Optimax 175 on a 23 w/ a bracket???

[whitly]

OK, I've found a bunch of threads talking about how much power you can put on 23's, but only a few about how little you can get away with. I'm looking at a 23CC w/ a T-top and a non-floatation style bracket. It does not have a motor, so I'm wondering if the 175 Optimax that is currently on my seafari will be enough. I don't go offshore much and no longer need to break any records, but I also don't want to be too sluggish.

Thoughts?

[77SceptreOB]

I think that is too small. We had a 200hp on our 23' Sceptre and it was ok. Our 225hp was much better. Both were 2 strokes.

[GodsReel]

i think it will be fine , no speed demon , my guess would be you would max out @ 32-34 mph.

[mrobertson]

I met a guy that had a 175 verado on a potter 23, non bracketed. He claimed he could touch 40 mph lightly loaded.

I don't know if that is true or not, but the fact of the matter is he had 4 men on board and fishing gear, they followed us out the inlet and the boat didn't seem to hesitate getting on plane at all.

I'm not one to preach MAX HP all the time but unless i was getting an unbelievable deal on a 175 i would look for different power. My single 250 4 stroke does really really well, IMO

[eggsuckindog]

It really is too small and you will work it really really hard, a 23 is a whole lot bigger boat plus a T Top. Perfect for your Seafari but that 23 is over 3000 lbs dry, consider you were allowed 2 - 200's on them

[Bigshrimpin]

I have a 1986 Merc 2.4L 175 on my 23CC with a huge pilot house and it'll hit 40mph with just me aboard and a full tank using 15P mirage. With 2 more people it slows down to 37/38 WOT. It's no slug out of the hole either. If you are ever in the area . . . I'd be happy to take you for a spin.

[captbone]

You will be fine. A modern 175hp would be pretty close to what a 235hp OB from the early 1980s would put out. From 1986/1987 that is exactly what happened to the crossflow 2.6 liters.

Several people have 175hp on 23ft Seacrafts and are happy.

[Old'sCool]

I have a 250 Yam 2S on Hermco bracket on my 23'. Loaded and heavy you will want more HP.