ENGINE WEIGHT ON A 2006 23 CC

[2berrocal7]

I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to the organizers and users of this excellent site. I read you all, all the time. But I am going to need some additional input from you guys. I am from the Republic of Panama (Pacific Side) and I had a SeaCraft Master Angler 20' 1978 for 16 years and now, I intend to purchase a new 2006 SeaCraft 23CC. Would not consider any other brand. I have great concern for the amount of weight that the 23CC can handle. But before I get into that, let me say that in the Republic of Panama all those hightech new heavy engines (Yamahas HPDI's and some 4 strokes) are being replaced again by the good old fashioned 2 Stroke YAMAHAS (COMMERCIAL VERSION MANUFACTURED FOR ASIA AND LATINAMERICA). These are the only engines that can withstand the heat and whether conditions of this harsh tropical climate. And these YAMAHAS weight much less. My actual consideration is to install TWIN 2 STROKE YAMAHAS 200HP, which weight only 409 pounds each, for a total of 818 pounds at the transom. I know that SeaCraft has the boat rated for 1,000 Pounds at the transom, but can the new 2006 23CC models really handle the weight? From the comments that I have read in this website, some consider twin 140HP Suzukis (which weight 410 pounds each) to be on the heavy side. Even though the boat is rated for 300HP, the twin 150's weight exactly the same as the twin 200HP: 409 pounds each. Please check specs at http://www.imemsa.com.mx/motores/200hp.asp#200hp4
I am not that concern about gas consumption. I know that twin 200HP will swallow gas, but prefer to have plenty of power to handle rough seas and get quicker response. And you can always go easy on the throtle, unless you are being chased by pirates, then you will need the speed.
Is 818 Pounds too heavy for this boat? No t-top will be installed. We prefer the good old fashioned bimini top to avoid the sun, which is plenty around this latitute. Additionally, please indulge me with your input and ponder the alternative to have TWIN 140's 2 STROKE TOHATSU ENGINES. Check specs at http://www.tohatsu.co.jp/en/boat/products/m140.html
Anybody out there with a 23CC and twin 2 stroke 200HP of similar weight (409 Pounds)? I promise pictures of the magnificent waters of the Pacific of Panama (Pearl Islands + Coiba) sometime soon.

[Capt Chuck]

Welcome to CSC 2Berrocal7

First off, I appreciate that you come to this site for expertise on your next purchase. Even thou this site is geared to the SeaCraft Classics (Potter years 60's & 70's), several posts have been made on this site as well as other boating forums (ex. The Hull Truth) reference the new SeaCrafts.These threads have covered structual issues and customer service regarding the new SeaCrafts. I would recomend that you research these forums. Even thou I don't think you will encounter problems with hanging 400 HP on the back of the 23', but before I purchase one and have it shipped to Panama, I would get in writing from Tracker/SeaCraft a letter with confirmed HP rating and a their intensions to handle any structual/warrenty issues that might arise. Your a long way from getting them to step up to the plate if need be.

Good Luck [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Bigshrimpin]

2berrocal7 - If you don't care about fuel . . . it's hard to beat the performance and reliability of premix Yamaha 2.6L motors. If you are thinking about Suzuki's you might contact either of these two places and ask them how they like their motors.

Pesca Panama - Hannibal Bank
http://www.pescapanama.com/

Roy Zancudo Lodge
http://www.1-costaricalink.com/hotel...costa_rica.htm

[eggsuckindog]

When these older boats were made we didn't have 400lb motors so we have trouble with the weight. I'm sure they have addressed that, but I have seen some older boats with twin 200 Merc's and they come in at 406 so you should be fine.