anyone running a 250hp outboard on a 222 semi-v ?

[slippery73]

Just found out im getting a 250hp suzuki fourstroke instead of the 175hp like I had planned. Kind of at a crossroads as to what to do with the thing, sell it or run it. Its about 90 pounds heavier than the 175hp. Would appreciate any input from anyone with the older 1970's model semi-v model to chime in if they are running a 200+ outboard.

[fitz73222]

Hey Slippery73,
I`ll chime in with my $.02, If your question is about weight and speed maybe I can help. On a 73 222 I`m running twin 1995 115 4 cylinder Mercs that weigh in at 338# each + stainless 4 blade props and extended range oil tanks so round up to around 725#. Running a ball skupper in the center drain hole and keep the other 2 plugged. The drain plugs are about 3" below the waterline. I just had her out yesterday so these stats are fresh in my noggin. I`ve had this boat to 46 mph with a light load. Yesterday, running with 60 gallons of fuel and my signifigant other and her daughter in the tower she mustered 42 mph. (Tee top with folding tower). This may be apples and oranges but the holeshot and midrange are really nice with that kind of horsepower and torque. I can cruise at 29 mph @3400, 9.1 gallons per hour, 3.18 mpg per the floscan and GPS. So I can imagine a single 4 stroke 250 will do much better. I must also add that I have the factory transom livewells that do act as trim tabs for for planing off. This boat will plane @ 20 mph without tucking the motors in. She is no speed demon but I really dont care. So the boat will handle the weight and horsepower if you have the transom for it. She won`t self bail at rest if its an issue.
Fitz73222

[slippery73]

Thanks for the info fitz, I know that the boat doesn't need that much power to perform well. But, ive got the thing paid for so... I'd hate to have to sell it and then buy a smaller motor. I don't usually see anyone running the bigger motors on the lighter 1970's hulls. Just want to make sure the boat isn't going to fall apart. I know the transom is good, 2" thick transom pour and lots of glass. Just don't want to worry about my chines cracking and my stringers delaminating. I guess i'll just beef up those areas.

Do you know how many inches you draft?

[fitz73222]

I would guess my draft with motors up is in the 12"- 13" range, never checked but I can. As far as additional stress on the hull, I still have the original transom with very very little gelcoat cracking at the transom to floor connection and nothing else, which is quite amazing to me. The engines have been on there for 15 years! (knock on cellulose!) I have a slight amount of transom wiggle so I don`t shower down on the motors and baby her coming out of the hole. So your poured transom should never be a problem. One thing you may want to consider is propping the boat for the mid range efficency using a 4 or 5 blade prop and put that horsepower and torque to good use and get some great mileage and long easy engine life. The hull is never really going to let you use the engine`s full potential anyway.

Fitz

[fitz73222]

Hey slippery 73,
Draft is 12 inches motors up. Motors down I think 24".

fitz73222

[slippery73]

Sounds good to me, looks like I'll be running the 250. I still want to keep it useable as an inshore boat, if it was a 14-16" draft it would kill me for where I fish. It seems thats about where the dorado 23's draft with same engine. Im moving the fuel tank forward so that should help as well, but I want to do a leaning post livewell (40 gallon) so the weight issue had me worried about my draft.

Thanks for the help. Do you have any pics?

[gran398]

Been following discussion, and with the livewell addition, moving the tank forward makes sense.

Have seen a trend lately on rebuilds to move the tank up to the coffin space between the front console and the aft foredeck.

Even without the livewell weight, drops her down up front, makes her jump a little flatter too.

JMHO.

Thanks, keep us posted.