finally found my new project

[njfreediver]

So after almost a year of searching for my next project I finally pulled the trigger on a 1972 233 today. I couldn't pass it up. 3 miles from my house, completely SOLID boat, and $300. How could I say no? Now the planning begins.....

 

First order of business is ripping out the trash motor and drive and building a bracket to hand on the back. My first question is will a new Suzuki 225 4 stroke have enough power to push her at a decent pace? I'm not looking for a rocket ship but it would be nice to be able to cruise at at least 25 knots. Any power advice?

 

[Thomas C. Norville]

No advice, but good luck on the project. Just finished my 72 this weekend, well worth it but I'm glad it's over.

[Bob Pink]

i have an OX66 225 on a bracket on my '79 and I cruise at 26kts,  wot flat calm i can make 35+

[Bill Tracey]

A 225 4 stroke should be enough, however you'll probably  need some ballast in the bow. I have been in one that had a 250 2 stroke on the transom and it flew. You can still get 2 stroke, they are much lighter and have less moving parts.

[Henry Todd]

And I thought I got a good deal from Mr. Markley!!!

 

When in doubt, plan for more power than you think you'll need!!  :)  (I AM a little biased though!)

 

As you know, these hulls are very heavy and solid and can take quite a bit of power.  Once you factor in the additional weight of a full fuel tank, baitwell, rigging and equipment on the boat, ice chests, your friends and any fishing/diving gear you'll have on board, it will be quite the load.

 

If you are planning on building your own bracket (Fiberglass??), plan on hanging two outboards on the transom and build the bracket as a "Flotation Bracket" to help support the additional weight of the second engine.  Yes, I know, it could be considered a little excessive but I'm OK with that!

 

Two engines = twice the weight, rigging, cables, etc. not to mention the increased fuel consumption.  I know all of the arguments and can understand why people feel the way they do.

 

In my opinion, having two engines increases the top speed of the boat and in my opinion will distribute the "Load" between both engines.  

 

My reason for building my F233 with two engines in mind......increasing the odds of making it home!  :)

 

Keep us posted with what you decide to do so we can all learn from one another!

 

Henry

[njfreediver]

Thanks for the advice. I've got the boat nice and secure in my shop at work and have been working on it a lot and putting A LOT of thought into it. First order of business was tearing everything out of it. So now its a bare hull. I ripped the fuel tank, engine, and outdrive out as well. I've already closed the outdrive hole in the transom as well.

 

Then I pulled the windshield off and discarded it. I made a fiberglass windscreen type thing in place of the windshield. I was going for that carolina custom look like a Jarrett Bay or Jersey Cape express. I will take pictures tomorrow.

 

As far as my engine/bracket confusion, I'm going with either a single 250 or a pair of 150s. I really would prefer twins, but we will see what the money situation says. As far as the bracket goes, I am a marine welder/fabricator so I'm going to make my own aluminum flotation bracket and powder cote it. I will post some pics of the boat soon.

[jim mckinnon]

hi i know the work your getting your self into im just completing my 1972 model hull major re-fit and i chose the new f300 yamaha on a alloy pod, ive owned this hull for 35 years and it had twins and several sinle engines and performs well with the single. you got your hull for a steal well done and look forward to seeing pictures.

regards jim