1977 23 Restoration

[blackdog46]

Nice work. How far forward did you move the fuel tank. Can you tell me how far back from where the step would have been?

[SnafuFishTeam]

It’s about 28 inches back from the step up. I took about a foot out of the hatch in front of the console. Hope that helps.

[kmoose]

Originally Posted by SnafuFishTeam

Weather was great yesterday and did about a 60 mile run. First two times cruising the ditch and this time was its maiden voyage in the ocean. Probably about a 2’ chop inshore. Boat performed very well. I was able open it up a bit and saw some really good numbers. Solid cruising speed was 3400-4000rpms which was basically 30-40mph. At 3400rpms boat ran 28.3mph,10.5gph and 2.7 miles per gallon. There was about 100 gallons of fuel onboard Punched it and we were in doing 56 mph in a hurry with plenty of throttle left. Wife told me to back off so didn’t get all the specs. I was also curious about the trim tabs and boat planning with the bracket and twins. I didn’t even need them at all when powering up. Overall things are looking real good. Very happy camper. Only issue I am having is learning how to use all these electronics. Man going from my old school SeaCraft to this is like another world. Definitely need to reach out to garmin and get someone to help me dial it in.

I can help you with all the garmin stuff.

[SnafuFishTeam]

Originally Posted by kmoose

I can help you with all the garmin stuff.

Thanks Kmoose. Looks like I got most of it. Let me get some more hours on the boat so I can ask you a few specific questions. Appreciate the help.

[SnafuFishTeam]

Quick update after about 20 hours and things are looking great. All the electronics are tuned in and working perfectly and just finished the initial break in with the Yamahas. Love the motors and amazing what these new transducers and electronics can do.

I am going to play around with the props a bit. Wide open with a light load it was running about 5500rpms at 56-57mph. My Yamaha dealer said they should be running about 6200rpms wide open with the same conditions. Probably going to try a set of 3 blade 17p vs the 3 blade 19p that I am currently running. I’m open to any suggestions. No issues at all currently with planning. Honestly don’t need more speed just want the correct props on the boat.

Overall I have always been a bracket guy for many reasons. Totally changes this boat with the space in the cockpit. My SeaCraft was the first cut out transom boat I had in decades and that splash well after 10 years was killing me. Definitely worth the investment in my opinion.

Most important topic is the weight distribution. After years of going on SeaCrafts and reading endless posts on people putting twins on these boats, I made sure to do whatever possible to shift the weight forward. I have seen some true abortions. Boat sits level in the water and I have no wet feet for the first time ever. Any SeaCraft owner will understand the significance of that. A bracket is not just a bracket. It’s flotation. Get the biggest tub you can find. I went with Armstrong for this reason. Some small odds and ends left to complete but thankfully that’s over! Definitely love the boat. If this wind ever slows down in South Florida it will be getting nice and bloody this summer!