Classic AquaSport

Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter => Engines & engine woes => Topic started by: nestorpr on January 10, 2021, 11:43:12 PM

Title: Repowering my 215 Explorer
Post by: nestorpr on January 10, 2021, 11:43:12 PM
Well, during my last outing my 2001 Mercury 200hp 2-stroke ate the #2 piston! Engine seized up and had to be towed back, good thing I was only about 1 mile away from the marina ramp. Really sucked but I did get to meet a really great TowBoat operator, Capt. Randy! Anyway, after much internet research and phone calls I settled on a new 2021 Suzuki 300hp with DTS. Boat is at the dealer's now getting readied for hanging the new engine and I can't wait to try her out. Does anyone else have the same model boat and engine combo? I'd love to hear your experiences and comments!
Title: Re: Repowering my 215 Explorer
Post by: nestorpr on January 25, 2021, 02:42:00 AM
She's back! The dealer did a fantastic job even building a new instrument panel to accommodate the new digital gauge without the old analog gauges. They also relocated one of the batteries (why the builder would locate a battery beneath the fuel/water separator is beyond me!) to the port side cabinet where the old oil tank used to be and ensured everything was shipshape. A few days ago the weather permitted me to splash her and begin the break-in process. One of my worries was that the extra engine weight (over 230 lbs.) would drown the transom drain holes but the aft waterline didn't change much, perhaps an inch higher than with the 200 hp. 2 stroke, she really handled the extra weight very well. After 2 hours on the water driving at different speeds up and down the Banana River I reached the point where I could push het to 4k rpm's. Wow! She ran extremely well at 4k rpm reaching a top speed of 37 mph and 3.1 mpg, and at 3750 rpm she gave a speed of 34 mph and 4.17 mpg! I still have to operate her at full throttle and see how she performs but it's been a great success so far!
Title: Re: Repowering my 215 Explorer
Post by: RickK on January 25, 2021, 05:40:48 AM
Congrats on the new power.
Title: Re: Repowering my 215 Explorer
Post by: Capt. Bob on January 25, 2021, 08:00:35 AM
! I still have to operate her at full throttle and see how she performs but it's been a great success so far!

These Aqua/Wellcraft hulls have been known to hit 50 mph with a higher hp motor. I would not be surprised if once you dial it in, you won't see similar results.

Good luck. :thumright:
Title: Re: Repowering my 215 Explorer
Post by: nestorpr on January 26, 2021, 12:44:13 AM
Thanks guys! I can't even imagine what 50 mph on water feels like but I guess I may find out soon enough though, the dealer installed a Scorpion 151-23 propeller he says should give me the best performance out of the engine/boat combo so we'll see.
Title: Re: Repowering my 215 Explorer
Post by: rhtrades on August 16, 2021, 09:47:41 PM
I am also getting a repower, 200 hp suzuki.  Do you happen to have any swamping with a couple guys fishing at Aft?  Did you change your scuppers at all to the kind that let water out but not in? 
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal