What size outboard to run?

[BigFishin82]

Hi everyone . I am a new member here and I want to start by saying thankyou everyone for this awesome website and great atmosphere on here. Nothing better then good info and good people to share with.  I just bought a 1978 25 ft. aquasport center console and I am wondering what size outboard I could use on my new boat? What can I use if I choose a single outboard ? What is ideal for twin setup also? I want to know the best route to go. Thanks again you guys.

[RickK]

Welcome aboard BigFishin82 :!:  :!:
Now we need to find out what kind of boat you just bought.  Was it a 246 CCP?  I'm not sure they made an Osprey that big back then.  Here is a look at the literature from around 1980 - scan through this and I think you'll find the HP ratings of the boat.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2849/sort/1/cat/572/page/1

Also, post some pix so we can help you figure this out.

[BigFishin82]

Ok it is a 246ccp with the coffin box up front and 16 rod holders. I will take some pics today and post them later tonight. Thanks for the link Rick.

[Hardwater]

Welcome BigFishin82!  Another big CCP on board - when you have a few minutes add it to the list here:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3847

As far as power goes...DOCREED ('89 250 CCP) and Kamikazee ('82 246 CCP) may be able to provide some performance data and have some suggestions.  Doc is running a pair of 150hp Mercs on a full bracket while Kamikazee has a single Johnson 250hp.

Let's see some pics :!:

[Kamikaze]

My Johnson 250 V8 pushed the boat at 42 MPH (GPS) @ 5500 rpm running a 15.25 X 18 pitch stainless prop.  Motor developed tons of torgue and threw the boat on plane but it WAS far too heavy for a boat that sits low in the stern by design and needless to say it never passed a gas station that it didn't like - the best MPG I ever got regardless of speed was 1.65.  

I have read in other posting that a 235 pushed the hull at 40 MPH as well, but I suspect it just took more time to get there.

Just this weekend I hung a 1999 Merc 3.0L EFI  225HP that I believe will push the boat just fine.  I am also looking into "stern lifting" props as well to help plane the boat quicker.  It will be a couple of weeks before I can report on the performance of the new motor as I didn't realize you just can't hook up Merc control cables to a OMC binnacle and assume it would all just work!  

I will have pics soon on another project that you might find interesting as well.  More to follow..

Anyone looking for a 246 Fish Box in good condition?

Kamikaze

[GoneFission]

A 3 litre Merc 225 or 250, or really any V-6 outboard at around 250HP is a nice setup on a 246CCP.  They are rated for 280HP, so you can also run twin 115s, 130s, or go a little over rating to twin 150s.  I think twin V-6s on the transom is a bit heavy - a couple V-4s might work...  You used to see a few 246 models with a big V-8 OMC motor, but they are heavy!  

I would probably look at a 225/250 Optimax or Etec.  Both have a good power/weight ratio, are good on gas, and you can pick one up without having to get a Federal bailout loan...

Don't forget to list your CCP with the others on the CCP listing:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3847&start=60&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

See ya on the water!