18' power plant?

beils · #1 03-31-2007, 02:15 AM

I am a new owner to an 18' Seacraft (with a delaminating transom), and am curious to now why so many other owners state that there boats are underpowered with 100+ hp outboards. I'm in California and just happened to have had a 24' Seacraft that has a 454 I/O. It is still in the family. Never new these boats are so popular prior to this website. I will be repairing the transom and would like to know what would be a good hp rating for the boat. I'm not in a hurry, just need to go a few miles offshore to fish for salmon and rock cod. Any suggested would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Martin (meunger@mcn.org)

askipper3 · #2 03-31-2007, 11:07 AM

try " 18' seacraft" under performance that should answer your questions

Bigshrimpin · #3 04-02-2007, 02:50 AM

Beils - Welcome!! Nice to have another member on the west coast. That 150 is perfect for your boat. Do you know if it's a 2.0L or 2.4L 150? If you're going to redo the transom you might as well raise it to 25" if it's not already 25".

The HP rating doesn't mean too much . . . These boats can handle the power!! but they are a little sensitive to weight (scupper issues, open splashwell, etc). You're Merc 150 is a great pick for the boat, but if you decide get a newer motor ( call me . . . )

The Merc v6 135, 150, 175, 200, 220 were all based on the same block . . . and weigh about the same (a little under 400lbs depending on the year).