Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in

bitsamonkey · #1 03-10-2011, 05:11 PM

Two years and no Seacraft and now I've acquired a 1976 18'.
I'm going to raise the transom and re-power and I'm considering the new Suzuki 90 or an Evinrude 115. The Suzuki has some incredible performance reports, weighs about 350 lbs and has a 2.59-1 gearcase. I was wondering if anybody runs that kind of a combo and what kind cruise speed I should expect. I'd like to be able to run faster than 25 mph cruise. Top speed isn't an issue. The boat will be kept light, no top, one or two people and a livewell.
I'd like to pull the trigger while Suzuki (3+3 year warranty) and Evinrude (free controls and stainless prop and a 5 year warranty) still have these offers.

uncleboo · #2 03-10-2011, 05:27 PM

If I'm wasting your time, just disregard this reply, but, I have 2 friends with 18' Privateer boats with the 4s 90 Suzis and they love them. They are cruising around 24 knots and top end is around 31 knots. The only thing is that the Privateers don't have as much deadrise as the SeaCraft. Might take you a little longer to get on plane than the Privateer. They are fairly heavy boats due to the construction, (very tough boats), but they plane pretty quickly.

bitsamonkey · #3 03-10-2011, 05:38 PM

Thanks for your reply. The new 90 really seems amazing. Here are performance reports for a Suzuki 90 on a 19' Carolina Skiff and an E-tec 90 on a 17':
http://www.evinrude.com/Content/Pdf/...orts/PE743.pdf
http://suzukimarine.com/uploads/05_C...Skiff_SZ90.pdf

Fr. Frank · #4 03-10-2011, 06:38 PM

That's comparable to the Optimax 90. See it here. http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...letin/?ID=365&

The Optimax also comes with 5 yr warranty. Cost about $7000 plus rigging for a left-over '09 or '10

gofastsandman · #5 03-12-2011, 09:40 AM

bitsamonkey,
Welcome back! Please be more selective with your diving buddies.

Cheers,
GFS

bitsamonkey · #6 03-13-2011, 02:07 AM

Thanks. Yeah, I'm going to try to make it stoner proof! First step will be the 25" transom. No more "Sink Crafts" not even if they're "Classic Sink Crafts". There's some things I really like about the 18' (toe kick on side gunwhales, no silly seats in front of the transom) and excited about brandy new power. Also, this '76 is better built than my '69.

76Red18 · #7 03-13-2011, 09:58 AM

Got to love those 76 18's! Can't wait to see some numbers and pics. Check that front fish box drain. They have a habit of leaking between the outer flange and hull.

Snookerd · #8 03-13-2011, 05:35 PM

Quote:

There's some things I really like about the 18' (toe kick on side gunwhales.....

bitsamonkey-Congrats on the 18SF. Did you get the blue one in Miami with the 150 Mercury? I was looking at that one 2 weeks ago before I bought the 18SF in Tally. I had the exact same set-up (358lb Yamaha 130) on the old one as I do on this new one. You are right on with those weight concerns and motor choices. If you look at the pictures of the CSC member who just added the deck storage in front of his console on his Potter 18SF and then look at all SeaCraft Industries or Tracker 18SF's and you will notice that the console was moved forward. I don't think it has been discussed on CSC, but it looks like a production decision that works well to move weight forward.

McGillicuddy · #9 03-23-2011, 03:10 AM

Bitsamonkey, what up? did you decide on the etec or the zuke. I'd opt for the lighter rude but straight gas is sweet. I don't think you can go wrong with either but beware - nothing is totally stoner proof

bitsamonkey · #10 03-23-2011, 10:29 AM

I was at the dealer yesterday with cash in hand to put a deposit on the suzuki, when it turns out my dealer wasn't offering the free 3 year extended warranty. They are strongly affiliated with BRP, so he started talking me out of the Suzuki and into an e-tec with the maintenance schedule, hole shot line. It did get me thinking, but I've come back to the Suzuki, only I'll wait until the boat is actually ready. I'm sure there'll be some kind of promotion then too. I made a few calls to find out if owners could do their own maintenance without voiding the warranty. The answer is yes. If I had to trailer the thing to some dealer every 100 hrs it would be a dealbreaker.