What HP should I bolt on the back of this Laveycraft

[DonRamon]

Hi all resident guru's,

I'm in the middle of a 'project', which really wasn't supposed to be a project. Long story:

* I'm posted in Singapore
* I bought a boat on Ebay US (Laveycraft 23 ft I/O 5.7L) 1982 vintage
* Commissioned a shipper to bring it here in a 40ft container
* Boat appeared not to fit the 40ft container (seller measured wrong)
* Boat is shipped sideways
* Upon arrival - engine = toast
* I've declared war with the insurance, over a 'misunderstanding'
* The contactor on the yard is charging me the living daylights for any work on the 350
* Alltogether I have spend 13k USD on the whole undertaking - and I'm not on the water
* I have NO experience in this, I'm just trying to realise my 'dream' on a budget, which now is officially blown.
* Wife is giving me the - 'I told you so'


... how do I get out of this elegantly..

I've looked at the 350 and the pre-alpha 1 outdrive - and with all due respect to those who admire the V8 engineering - that chunk of cast iron is a little too eager to sit on the bottom of the sea for my liking. It's friggin' heavy and too many holes in my boat!

I'm going to use my boat with the family here offshore / saltwater in Singapore, and I figured to get out of this the best way, is to straighten my back and just go & buy a new outboard with warranty and leave the worries behind (and retire 10 years later than planned). Normally I like old stuff for it's character - but now I really need to go for reliability and availability, the reality sinks in.

So - conversion to OB, can be done here. There is a 2nd hand SS bracket I can buy.

Engine selection:
I'm not into bigger = better type theories. Just good enough = good enough for me. Weight saving and simplicty is what I'm after to get best economy.

The yard tells me that a 150 HP 2-stroke can easily bring this boat on the plane - but if I read the forum all you guys end up with 225HP or more on a 23ft.

So - the Laveycraft is a slender hull, and looks 'light' on the face of it. Low profile cabin. I just want a confident boat to get on the plane - but I am not intending to go-fast.

Can I get away with the Evinrude ETEC 150? Or do I need to go with the 225? I really need some help in this decision.

Thanks!

Ramon

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What HP should I bolt on the back of this Laveycraft

Man you're really deep in it aren't you. That is a super cool hull but man, with a bum engine that would be worth just a couple thousand here. What drive package does it have? I gotta say, I think that hull would look odd with an outboard on it. A new long block would be your most cost effective option.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What HP should I bolt on the back of this Laveycraft

Yeah, a 150 will get it on plane, but who wants to do 25 in a hull that sleek? You definitely need more power. I agree with ez: you need to stay with the type power that came with the hull. Yeah, you can convert, but it is more than hanging an engine on the back. You also need to refurbish the interior and convert the instrument panel and controls. If you don't do the work yourself, it will cost just as much (or more) as fixing the existing engine.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: What HP should I bolt on the back of this Laveycraft

If you want a reliable and fuel-efficient motor then an new Evinrude Etec would be a great choice.

I agree that it might look a little odd but that will make it unique. I'd want to get at least a 175-200hp for that boat, it is engineered to be a fast hull

Good luck with your quest, sure hope you can get on the water

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: What HP should I bolt on the back of this Laveycraft

What ezmobee/acampora says. It has got to be cheaper with a long block. or a crate motor.
I sure would not F that transom with an outboard. My .02. plus the weight transfer from I/O to Outboard will be SO SCREWED UP.