23 cc repower questions

[Kmitchell]

Ok guys, I have a 1989 seacraft 23 cc with an enclosed transom and a bracket currently with a yamaha 225 ox66. The previous owner pulled the cap on the boat and beefed up the stringers about 5 years ago, the same time they enclosed the transom and mounted bracket. What I would like to do is remove the single bracket and mount one for twins. I have 2 brand new yamaha F200's the lightweight inline 4 cylinders that I purchased for another boat but have decided to sell the boat and hang the new 200's on my Seacraft. I have a line on an Armstrong bracket as well. My question is has anyone tried this setup or know of any out there like this? I also can't find any info on the displacement of the Armstrong bracket. Not sure if this is worth doing, but am interested in giving it a shot. The 200's weigh in at 489# a piece. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[kmoose]

Its still a lot of weight and others will chime in on whether adjustments in weight distribution were made durring the rebuild. If it were me and I knew I would have to change brackets anyway I would go either a different route with power or remove the bracket and cut the transome down and mount the motors directly on or offset with with 6 inch, light weight brackets.

Heck, if the boat is ready to go the way it is I would throw one of the motors on it and fly it solo just to see how it runs. Light is right with these boats and to throw 1000 pounds on the back of a 23' CC can be sketchy... to push it out on a bracket is almost asking for disapointment and regret.

[flyingfrizzle]

If you use those motors, and if I had them that is what I would try it before changing power. If it handles too bad because of balance you can pull them and add lighter outboards fairly easily. To start with I would move as much weight forward as possible and Get a different bracket. The Armstrong will not provide enough flotation for the extra weight. Get a Hermco for twins with the largest flotation chamber under it as possible to help with the weight at rest and least amount of setback too. Batteries fuel tanks need to be slid far forward and maybe even the console too so you get your balance back close to right. It might not balance as well as it did before or handle as well but it will fly. Sounds like a trade off- Speed for less handling and balance. I have seen people hang twin 3.0 mercurys on these and do ok but the i4's are a little heavier weight wise.

[DonV]

"Light is right with these boats and to throw 1000 pounds on the back of a 23' CC can be sketchy... to push it out on a bracket is almost asking for disappointment and regret"

X2. Especially with a bracket.

What I would do if I was you is put one of the 200's on there and give it a try, you might be surprised and then give me the other so I can put it on my 22 Pathfinder

[htillman]

With those motors I would at least go with a Hermco bracket. From what I have read it gives the best flotation and is actually built for the 23 Seacraft. However, Armstrong brackets are good products.

[Old'sCool]

My 23' with Hermco bracket could be a temporary guinea pig!!

[Billpotter]

I agree with DonV; watch the weight. You can compensate for some extra weight aft by moving some weight forward in the boat, but you can't compensate for too much weight aft by moving some weight forward in the boat.

[BA17]

I really want the 200's on my boat. I have the Yamaha 150's on my boat which I think are actually 4 pounds heavier per motor, they are on a potter/hermco bracket. Boat is a little heavy in the back end but I also have a 40-50 gallon leaning post livewell. I am moving my tanks all the way forward while I have the floor out. I don't think you will have a problem with the 200's on a bracket. How much fuel does yours hold and where are the tanks located? Please keep us updated on the performance #'s on those motors. I may try to get a pair next year?

[mrmako231]

I was out on a 23 last week with a pair of 2.5L efi Mercs hung on the transom and was very impressed with handling at speed and how she sat at idle. Twin F200 sounds like a plan.