Opinions on if I should repower 18

[Bandit91]

Originally Posted by uncleboo

20" transom, 20" shaft and I raised the transom 3". 2-1/4" would have been better due to hydraulic steering head, but, I have it worked out. I went with the 3" jack plate solely for the purpose of adjusting the height of the motor without removing bolts.

That sounds like a good setup. Are your scuppers completely submerged when the boat was docked?

[uncleboo]

Not now, 2-1/2" above waterline. Before the diet, the bottom of the scuppers was at water level.

[Bandit91]

Just giving everyone an update. I had pretty much made my mind up I was going with a 140 Suzuki. Went to the local dealer and was not really impressed with them. Didn’t want to be tied to them if I ever needed any warranty work. So long story short, I ended up working a deal on a new mercury 115 pro xs with command thrust lower unit. I really like the dealer I got in touch with and feel like this will be a great motor for the 18. It’s about 363 lbs so almost identical weight to the 130 2 stroke I removed. And with the command thrust lower unit I’ve got plenty of prop choices so I should be able to get it dialed in perfect. I appreciate everyone’s help and I’ll be sure to post up the performance of the new motor along with pictures after I get it installed.

[SailorChlud]

Good Luck with the new motor. It is soooo important to get a good feeling from the dealer who will service the motor later...sounds like you made the right choice.

[Old'sCool]

I have the Yam 70 4S on a 17' War Eagle and absolutely love it! That said, I wouldn't want it on a 18' SeaCraft.

[DonV]

Well done Mr. Bandit!!!!

[Beaver]

Nice!!! Please post some numbers after you get a chance to run it a while.

[cane]

What size propeller are you running with 90 HP and 115 HP ?

[Bandit91]

Originally Posted by cane

What size propeller are you running with 90 HP and 115 HP ?

Not sure about the 90s but I know with the 115 command thrust motors a lot of guys are running 14.25 x 21 pitch props on similar sized boats. So I’m going to start with that and see how it does.

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by uncleboo

Not now, 2-1/2" above waterline. Before the diet, the bottom of the scuppers was at water level.

How much did the ride and min plane speed improve?