18' Superfisherman performance

[Fr. Frank]

Michael, I found the article on Scream N Fly.

[BocaSeacraft]

I know you were focusing more on a 115hp outboard, but I repowered my 18 SF back in 2015 with a new Suzuki DF90. My 18 is a 1975 model and is pretty weight sensitive. The 343# DF90 keeps my scuppers above water 99% of the time. It has great low end power, excellent fuel economy and plenty of top end for where I use it (near shore Atlantic Ocean). I had the chance to run a friend's 170 Montauk with a new Mercury 90 (with command thrust) for a bit and my SeaCraft/Suzuki combo definitely feels quicker and more responsive. The DF90 holds plane down to about 12-14 mph with my boat. I have some large Bennett tabs which are very nice for keeping things trimmed correctly. Anyways, I just wanted to give you some additional info. to digest. I think the 18 SF SeaCraft is one of the best all-around boats out there for Florida. Good luck in your decision.

[otterhound]

Just launched my 18 SF for the season yesterday. Last year I put a 2009 Mercury 90 horsepower carbureted motor on it. Last year I had a 13 3/8 X 15 Michigan Apollo 4 blade propeller on it. It would run 32 mph @ 5700 to 5800 RPMs and hold a plane down to about 16-17 mph. This year I put a 13 X 17 4 blade Michigan Apollo propeller on it. It will now run 34 to 35 mph at 5700-5800 RPMs and hold a plane down to about 14-15 miles an hour so definitely headed in the right direction. I'm even thinking it could stand just a bit more pitch so may get it cupped a bit.
Rod

[Beaver]

Originally Posted by BocaSeacraft

I know you were focusing more on a 115hp outboard, but I repowered my 18 SF back in 2015 with a new Suzuki DF90. My 18 is a 1975 model and is pretty weight sensitive. The 343# DF90 keeps my scuppers above water 99% of the time. It has great low end power, excellent fuel economy and plenty of top end for where I use it (near shore Atlantic Ocean). I had the chance to run a friend's 170 Montauk with a new Mercury 90 (with command thrust) for a bit and my SeaCraft/Suzuki combo definitely feels quicker and more responsive. The DF90 holds plane down to about 12-14 mph with my boat. I have some large Bennett tabs which are very nice for keeping things trimmed correctly. Anyways, I just wanted to give you some additional info. to digest. I think the 18 SF SeaCraft is one of the best all-around boats out there for Florida. Good luck in your decision.

Have you had a chance to figure what your average MPG is with that Suzuki 90?

[Fr. Frank]

Picked up a 2011 Etec 90 today. 200 hours, pontoon boat motor, got it from the original selling dealer who has serviced the motor all it's life & with all records . Getting a 1 yr. parts warranty and 30 days labor warranty with $75 deductible.
Getting ready to go to Israel, so it won't get it rigged until after mid-June.

[Fr. Frank]

Went out Saturday on the 18' for the first time with the Etec 90hp. I'm very pleased with the performance.

My GPS is set to read in kts, not mph, so Top Speed was 34.4 kts at 5200 rpm, with 2 people and a German Shepherd on board, with full fuel, full livewell and fishbox full of water, too.

Cruised very well at between 3500 and 4100 rpms, between 20-24 kts.

Traveled a total of 69 NM, most of that trolling at 8 kts, burning a total of 12.5 gallons of fuel, for an average of 5.5 NMpg.

25" Etecs 90hp and up are all equipped with V6 gearcases, and my prop is a stainless BRP Viper TBX 14.75x17P.

This 18' has a smoother ride than my 20' Seafari. It was amazing.
At 21-22 kys, we traveled along through 1-2' seas, with a very occasional 3', and never jolted my cup of tea on the console.

I think I'm in love all over again.

[JohnC]

Those numbers are outstanding Fr. Frank! It sounds like the perfect boat/motor package.

[BocaSeacraft]

Love my 18 with a 90 Suzuki, too. Seems to be a good combo/hp for these boats. Enjoy!

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

frank did you sell the 115 ?

[Snookerd]

Originally Posted by Fr. Frank

This 18' has a smoother ride than my 20' Seafari. It was amazing.
At 21-22 kys, we traveled along through 1-2' seas, with a very occasional 3', and never jolted my cup of tea on the console.

I think I'm in love all over again.

Frank-The Tracker 18SF's are no joke, as you know! When Denny and I cleared the Lake Worth inlet at our Peanut Island gathering in my 88 18SF with a 130 2stroke Yamaha, he also made similar comments vs. The Restless Lady II (20 Seafari).