracket.

[TomParis]

To each his own, but if you are asking for opinions, mine would be to convert and hang that Yamaha 130!

[Step Up]

The 13o is my choice I see by the specs that 175 is the max power I was wondering is any one has one they have converted to out board. My engine is sweet but is a 20 inch shaft.

[gofastsandman]

Bay mfg makes extension kits to go 25"

I would go no bracket w 130.
What yr is yammi?

[Step Up]

It is a 1999 130 2 stroke fresh water ran with 234 hours. My buddy had it on his lake but wanted a 4 stroke so I got a great price My Buddy is a Yammy 26 year master tech and babies his stuff. Not sure but ya cutting the transom to make the outboard fit would save some cash.

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by Step Up

I just inherited this boat for free. yes Free and with a clean title. The boat has a 6 cyl. I/O that is in running condition. It will need rebuilt to trust the boat. So my Choice is the rebuild the 6 or I have a 20 inch Yamaha 130 2 stroke that runs great. Should I stay I/O of close in and go bracket.

That's a rare model with a huge cockpit but a clever layout that allows easy access to the bow for docking, anchoring or fighting a fish like a CC model, but with much more room, storage and weather protection than a CC! I'd say your decision depends on where you're located and how you intend to use the boat. I saw palm trees in your pics in another post, so I"m guessing Florida. If you plan to keep it on a trailer, I/O corrosion issues should not be a problem, but if you plan to leave it in the water, I'd lean toward the OB.

The CG of the I/O will be further forward, so it will be better balanced and ride better than an OB, which may be a factor if you'll be using the boat offshore or in rough conditions. If it's in running condition as-is, why not give it a try and see how you like it before making a decision. A compression test would give you some idea of how much work it needs. If you're handy with wrenches, I would think you could rebuild the engine for less than the cost of installing a bracket, but if the outdrive needs a lot of work, the economics might work out in favor of an outboard on a bracket since you already have a suitable motor (it's plenty of power for that boat BTW, unless you want to race!)

If you do a lot of diving, a bracket would be a nice addition, although it will make the boat stern heavy, even with your relatively light motor, and you don't have a console you can move forward to offset the aft-shifted motor. With a bracket, plan on installing large trim tabs, a fin on the AV plate, and running a 4B stern lifting prop. If you decide to go with a 30" Hermco bracket, you would be able to use the 20" motor as-is! (I have a 25" motor, but had to install a small jack plate and raise the motor 6" above the highest point I could mount it on the bracket to get the AV plate above the water!)

[Step Up]

Thanks Bushwhacker for sure some food for thought. I see in the Sea Craft Pictures a yellow 20 Sceptre owned by Jim Eagleton and that boat is sweet. I may stay the coarse with the I/O and follow is lead.

[flyingfrizzle]

I have a 1974 sceptre that was an IO converted outboard and bracket, same exact hull as yours. It can be done with attention to detail. Forward is not just Hillary's slogan, its what you got to do with the weight on this hull if you want it to ride good. I can say If I was to do a bracket 20 it would be this hull or an seafari. No cc's. Even with the heavy glass forward and cabin weight you will need more. Light motor and 24" of set back or less. Mine is 22". I had a heavy motor on it to start just because it was all I had ready at the time. Went to a 405lbs 2.5 200 and its still too heavy. Batteries and fuel all the way forward and 2 people up front it dose well. When I had them in the back and 2 people in the rear jump seats not so well. You can go this route but be careful.

[Step Up]

Thanks for the info. I think I am staying with the I/O I have a 21 Tunnel Skiff I fish from and Dd runs a 36 Everglades off shore so I think a play boat with this baby is in order.