Posted by John on February 07, 2003 at 15:08:29:
In Reply to: cabin skiff posted by Art Burgess on January 21, 2003 at 17:30:44:
Art,
You can see my Cabin Skiff on this website
http://www.glen-l.com/picboards/picboard4/pic304a.html.
I've run the Yamaha Pro50 in my cabin skiff for 10 years from 1993-2002 until the motor gave out last summer. A friend of mine who bought over 350 motors for government boats swears they got nearly twice the life out of them as other motors. My Pro50 lasted 10 years, probably 2000 hours, I'm not sure. It moved myself, a passenger, & 24 gallons of fuel, ice chest & appurtenances pretty well during that time. However, that was max weight you could put in it. If you went heavier (ie 3rd person, deer carcasses, etc) or sea conditions weren't right or you load up with a couple hundred pounds of halibut (one of my biggest curses - yeah right), you couldn't get up on step. Getting up on step is big limiting factor. When the Pro 50 was new, I could go over 25 knots. After the first year or two, I was lucky to see 22-23 knots. However, porpoising is a problem with the cabin skiff design. My configuration started porpoising at 22-23 knots. I think some of the other cabin skiff builders on this website have some excellent R&D experience (ie, little wedges on the transom) and have some good suggestions on how to fix the porpoising. I just haven't had the time to try to fix the porpoising (too busy fishing). Anyway, my Pro50 died last summer and I replaced it with a Yamaha 70. Now she REALLY screams. Doesn't start porpoising until 32 knots. I can carry all the weight I want and not worry about getting up on step. Unfortunately, I think 70HP can be dangerous. To fast! To powerful! I don't run it over 4500 RPM at about 26 knots, depending upon sea conditions. Got to be careful not slip the throttle up to 5500. The boat levitates. HOWEVER, would I give up the 70HP and go back to the 50HP? NO! Do I wish I had gotten the 70HP ten years ago instead of the 50HP? YES!
By the way, I beefed my sole up to 5/8 inch plywood during construction and fiberglassed it. I'm pleased with the real solid footing. Rest of the design was by the book.
My advice to you is see what you want to do with the boat. I wouldn't be afraid to get a 50HP, that's for sure. I love the 70HP but it's broken-teeth, fractured-rib, blood-in-your-urine scary. If you think you'll be carrying a lot of weight (dead moose, ice chests, 3 people), you'll need more than the 40.
Good luck,
JK
P.S. Humorous TRUE story: During the peak of the season there are salmon jumping all around here in Alaska. First day out in the ocean with my 70HP last summer my buddy & I were screaming along pretty fast (~30 knots) and a Coho jumped about 4' out of the water, hit my cabin, and flew by me out over the transom. In 10 years, I have NEVER had a fish jump and come close to hitting the boat. I credit the 70HP's speed.
: To all you cabin skiff builders out there.... I'm looking at buying a 35hp mercury (1985 in showroom condition) with low hrs. I know the plans say min. 25hp up to 40hp. Anybody have a 40hp and how does it go? How about 50hp?