Etec 175 on a 23 CC?

[bmajvi]

I'm looking at a 23 CC that has a brand new Etec 175 installed...seems a tad on the underpowered side to me (I think I would have chosen a 225), what do you guys think? Haven't been out on it yet, owner says it's great. I used to have an 18 CC that I put a Suzuki DF140 on, which was a bit heavier than I liked, but the extra power was real nice when in dicey conditions. Thanks for your feedback! PS - Not interested in anti-Etec/pro 4 stroke rants

[ReelToy]

I have a 23 CC with a 250 Yamaha 2 stroke that I feel is great power for my boat. When I do repower I think I would go with a bigger motor. The 175 sounds a little under powered but you should give it a chance and go on a test run it might be all you need.

[vcs]

I have an evinrude ficht 175 on my 18ft with a bracket, I would think that would be under powered for a 23, I have twin evinrude 130's on my 23sf

[Bushwacker]

I would agree that on the surface it would appear to be a bit underpowered, but the E-Tec's are strong running motors, and typically put out about 10% more power than advertised. Although no one talks about it, most mechanical engineers know that there is also a big difference in max continuous (cruise) power levels between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Max continuous on a 2-stroke is essentially wide open (if you can stand the fuel burn!) because the harder they run the more oil they get. Max continuous power on a 4-stroke is typically about 75% of max rated hp (~5" Hg manifold vacuum); if you run them any harder than that, you'll take a big hit in exhaust valve life.

It won't be fast and I'd question the cruise fuel consumption, but with the right prop, it might surprise you. I ran a 90 hp 2-stroke on my Seafari for almost 30 years, including some trips to the Abaco's with very heavy loads. It rode great with that lightweight motor on the back. Fr. Frank is currently running a 90 hp Opti on his Seafari with good results. I think he's probably rigged some 23's with small motors and could give you better advice. Most folks today would consider our Seafari's to be pretty underpowered rigs, but they work amazingly well on these efficient VDH hulls. If boat is in good shape and the price is right, I wouldn't reject it without at least going for a test ride.

[stoney]

I have a 23 SF with a 200 yami. I'm quite happy with my so called underpowered boat. It will top out at 40 mph which is way to fast for me. I get 3.2mpg at optimum cruise 28 mph 3700 rpm and the motor is lighter so I don't get wet feet. How often can you go 45-50 mph where you live? It comes down to whether you have a need for speed.

[Rainmaker]

I run a 23'CC with a 225 etec on a bracket. I typically run with 2-3 people in the boat, 100g fuel and 150# of ice. Add that to the T-Top and fishing gear and I would say the 225 is just about as small a motor as I would want. When it is time for a repower it will be a 250 or 300 or maybe even twin 200s if the budget allows.

In addition to top end, if you do not have enough power you will have a hard time getting up on a slide and you will also struggle when the weather turns and you need to power through some seas.

I would say take it for a ride, make sure you have your typical weight in it. If you need find a couple of large people to go with you. Fill the fuel tank... If your not happy with the power, you will regret it until you decide on upgrading. Since the motor is new, it may be a little while.

[77SceptreOB]

We ran a 200 E'rude on our 23' Sceptre for years without any problem. WOT = 42mph. We added a tower (Lots of wind resistance) and upgraded to a 225 and the result was 41 mph WOT and 28mph cruise @ 4300 rpm.

[1bayouboy]

You could always move it over a bit and add a second 175 ETEC...

[gofastsandman]

Try to pick a sporting day for a seatrial. I have an `89 20sf w/ a 96 150 Ocean Pro w 900 hrs. Runs well. 42 mph both ways light load gps. Having been on Bushwacker`s heavier Seafari with the e tec 150, I can only say hang on. Subjectively, that motor feels 50 % more powerful than mine. No kidding. I also think that the old gross hp ratings vs SAE at the prop is more deceiving than most realize. If you take 10 hp BRP fudge and add it to only 10% SAE and 10% for the crank vs prop, you get the idea. 175 + 45. Go beat on it and let us know what you think. I wouldn`t be surprized if you see close to 40 mph with a good load.
GFS

[zach]

You could always move it over a bit and add a second 175 ETEC...

bingo