SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: eric69cam on February 26, 2010, 03:37:07 PM

Title: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: eric69cam on February 26, 2010, 03:37:07 PM: As the subject states, i need some advice and opinions. I am GOING to buy a 23ft Sleekcraft executive this weekend. I have a few options. What i'm having trouble with is the drive options. It looks like 1 of 3 options. My question to all of you here with experience greater than my own is:

Which is better for take offs, cruising and top speeds, maneuverability and longevity or ease of maintenance??????

- big block(chevy or ford) w/ jet(berkely or jacuzzi)

- small block 350 w/outdrive most likely volvo penta or alpha one
or
- big block/ outdrive...this one is a "stern drive solutions". Any help is greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: GlassCutter on February 26, 2010, 07:54:30 PM: I am going to drink a few more and then come back to this. Maybe then I will understand the question. How many Executives are you looking at ???
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: IRRebel on February 26, 2010, 08:11:55 PM: I'm with you there John!

Sounds like he's maybe buying new? :screwy:

If so, 23' I think, universally, is a bit too large for a jet, and what a jet drive is really intended for.

As far as outdrives and engines to power them? GTJets would be the god-king on answering that. Asking many of us (At least me) would be like asking the Keebler Elves how to Slam-Dunk a basketball.

Ray
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: eric69cam on February 26, 2010, 08:28:15 PM: Hmmmmmm.....ok. Well 3 engine/drive setups= 3 boats.

Thats why the 3 engine/drive setups. **#3 is an Ambassador---26ft**

I am buying USED (1977-1985) boats that are un-modified.

Boat #1- 23ft exec.- 460BBF with Berkley Jet (unmodified)

Boat #2- 23ft exec.- 454BBC with "stern drive solutions" drive unit... appears to be similar or same as Alpha 1 drive.

Boat #3- 26ft Ambassador- 350SBC with Volvo penta drive

Which is preferrable given the size of the boat? I have no experience with outdrives, thats why i need to hear some opinions from experienced minds.
I realize this is a jet-devoted forum but was just hoping to catch the eye of some multi-faceted people. Plus this is the only boat forum i'm on.
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: 76 Bonneville on February 26, 2010, 09:27:32 PM: Personally i'd take the big block and stern drive.
Not sure but if Stern Drive Solutions is the same as a Stern Power if so, it was a good drive in its day. I dont remember a SDS, but maybe Glenn will pop in and fill us in.
Seems like most of the S/C 23's have jets and more of them with Jacuzzi Golden Eagle pumps.
It's to bad the 26 doesn't have the BBC.
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: 76 Bonneville on February 26, 2010, 10:43:43 PM: Test Report on the 26' with a small block from Powerboat Mag 1982.
45MPH Top Speed
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: GT Jets on February 26, 2010, 11:32:24 PM: Quote from: eric69cam on February 26, 2010, 08:28:15 PM
Hmmmmmm.....ok. Well 3 engine/drive setups= 3 boats.

Thats why the 3 engine/drive setups. **#3 is an Ambassador---26ft**

I am buying USED (1977-1985) boats that are un-modified.

Boat #1- 23ft exec.- 460BBF with Berkley Jet (unmodified)

Boat #2- 23ft exec.- 454BBC with "stern drive solutions" drive unit... appears to be similar or same as Alpha 1 drive.

Boat #3- 26ft Ambassador- 350SBC with Volvo penta drive

Which is preferrable given the size of the boat? I have no experience with outdrives, thats why i need to hear some opinions from experienced minds.
I realize this is a jet-devoted forum but was just hoping to catch the eye of some multi-faceted people. Plus this is the only boat forum i'm on.

Stern Drive Solutions is just a replacement outdrive company, basically just an aftermarket Mercruiser, I have used them before, not as nice as OEM, but less expensive comparing a reman to new...

The stern drive will out perform the jet in the same boat if we are talking 23' Big block to big block, the sbc in the Alpha powered boat will give the jet a run for its money performance wise, but will do it while burning way less fuel.

It really is a personal preference thing, looking at it strictly from a performance aspect, the I/O will win HP for HP, but the safety of a squirter is tough to beat as far as propellers and such. The I/O will also come out of the hole harder, the jet can run in less than a foot of water (our tunnel ran at 80 MPH in less than 6" of water :screwy: ) The maintenance on the I/O is way more also...Too many thing separate them to make a comparison fair.

Boat #2 gets my vote sight unseen, but the jet sounds like it has some cool factor.... :thumbup: Boat #3 will hand you your own ass.... :thumbdown:

GT
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: GlassCutter on February 27, 2010, 01:25:03 PM: My experience is similar. 23.5' Berk with an Olds. Fun boat and I can pull the kids on a tube. Lightweight women (God luv em) can get up on a single ski but not my 280lb ass which pisses me of something fierce. Top speed is about 45mph with a brand new pump and totally stock engine. I love the simplicity of a jet and not having to worry about shallow water. Consider long and hard how you will use the boat and where. These boats are not for everyone and you may very well find yourself wanting something with more git up n go. I can't complain about gas mileage but haven't spent anytime somewhere like Powell or Mead.
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: beerjet on February 28, 2010, 06:24:25 PM: I've seen tons of 23' sc executives with jets and they are loved to death by there owners.
Most are actually suprised how ell they run.
Personally I would do the BBC/outdrive.

-beerjet-
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: eric69cam on February 28, 2010, 10:02:05 PM: thanks a lot for all the replies. I'm hearing alot in common with what i've knida been thinkin. As of now, #1 and #3 are out. Still gotta check out #2 this week. Hopefully tomorrow.

Quote from: GT Jets on February 26, 2010, 11:32:24 PM
Stern Drive Solutions is just a replacement outdrive company, basically just an aftermarket Mercruiser, I have used them before, not as nice as OEM, but less expensive comparing a reman to new...

The stern drive will out perform the jet in the same boat if we are talking 23' Big block to big block, the sbc in the Alpha powered boat will give the jet a run for its money performance wise, but will do it while burning way less fuel.

It really is a personal preference thing, looking at it strictly from a performance aspect, the I/O will win HP for HP, but the safety of a squirter is tough to beat as far as propellers and such. The I/O will also come out of the hole harder, the jet can run in less than a foot of water (our tunnel ran at 80 MPH in less than 6" of water :screwy: ) The maintenance on the I/O is way more also...Too many thing separate them to make a comparison fair.

Boat #2 gets my vote sight unseen, but the jet sounds like it has some cool factor.... :thumbup: Boat #3 will hand you your own ass.... :thumbdown:

GT

It is a drive from "stern drive solutions which from what i saw, basically means an Alpha one drive. Will have to verify though.

I love these daycruiser types. I grew up boating in a Sleek exec. with the 460/jacuzzi setup and liked it well enough even though that tired motor wouldn't turn over 3500RPMs or go much over 40mph. So if i can get one that will consistently do 45-50 or on a good day more, I'd be quite happy.
Title: Re: Need advice/opinions for 23ft Sleekcraft
Post by: Danger731 on February 28, 2010, 11:03:11 PM: My 23 footer does a bit over 50 with a Ford 460 jucuzzi jet with the energizer kit. It is a bit slow off the line but cruises at 30 with ease and turns well.