any tips on repowering from twins to single outboard?

[promariner]

I am about to repower from twin 150 carb Yamahas to a single 4 stroke 250 on my 230 Osprey.  Has anyone done a similar repower?

[gran398]

Are you considering a F-250 Yamaha?

[GoneFission]

Have you looked at the prices of twin 115-150 engines versus a single 250-300?  You might save money by going with twins.  I priced the same setup recently with Mercs, and twin 125s were going to cost less than a single 225.  Seems strange...    

[promariner]

I have a lead on a 2 year old f-250 Yamaha,  all up about 12.5k installed.  Considered twins, but do not want to spend the cost of new engine(s) on my 18 year old boat.

[gran398]

pro,

Inquired about the F-250 for a reason. You've asked for input...so here's my take.

Have fished a F-250 on a new 23 Hydrasport. Nice boat...heavy boat. Hull weight only, no engine(s).... 5200# dry.

Loaded for offshore grouper fishing...bait, ice, tackle, food, drinks, 175 gallons fuel, four fatties as crew...could barely get on plane.

Relatively unsafe running an inlet in marginal conditions with the above load.


Seriously consider John's input. You're set up for twins. You're used to running twins, familiar with them, especially at the dock. You'll be sadly disappointed with that single Yammie in comparison to what you've had, IMO.

Just depends on the load...but his Hydra was unimpressive even with a light load, two guys. Our boat discussions lately have regarded trading his single for twins. Say you could buy two 140 Suzi's for less money.....you know already the benefits of running twins.

Just like my friend...you have an "in between" hull...although lighter.  Bottom line on his ride...he regrets the single F-250.

[seabob4]

Suzuki 300...

[GoneFission]

Prices on some new motors MSRP/going price

New Merc 125 Opti - MSRP$10K/$8K

New Merc 250 Opti - MSRP$20K/$18K

New Merc 250 Verado - MSRP$21K/$19K

Yammie 300 Offshore - MSRP$26K/$20K

Suzuki 250 - MSRP$23K/$18K

So twin 125s cost less than a single 250 or 300, and you get the security of that other motor just in case - plus you can troll off one engine and save some fuel.   The same seems to apply to used prices - you can get a 115-125 for less than half the price of a similar condition 225 or 250.  AND the torque and hole shot of twins can't be touched with a single - you can only put so much power to a 14" prop.  Look around for a deal on a pair of 115-130 and I think you will be happy compared to a 225, 250, or even 300!

[Circle Hooked]

This has got me thinking,if i repower twins might be a better idea,Bob would twin 125's or150's opti's fit on my boat  

[promariner]

Thanks for the feedback,  I am going ahead with the   single F250 Yamaha, because:
1. service  , I have 2 Yamaha service shops nearby which I trust.
2. weight,  I will lighten the stern ( previously a bit low) with less engine weight, no oil tanks and fewer batteries. For local service , the only other brand I considered was Evinrude, and I would still be heavier with twin 150's than my old Yamaha carb 150's.
3. less maintenance on one engine than 2.
4.  better fuel economy with a single.
5.  Cost:  I was not ready to spend 20k plus on my 18 year old boat.  a 2 year old low hour engine with warranty left, made more sense to me.
      12.6 k  - installed.

I will post sea-trial results and let the next person contemplating a move like this have an example to follow or avoid as the case may be!

[promariner]

Completed the repower to a 250 Yamaha 4 stroke.  completely satisfied in result.  shed enough weight to raise the stern a couple of inches.  top speed is within a knot or two of what I had with twins. No more mosquito fogging on start up!

[GoneFission]

No more mosquito fogging on start up!

 

My Black Max kills every skeeter around when she starts up cold... I love the smell of 2-stoke smoke in the morning - it smells like - victory!  

Sounds like you are happy with the 250 - post some fuel burn numbers and speeds when you can!  And some pics!
 

[wingtime]

My Black Max kills every skeeter around when she starts up cold... I love the smell of 2-stoke smoke in the morning - it smells like - victory!  

    Yeah so does mine...  I love it.  

Ever try running full synthetic two stroke oil?  I heard it smokes less.  I have an Amsoil account and I have been thinking of trying it.

[seabob4]

This has got me thinking,if i repower twins might be a better idea,Bob would twin 125's or150's opti's fit on my boat  

Scott, yes, they'll fit, we used to hang twin Mercs, Yams, OMCs on 225 Explorers and Ospreys.  The only thing different is you have to change the steering cylinder from a front mount to a splashwell mount...unless you have a molded in relief on the starboard swim platform that doesn't seem to serve any purpose...

[Circle Hooked]

I've seen that cut out on other boats, kind of hoke.

[seabob4]

I've seen that cut out on other boats, kind of hoke.

A lot of people see that "relief" and think WTF is that for?  Allows clearance for the starboard side of a front mount cylinder when turned hard to port...