23' CC with bracket DF350

[castnetcracker]

My original plan was to go with a suzuki 300 on my 23' cc project but have heard great things about the new 350 which is about 100lbs heavier. Wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the power/weight tradeoff. I'm doing everything possible to get weight forward (shorter deeper fuel tank moved all the way forward to fish box, batteries in console, livewell leaning post, foam corefloors/coosa transom). I'm still on the fence about raising the floor but i think if i went with a 350 that would be a good idea...

[Blackfin26]

My heart says go for it but my head says the 300 will be way more than enough. 100 lbs not so bad and the duoprop traction would be awesome.

[DonV]

730# versus 640# is a big difference when the 640# is already a lot for the 300 hp on a 23'er. There are probably ten CSC members with 300 Zukes with very good performance numbers. The 350 is like swatting flies with a hammer.

[manitunc]

I run a single 250 optimax on my 25' deep v and its plenty. A 300 on your 23' will likely run in the low 50mph range and cruise around 35mph. Is that not sufficient?

[castnetcracker]

Well, cruising speed numbers are pretty close on both engines and I’m not overly concerned about the extra top end but it’s nice to have the extra ponies when loaded down heavy with fisherman and gear. The main tipping point that made me consider the Df350 is the counter rotating props providing improved maneuverability at low speeds and reverse since I will have a 30” setback bracket. Also it’s reported to provide some additional lift in the stern when planing.

[DonV]

Actually I hope you do it!! I wanna see what one of these bad boys would do on a 23'er, however I don't have the $$$ to do it myself, so "tag" you're it! Not sure who you are thinking of to build your bracket however tell him to go way up on the strength of the materials.

[kmoose]

Gained fuel economy, 50 knots, and all the bonuses from the duoprop drive would be a plus for sure but I would want raised decks and a bracket with enough displacement to offset the added weight at rest. Huge money gap over the 300 though but I likely would have done it when I repowered if it would of been available.

[shrek]

Less weight than the twin 140s on the back of my 23. Duoprop is good.

[DonV]

Ya know that's a good point. My brother's Sceptre had twin OMC 140 "loopers" which were not only a dog with performance but were in the upper levels of gas hogs. Took them off and went to a single 250 Merc, much better performance but still a gas hog. I wish someone would go the 350 Zuke just to see how bad it would be.......then maybe a 400R Merc to kick it up a bit.

[castnetcracker]

Found a twin hermco bracket this week and will be planning on ordering the DF350. Rebuild still has a few months to go but I will provide performance data once the boat is done.