single or twins - 23 CC

[jleek4]

Hello everyone...this is my first time posting on the site. I've been following along for almost 2 years. I've been doing a restoration on a 1972 23 CC and am trying to decide what to repower with. I've filled in the transom and am using a HermCo twin bracket, so I can use either a single 30" shaft motor or twin 25". I'd like the boat to be pretty fast. Does anyone have any feedback for putting on a big single (250 or 300) versus twins (150, 175, 200)? The boat is completely ripped apart so I'm putting a new fuel tank in as well. The motor decision will help decide how much fuel to put back in.

Thanks,
-J4

[Capt Chuck]

Welcome to Classic SeaCraft jleek

A single will suit the 23' just perfectly. In todays economy ---------> double trouble, double maintenance, double water pumps, double props etc etc means double expense

I can top out 48 mph with a light load given good sea conditions with my single. The big blocks give you solid torque when needed. How fast do you want to go anyway? How often are you going to be running balls to the walls?
Oh and BTW if you decide on twins, should you drop a motor, you won't plane that hull with one 135hp - 150hp engine......

my 2 cents

Capt Chuck

[Blue197320]

im going with a single 250 on mine as well. no bracket though.

[cdavisdb]

Lots to consider, mostly dependent in what you plan to do with the boat.

If you are going to boat a lot where coming home under your own power is real important, twins or a single and kicker are pretty much required if you like your skin.

Twins can be made faster top end, but there should not be much difference in cruise speed between a big single and twins.

A single is a whole lot less money, weight, maintenance, fuel, etc. Adding a kicker is cheaper than twins, but ungainly, subject to damage, and slower than coming home on one of twin engines. Also less control in snotty conditions.

If you are planning to scuba dive, think about space in the stern for dive platform, etc. Also total weight( carrying capacity) after adding 10 tanks, divers, gear, etc

Having owned most of the possible combinations, my preference is an 1/0 single and kicker with a big dive platform, mainly because I can force myself to maintain a single to the max. Twins maintenance gets away from me (personal experience)and I end up limping home too often.

Have fun considering the options.

[eggsuckindog]

It will handle much better with a big single, I did a switch from 2/150's to a 300

[Old'sCool]

I have a single 250 Yam on bracket and will probably repower with a single 250-300. That said, if I were to your point and really had the choice you have ($$ not a real big issue) I would like twins at least 200's. I think twin 200 Yam HPDI's would be awsome.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Hi jleek4:

One of the reasons I love my 23 CC is because it is about the biggest boat you can get and still go with one single with out compromising on performance.
If you go with one 250-300 you will have more than enough power and speed then your sea conditions will let you use. Your hole shot is fast and your cruising speed will not over tax your engine. You can put lots of people and stuff in the boat and still be ok. As for security here in South Florida one engine and Sea Tow is all you need and because of the dependability of the newer engines I have never called Sea Tow.

FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

[Islandtrader]

I can force myself to maintain a single to the max. Twins maintenance gets away from me (personal experience)and I end up limping home too often.

A boat salesman who was trying to sell me a new boat a few years ago said.

I would like to sell you twins...do need them NO....

Most engine's fail because of maintenance. So if you have twins and you do not maintain them, one fails and guess what the second one is not far behind.

If you don't need them...don't get them.

[Skiblet]

I did the switch from a single 225 hung on the transom to twin 200 etecs on a bracket. I love the current set up. It's fast like I wanted.
When I had the single top speed was 46 mph cruise was 26 mph getting almost 3 mpg. With twins I get 61 mph WOT cruise is 29 mph getting 2.26 mpg.

There are pluses and minuses to both. The single will get you better fuel economy and ride like a Seacraft was meant to. If you hang twins you will need to move weight forward to get the same ride or you will be using lots of tabs. I moved my gas tank forward.

If I had to do it again and money wasn't an issue. I don't thnk I could decide.I would have to flip a coin.

[ricknewman]

IMHO, a single 225 is adequate. A single 250 is ideal.