Now I do start getting a bit of porpoising above 50mph. But I also have 2 17 gallon saddle tanks that start just behind the throttle and end about a foot before the splash well. So the weight is forward plus, add that to the weight of Driver and Passenger which could account for the difference. Daniel
I'm talking for personal/small team application. I like how the 18' handles as a single, but would It pull better with twin 115 opti's, or a single 250xs. A 20' that would be in our budget would probably need too much repair, but an 18 can be a little more affordable, and slightly cheaper to fix up. I just didn't know what you guys thought as far as overall towing and handling with two small motors or 1 big block. I know a big block can pull very well, but would the boat pull a little harder splitting the HP up by two props?? I know the weight is generally the same, the total HP is close to the same, I just wonder if two smaller engines will do better, though the torque per engine is a lot less than a big block... If I'm still not asking my question clearly, please let me know and I will try to elaborate some more, I guess I'm having a hard time asking what I'm thinking...
Mike, If you intend to pull off the pylon, keep in mind that the 250xs is quit a bit taller than the v-4's. That means the pylon has to be higher and will tend to pitch up more and limit the pull. In that situation the twins would out pull the single by a wide margin in my opinion. If you are talking about pulling off some sort of cleat on the deck or off the stern eyes it would not be an issue. jim
One issue I see if cost is a concern is that with twins you have a few extra things to purchase: Tie bar, dual control, extra wire harness, extra key switch, tach etc. Is this a main tow boat or third or 4th? You will probably be disappointed with the speed for barefooting with it if it is one of the main towboats( with twin 115s). I used to think that twin 115s was alot better than a single 225, but now I'm not so sure other than speed holding with multiple people behind the boat. We have the luxury of having both and twin 115s is a great boat for guys to break in to driving a twin. It also is really easy for dealers to sell 115s vs V6s generally so that helps us out. I'd probably be tempted to just put a single 200 or 225 Opti on it to save money over the 250XS unless you have a line on a 250XS.
Okay, given the lack of torque of the I4 115, has anyone recently or remember how a 18 handles two v6's? I've seen the pics of the aquanut boat, but anyone know if that would be recommended, or am I strictly in 20' territory now? I know they'd be a little heavy and would require a lot of counter weight, but how do you think it'd do? anyone remember how it did for wasaqua years back, I remember seeing their setup at state years ago...
Mike I'm pretty sure Jim Babcock was involved with Wausaqua show ski team, he might have some info on how that boat did. I wonder what ever happened to it. badgerland had that boat first, it was built in 1995, then it went to Wausau and got auctioned off with all their stuff I think. There is a guy in Horicon who works at John Deere who has an older 18 with twin 1991 150 Evinrudes which was the first year of the 60 degree 150s. I have been wanting to get some pics of his boat anyway, I'll see if my friend at Deere can get ahold of him. That boat is a showpiece.
The team at Alton IL had an 18 with two Merc 2.5 liter 175's on it with plans to go to 200's It belonged to the driver and I saw it perform in a show at Rend Lake in southern IL. I don't remember how much ballast was in that boat, but it sat very low in the water and the new motors are heavier. The driver was very good and it pulled the final pyramid. I don't remember the number of skiers. It was cool looking, but it would not be my choice. jim
Jim, Do you have any pictures of that boat, or any other 18's with the twin V-6's ? I'd love to see them. Bob
