Minimum Hp for 23 CC??

[wesman]

Hello all, I am posting this question to help out a family member in need - the all mighty father in law. He owns 1982 or 1983 seacraft CC (unk if it's a potter or not) and is currently running a 225 Mercury black max. It runs awesome but he's looking to downsize HP for better economy and he's not a speed demon. What is the minimum HP recommended for this hull in order to still run on plane easily. Couldn't find it in the manuals posted on the site. Thanks all!

[DonV]

I'm thinking NO less than 200hp, but that's not going to make a whole lot of difference in MPG. If he's running a carbed engine and goes down in HP to another carbed engine, that's a waste of money as far as trying to improve MPG. However going to a newer four stroke or eTec will make a difference. I would stay with the 225hp in either decision. Just my two cents worth.

[Bigshrimpin]

200hp is minimum. I'm running a merc 2.4L 200 blackmax and there's a pretty good difference (3+ gph more at cruise speed) b/w fuel burn on 2.4L (11'ish gph with a 2.4L 200 and the 15'ish gph 3.0L 225hp). Unless you use the boat everyday . . . trying to save a few $$$ on fuel is kinda pointless. If the motor runs good and it's paid for . . . an extra $50/trip in fuel will never eat into the $15,000 - $20,000+ price tag of a new 225/250 DI or Four stroke (plus cost of maintaining it).

[Fr. Frank]

I had a customer who in '84 chose to repower his 23' SF from twin '75 115 V4 Evinrudes to a single 175 hp Merc. He gained a couple mph in top speed, from 28-29 mph to 30-31 mph, but it took a lot longer for him to get on plane. After 2-3 months with the 175 Merc, he repowered again with a single 225 hp Mercury. Since the 175 had only 15 hours or so, the marina owner gave him full credit toward the new motor, and we put the 175 on the back of our 19' Robalo tow boat.
I would say 200 hp at the prop-shaft is the minimum, but it really is the minimum. You'd be much happier with a 225 or 250.

[DonV]

You are correct Sir!!!! I thought about repowering to a new 250hp, then I did the math on how long it would take to pay myself back at $15k+ for a new engine. Even at $4.00 a gallon you can buy ALOT of gas for $15,000. If what I have goes "belly up".....that's a different story.

[eggsuckindog]

I agree on all points - the 200 would even have to work harder - my fuel use goes up quite a bit at 4000 vs 3600 even

[bmajvi]

A couple of years ago I looked at/sea trialed an '84 23'CC with a brand new 175 Etec. Nice shape, hard topped t-top, with two adults and approx 50 gal of gas it accelerated up to plane ok (not neck snapping) and topped out at 32 mpg by gps. Had no way to check fuel consumption or tinker with engine height, etc. Depending on where and how you run, I think 225 and up is the way to go. Just because you can run fast doesn't mean you have too, and if you ever get a few big guys, ice, dive gear, the whole family, a lot of gas, etc., performance will suffer with a smaller engine IMHO. I also think resale value will take a hit with a motor most folks consider too far on the small side. Just my $.02 worth. Oh yeah, I own a Sceptre with a 15 year old 200 Yami, expecting to repower with a 225-250 at some point.

[77SceptreOB]

We have had both a 200hp and a 225hp on our Sceptre over the years. The 200 was adequate but would not drop down any further HP as stated above. The 225 is a MUCH better choice. We have a 23 year old Yami and it powers the boat great. Using an alum 17P prop we cruise at 30 mph at 4200 rpms at 11 GPH. WOT is 5200 at 38 mph at 18 GPH. I'm pushing a hardtop and mini tower thru the air too, so #s are probably 2-3 mph lower (top end) than a streamlined CC.

[wesman]

Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it and will pass it on. I know he loves the hull and plans on keeping it, just shopping for options if and when he repowers. If I could have two boats, one would be a Potter but I tend to stick to flats fishing and can't afford both fisheries. Thanks again!!