Dolphin Fin for 23

Billybob · #1 06-12-2002, 03:09 PM

Hey MV - welcome.
That sounds like a sweet package, I was drooling over that motor at the boat show, and I'm pretty surprised and impressed with mid 40's on that 4 stroke.I have a 73 23' with an old carbed Rude that runs great,loud, smokes like hell, and guzzles gas - and I get maybe 41.Anyway, to get to your question, frankly I'm surprised because I don't even have tabs yet but with just my trim I get a pretty wide range of bow attitude from plowing to porpoising.I'm wondering how far out can you trim it, and what happens when you do - are you blowing out too quick, is it possible you're mounted a hole too high? I've used the doel-fin on smaller boats and they work, I think the bigger the boat the less effective they are - and I KNOW I wouldn't want to be drilling holes in the cav plate of that horse unless it was the last resort.

fish mv · #2 06-12-2002, 03:29 PM

Thaks for the reply. So it's a doel-fin? I guess I spelled it wrong. The engine came to my dealer already on the boat. SeaCraft's now come pre-packaged with Merc's or Honda's depending on what you want. My bet is they installed it properly. As for the Trim, I tilt the engine pretty far up and it helps, but I still get more bow spray than I think I should. I definitely don't want to drill any holes, but I also don't want to get soaked each time it's more than a 1-2 sea. All said though - it's a sweet new rig.

TarponTom · #3 06-12-2002, 10:15 PM

Fish MV
Wish I had a new SeaCraft, although I do like the cuddy cabins on the old boats. I have a OceanPro 200 Rude on my 88' Sceptre. I have a Bob's Machine Shop "stabilizer plate" and it works and looks great. It's not as big as a doel-fin, it's cast alumium and can be painted to match the motor. I have had it for several years, have to drill holes though! It's $35.00 at www.bobsmachine.com

Reel Smoker · #4 06-13-2002, 01:03 AM

I personaly would bring the tabs down that way your bow will come down or trim the motor down, on 1 to 2 ft seas you should'nt be getting wet. I can see if its 3 to 5 on a following sea, In that cause I would play with the trim tabs and the speed you don't want them low were you will stuff the bow.I dont think the Doel-Fin will help,the only benefit I see with the fin is getting out of the hole quicker and with a 225 you don't need it. RS.

Reel Smoker · #5 06-13-2002, 01:12 AM

Billybob, My boat is like yourS 73,23. Do you have the original gas tank? If so how many gallons is it.I agree with your comment to Fish mv, I would'nt want to drill thru that beauty. RS.

fish mv · #6 06-13-2002, 01:56 AM

I know this is a classic SeaCraft site, but I just purchased a 2002 23 Seacraft and it is awesome! Trayder is a friend of mine so I figured this posting is okay.

Anyway,I powered my 23 with a 225 Honda Four Stroke. It is quiet, has plenty of power for what I do and tops out in the mid 40's.

Here's my question. In a following sea the boat tends to plow through the water a little more than I like. I trim the tabs all the way up and trim the engine as high as possible but I still can't get the bow high enough. I tend to plow through the water and that makes for a wetter than desirable ride.

I am thinking about putting a dolphin fin on the engine to help pull the bow up when trimmed up. It works great on my 21 mako. Because the 23 hull design is essentially the same as ever, does anyone have a single engine 23 with a dolphin fin. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!

fish mv · #7 06-13-2002, 11:12 AM

Thanks for the replies.

I don't want to drill either. I'm still getting used to the new boat and maybe it was a little rougher than 1-2. Could have been more like 2-3 and windy as hell. Please let me know if any of you think of anymore possible solutions.

Billybob · #8 06-13-2002, 02:32 PM

Hey RS, I'm not sure if I have the original or not, I was told by the guy I bought it from that the guy he bought it from said it was replaced a few years back.I believe it is about 100 gallons which I calculated from the measurements, and that seems to hold true when I fill it up, give or take a few gallons.

Dan · #9 06-13-2002, 10:21 PM

Fish MV, first off I am very, very jealous. Wish I had a brand new Seacraft. Secondly, I agree with RS's reply. I would play w/ the trim tabs and speed more before drilling holes. Seacraft's are the best ride on the water as I am sure everyone here will agree. But, for as great as they are, a cc is a cc and sometimes you will get wet. You may benefit more from a custom set of curtains. Just my .02. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Dan

Reel Smoker · #10 06-15-2002, 01:29 AM

Fish MV, SOLUTION # 1 SLOW HER DOWN ON A FOLLOWING SEA,you have to play with the throttle between waves,paying close attention to the waves. 2 Spray rails help.