I am getting a new Yamaha 115 HP prop engine for my Seaswirl, 20" model. I will also be buying the jet lower unit at the same time, or shortly thereafter. I plan to use the prop for two or so years on my salt boat, then switch the engine over to jet and put it on a suitable sled.

My father-in-law plans on buying a larger 20-24' Trophy/Striper in the next few years, so that he can use my sled, and I can use the big boat. Each guy owns one boat, but has access to two. (We live about half a mile away from each other)

Is this a feasable plan?

I used to do the same with my 18 foot Alumaweld, but I would consider getting a 150 rather than a 115, if you go to an 18 or bigger sled you will need the extra HP. I had a 115 yamaha on my sled and always was wishing I had a 150, it was great with the prop on, but when you installed the jet, it was underpowered as far as I was concerned.

By the way, I hope you get along with your in-laws...LOL.

Steve

I think it would work out fine, especially when sharing vessels within family. Your plan of changin out lower units while keeping the motor to fit the need of current and future boats is a good idea. I am planning on doing that with my 16' Gregor now; Changing out the LU to a Jet so I can use it in the rivers, and purchasing a new salt boat altogether.

In My family we have several boats, each individually owned, and we shared maintenance costs,help each other out on big jobs, and share when one wants to use the boat. We have a 58' Sea Ranger on Lake Union that I do a ton of maintenance on like changing oil, varnishing teak, general engine/ generator maintenance, washdowns, etc. It can be a hell of alot of work!

Sounds like a good idea providing your compatible with you inlaws.

One thing to keep in mind as was previously mentioned, get the bigger motor. You have approximately 1/3 less hp when you install the jet lower not to mention that your fighting current when your traveling up river and it's nothing to be facing a 6 to 8 knot river speed. Nothing worse than trying to get up on step with 3 people in the boat and not having enough power to do it before you run out of water! It'll be worth the extra $ believe me.

I'm thinking a 115 should be PLENTY of motor on a 20 inch boat! In all seriousness, I second the 150 hp, we have a 150 prop on our 18/19 ft seaswirl and I love the power it has!

Sounds like a good plan,just hope you both don't make plans for the same boat on the same day with different people,this could cause problems.Also plan on a 17' to 18' sled with that size motor.If your planning on a bigger sled you better go to the 150/105.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

115 with a pump is going to be a bit small, unless the sled is fairly small. Say a wooldridge 17 ft Alaskan. If that's the sled, then you're fine. The replacement is supposed to be pretty straightforward, well within the capabilities of anyone with a modicum of comfort around wrenches.

The motor is for a 20" transom, not a 20" boat. I have a line on a 17' Hewescraft sled that may be sold in a few years. If not, I'll find a suitable 16-18 foot sled.