1987 Project Question on Power

[nos3665]

Hi new to the group. I found a Project Boat that I can get, Question is whats the min-power on these craft.
I have a Fine less than 100 hour 90 HP 2 stroke Yamaha would this power this craft? 1987 Sea Craft CC

[BigLew]

Nos,

Let me be the first of many to welcome you aboard.

In your posting, you didn't mention what length Seacraft your project is. I assume it is either an 18 or 20 foot boat. Both will likely adequately perform with your 90 hp Yamaha. Obviously, the 18 foot will do better. While neither will be a speed demon, both should perform respectably. The bigger question is how hard that motor is going to have to work on a regular basis. A more powerful motor would not work nearly as hard as the one you have will.

If you current budget will not comfortably allow you to purchase a more powerful motor, you might want to think about using your 90 horsepower this season and sell it in the fall and repower with a larger one in the spring. At least that will spread out the pain!

Generally, most members would recommend 135 to 175 horsepower for 20 foot Seacraft. If the boat is 18 feet, the range would probably fall in 110 to 140 horsepower.

I'm sure many others will chime in. Again, welcome aboard. Be well and good luck.

[nos3665]

Thanks so much for the welcome, and yes its a 20'
I understand the hardwork on smaller power. I hope to find, trade wheel and deal or stump into a 135 or 150, but if the 90 will plane and run for inshore trolling in the tide line this late summer I would have all this coming winter to refit power and update the Hull.

[Fr. Frank]

BTW, in addition to the PM I sent you, I add that I repowered my 20' Seafari from a perfectly good Merc 150, down to a 90 Optimax, for purposes of economy.

[Michael Vezzosi]

Nos, welcome aboard! My 1979 20 originally was powered with an old BlackMax 200. In 1999, I repowered with a Johnson 175. Either was fine. Back then I did not have the money to enclose the transom while it was necessarily redone. Wish that I had.

Are you considering venturing offshore with the Yammie, or just in and nearshore? I think that would be more conclusive. Just my $ .02.

BTW, what year is the Yammie? Maybe shopping one for a 15 Whaler I'm refurbishing. Thanks. And Good Luck! Part II.

[fdheld34]

Hello, Welcome...I am new to the site as well. I have a 135 Mercury on my 20' Seafari and it does just fine...Would have powered with a 90-115 but it was so hard to locate a short (20") shaft motor in good condition and in my price range. I looked for about 4 months.Finally located an engine in North Florida....that was on a bass boat and used in freshwater only...seems to be plenty enough power.....
Fred

[nos3665]

With the 90 it will be inshore running for me, I have a Offshore Boat and many friends that own offshores also.

As for the yammiehammer, is a 89 I think less than 100 hrs I fogged and set back, And I to want to find a Boston Whaler 15-16 for same Project, I missed a "nice one" Last week by 10 mins, It went for 800 bucks with a trailer.
IF I run on a deal on Bigger power I will let you know.
I also have a 1989 Force that runs like a kitten? ok now you can spit. J/kidding Thanks in advance Steve

[Michael Vezzosi]

FORCE???

[Michael Vezzosi]

I apologize, Steve. Been here 15 years but I am from Jersey. Carry on. Part II.

[nos3665]

Well I visted the Boat today and found out its a 1978 Not a 1987 so this is a Potter Hull, The gent gave me free room to pull covers and gain excess to view the Hull and under the floors I used a small camera and 13' tv and view the stringers and Transom. Its not new but not bad or soft. Found one soft area in floor center amid ship not to bad, but its there. All thru hull ports seem solid I would post Pics But My lovly wife broke our digi camera last week. I told her no self portaits. lol I will pay for that I am sure. My goal is to rigg and fish thru the fall and refit her this winter, fish inshore and a few miles out on good days.