18sf repower questions

[dragin22s]

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/boa/761870760.html

[Bushwacker]

Don't think I'd put one like that with no flotation tank on an 18 (or even a 20!)

[Snookerd]

Danny,
Just thing how fast you can turn around to pick up the kids that fly out as you approach Mach.

Sandy-After hearing Father Frank's stories of going under a wave at 70 mph, I don't think I'm ready to become the Chuck Yeager of boat speed........... Draggin 22s-Keep us posted. If you are going to bracket an 18SF, go with a full floatation bracket like the Hermco, see VCSJupiter's 18SF.

[Keyscruz]

My 18SF has an aluminum bracket with 22" setback and a large flotation chamber. 25 " Etec 150. The cockpit drains just fine. The boat handles butifully. About 50mph at 5500rpm with an aluminum 14.5x19 prop and rough bottom. The flotation bracket is definately the way to!

[76Red18]

Have you had it in anything like a tight 3-4" chop? I'd be concerned the bracket might change the balance of the hull and push the bow down too far.

[Keyscruz]

I have had it in a variety of conditions. The boat responds very well to engine trim. The only issue would appear to be at slow speed, 2500-3000 rpms, the stern squats. Trim tabs would probably help this situation. I have new 12x12 Bennet tabs in the box but am inclined to leave them off. I will be towing the 18 behind my trawler at 8.5 knots. If the stern squats at that speed I'll put the tabs on. Otherwise the engine trim does it all.

[eggsuckindog]

I have had it in a variety of conditions. The boat responds very well to engine trim. The only issue would appear to be at slow speed, 2500-3000 rpms, the stern squats. Trim tabs would probably help this situation. I have new 12x12 Bennet tabs in the box but am inclined to leave them off. I will be towing the 18 behind my trawler at 8.5 knots. If the stern squats at that speed I'll put the tabs on. Otherwise the engine trim does it all.

DAMN thats sounds like a sweet set up, every time I see a nice trawler I think about that

[BigLew]

First, THAT would be a sweet setup!

That said, let's go back to you initial posting.

i have a 1977 18sf that i stole for $800 couple months ago w/ trailer and motor and is soild in and out but has a dingy 70hp evinrude on it now, now i haved picked( which was another steal) up a 200hp yamaha vmax 3.1 2000 with all the controls and hydr steering. my questions is it to much motor for the boat? i have seen other 18sf with 175-200 on them. also what issues might i have if i do put it on?

As I read everyones replies, I did not see anyone even consider that the boat was going to be towed substantial distances in widely varying conditions by a large and more capable boat for all/most the conditions encountered. (I am assuming prudent judgement and skippering of this "mini-fleet".)

I don't know how you intend to use the 18'; as a tender, fishing, play (skiing/tubing) or all of the above. If you plan to have available during your cruise a boat capable of all of the above list, then certainly your eighteen is more than capable of doing all of this. It is a question of should it be towed as it is configured. I realize you got a steal of a deal on the 200, but 125 -150 hp. will get the job done, tow reasonably well with proper loading and still be adequate in its performance of most (if not all) of your purposes. This is MHO!

That said, I was thinking of possibly getting into the trawler market sometime in the future myself. I often thought that an 18' Eastern with about 75-90 hp would be a lot more utilitarian than an inflatable and have a LOT longer life expectancy, carrying capacity and comfort in it's designated activities than any inflatable with which I am familiar. Further, it would handle light years better as well, particularly if it came time to abandon the trawler.

If you are not familiar with the Eastern boats, they are something like a New England lobster boat with a comparative narrow beam, sharp entry flattening out at the stern with a soft/rounded chine transition from feeboard to bottom. Check them out- http://www.easternboats.com/boats/eastern_18.php

[dragin22s]

As I read everyones replies, I did not see anyone even consider that the boat was going to be towed substantial distances in widely varying conditions by a large and more capable boat for all/most the conditions encountered. (I am assuming prudent judgement and skippering of this "mini-fleet".)

I don't know how you intend to use the 18'; as a tender, fishing, play (skiing/tubing) or all of the above. If you plan to have available during your cruise a boat capable of all of the above list, then certainly your eighteen is more than capable of doing all of this. It is a question of should it be towed as it is configured. I realize you got a steal of a deal on the 200, but 125 -150 hp. will get the job done, tow reasonably well with proper loading and still be adequate in its performance of most (if not all) of your purposes. This is MHO!

i plan on using it for cruising, playing, and fishing every once in a while.

i belive u were talking about towing the boat to the ramp also, well i live about 2 miles from the ramp.

i was hopeing to put the motor on this week but dont look like that will happen, bussiness is pretty busy this week.