the future of SeaCraft restorations...

[captainDH]

Originally Posted by ricknewman

Isn't the max horsepower rating for the 23' 400?

in total agreeance with what GFSM said. but from what i understand, applicable to my vintage, (2005, bass pro editions), they were actually rated for 300. that's because they were mercury only transoms, and verados where somewhat new if you wanted a 4 stroke over the optimax. so at that time, you only had choice of 225, 250, or 275. (verado). or twin 150 optimax, to get you to 300hp. everything revolved back then around weight. the good thing? maximum motor weight is 1000 lbs. the Vrods in 30" shaft weighed 680 lbs. whether 225, 250, or 275... so now, you can go 300, 350, or 400, all with same 680 lbs.. so weight is no longer the issue.. to further add to the mix, the new 450 still weighs under 700 lbs. either way, my 2005 does NOT have a maximum HP plaque. but i do remember seeing maximum "recommended" HP as 300. according to my merc dealer, you can easily hang a 400 or even the 450 on her with no worries. there is no "legal" documents saying that you cannot. nobody knew back then the future would hold these higher HP opinions in weight packages that "work".