23 Tsunami ride quality; V8 (300hp ) i/o vs 225 -250 o/b ?

[abl1111]

Got the boat up here. It's do-able ! I am trying to get my mind on the power I will be putting on her. I am either going w/ a single V8 ( w/ a bravo 2 or 3 ) or a big outboard ( 4 stroke a possible option ).

I have not done the math($)yet on either option. I'd like to get some opinions on the two options so I can make a decision and then strat planning in that direction.

My needs: I am not a speed demon, although getting out of the hole ( torque ) is very important. I've always owned o/b's and they have been good to me. I can read a shop manual and turn a wrench well enough and obviously an i/o is the easier to work on. I've always considered the lower unit on an i/o a 'necessary evil'.

Either way, I am r/r the fuel tanks and the transom.

Your input appreciated.

- Alan

[FELLOW-SHIP]

HA ALEN
PERSONAL PREFERENCE THING ON POWER BUT I CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR MYSELF. I HAVE A 225 YAMAHA EFI AND LOVE IT. MORE THEN ENOUGH POWER TOP END ABOUT 45 MPH BUT AS WE ALL KNOW WHO RUNS THEIR BOAT AT TOP END. WE ARE ALL GOVERNED BY OUR SEA CONDITIONS CRUSES WELL AT 25-32 MPR DEPENDING ON (SEA CONDITIONS) I AM GETTING 2.3 MPG ON THE AVERAGE WHICH IS LESS GAS THEN I USED TO BURN ON MY 18’ HYDRASPORT WITH A 140 CARP. JOHNSON. IF YOU GO WITH A 225 4 STROKE OR 250 HIGH PRESSURE YOU WILL BE VERY HAPPY AS FOR HOLE SHOTS THE SEACRAFT THOUGHT OF THAT WHEN POTTER BUILT THE BOAT BY HAVING A VARIABLE DEAD RISE YOU WILL BE ON A PLAIN AT 3000 RPM’S
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[ScottM]

Alan,
I've been on both an o/b (mine-225 Evinrude) and an i/o version of the Sceptre/Tsunami, and have to say the i/o version (350 Chevy, MerCruiser Alpha) rides better because of the extra weight in the transom. With the CC version of the 23, most of the weight with either an o/b or i/o is towards the back already, but with the Sceptre/Tsunami, a lot of weight is forward. Having the extra weight of a V-8 in the back counteracts the weight forward and provides a better ride. Don't get me wrong, my o/b rides great, but the i/o is a little better.
The plus side of an o/b is the extra cockpit space you gain over the i/o. That engine box takes up a lot of room. However, a new i/o set-up is cheaper than a new o/b and can be cheaper to maintain in the long run.

[captbone]

If you can, then diesel is the greatest way. If you are going with I/O then go with the Bravo 2 because it is built like a tank. You will lose a few mph but it will last a life time. The bravo 3 is just too complex and 2 wheels on it are really only good for cruising, not fishing. As far as the outboards go, if you go new check out the new 250 yamaha hpdi, the new 4 stroke suzuki 250 or even the 250 Evinrude. Also forget everything you heard about the Evinrude in the past few years, today they are amazing. Just my 2 cents.