23' Potter Center Console advice needed

[SeacraftErik]

Hello There,

Last year I picked up a '77 potter built 23' center console. It had an older evinrude 200hp 2 stroke. I wanted to see how she rode so I put her in the water and her ride was pretty amazing. 40mph @ 4000rpm, in flat water i was stoked. The hull and deck are in pretty great shape so I trailered her home and parked her for an off season refit since she had all original electronics and wiring.

While I was doing the re-rigging on her a few months ago a friend sold me his Suzuki DF225 four stroke. The Evinrude looper 200hp weighs about 480lb and this DF225 weighs in about 580lbs.

I am eliminating the original livewell and placing a leaning post along with a 30 gallong bait tank just behind the console. Batteries will also be in the console below the dash.

The fuel tank has been replaced and is about 100 gallons.

Do any of you guys have concerns of this new layout and configuration (notched transom)?

I also have a stainless t-top with a fiberglass top that i'm planning to also install here in the next month. I'd say it weighs between 130-150lbs.

Still rigging up the motor wiring and shift cables this week so hope to get it in the water in the next 2 weeks or so.

I was initially OK with the weight especially since the previous owner said he originally had twin 150 2 strokes on here before. But after reading a bunch of threads on here i'm second guessing myself lol.

What do you guys think? I'll post some pictures later.

[SeacraftErik]

Also, what have you guys done with the deck scuppers? Mine look fine but I am tempted to replace them or even tempted to seal them off and run them towards the stern kind of like a grady white. For now I have plugs to keep them capped off. Same for the forward fish box. Cap them off from the inside. I know those flared brass thru hulls don't last forever. I replaced the 3 on my stern splashwell since I had the motor off.

[wattaway2]

I think you will be fine as you noted it had twins and was rated for them and there weight. Having the batters as far forward as you do will help as well

[Capt Terry]

SeacraftErik-
If you care to put some numbers to your center of gravity concerns look in the stickies for an estimator I built in probably 2015 or 2016 so you can put some math and science to it. I provided an example with numbers that should be to you to follow.
I recently removed the brass scupper tubes from my 1976 Safari and found that the tubes were in good shape except for the flange at the top but after all these years wanted to replace him and fortunately found no damage or rotten wood around them like some have found. my boat it’s been pretty much on trailer except for nine years in the water behind our house in Florida.
good luck with your project