repower my Offshore 24

[Sam-N-Time]

I have searched and not found the answer, so here is the question.

I REALLY enjoy my 1984 Offshore 24 which is currently powered with a set of 140HP 2-stroke 1990 Johnsons. I converted to premixing them and have gotten along fine. The engines are both running well, and most use of my boat is 10 to 15 mies from the south shore of Lake Michigan and trolling for salmon.

I would like to convert to 4 stroke to get away from the premix, and also enjoy the efficiency of a 4 stroke.

Question, can I tolerate t(it now has a pair of 1990 Johnson 140's) he weight of a 4 stroke, and what size would I need? I have really enjoyed the peace of mind of 2 engines, but with the addition of a new Garmin Autopilot, seems like using a kicker for trolling would be an issue, and am thinking that a single 4 stroke would probably be a decent choice. I could put a kicker in the cabin for the rare occasion it would be needed, and steer it with the tiller. I don't think there would be a problem trolling with the engine

When full of fuel (60 + 100 gallons) my scuppers are just at the waterline. I guess another question is will I need to plan on a 25" shaft if going to a single engine and what HP, since it would be nice to cruise at 25+ mph.

Any help will be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Norm

 

[onoahimahi]

A white E-TEC 250 HP would look nice on the back of your boat 8)

Check out the numbers I just posted for my Sailfish:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20691

 

[armand]

I have the same boat with a 1991 Yamaha 250 vx and I am replacing it with a Honda 225 4 stroke it is about a hundred pounds heavier and I was told I would loose about 4 miles per hour but my fuel consumption will be a lot better.