The Boating Forum - Conch 27 Re-Power F300's

I have been running twin 2008 200HPDI's on my 1996 Conch 27 for the past 4 season and never had a single issue boat ran as follows:

RPM MPH MPG

3000 26 2.1
3500 30 2.0
4000 36 1.9
5000 44 1.7
5500 50 1.2

They had 700 hours when I decided to make a change the reason for the change was since most of my fishing has been out in the gulf off of Key West I found there were more than enough times i wished I was cruising 10MPH faster. I also really liked the DEC controls and losing the (2) oil tanks was a bonus. Also I recently purhcased a 21 Contender that needed an engine so one of my 200 HPDI's went to that.

The re-power was done at Viking Marine in Portsmouth RI and was intensive as the transom had to be modified to move the engines to a 29" center from the 26" center the HPDIs were at, while at the mods I also added dual Uflex steering (thanks to the advice of Scarabchris) with their SS tie bar and a coffin box in the bow of the boat. The entire project took about 2 weeks as I kept adding things to the list.


I am still breaking the engines in but the performance so far is astounding and these numbers are with the 19 pitch props from my HPDI's I have a set of 21 SDS's on order.

RPM MPH MPG

2000 22 2.3
3000 32 2.6
4000 44 2.3
5000 49 1.7
6000 59.5 1.3


I am hoping with the 21's the WOT will break 60 I am THRILLED with 4000 and 44mpg at 2.3 mpg that is what i was aiming for.

Any suggestions on props are welcome!

some pictures:

more photos:

thats awesome jason, congrats!


.

Siik Ride !

Awesome thread. Did your old props have work done to them? Your 4000rpm speed of 44mph puts your slip at -7% assuming 19 pitch and 1.75 gear ratio lowers. I love my SWS II 21" props and feel that they are the best that Yamaha has produced. I would contact Ken at propgods.com to get his input. He can take the numbers you've provided and tell you exactly what you should run to maximize both speed and efficiency. The man is simply amazing. Beautiful boat BTW.

Nice repower, but now my neck hurts. :)

Awesome thread. Did your old props have work done to them? Your 4000rpm speed of 44mph puts your slip at -7% assuming 19 pitch and 1.75 gear ratio lowers. I love my SWS II 21" props and feel that they are the best that Yamaha has produced. I would contact Ken at propgods.com to get his input. He can take the numbers you've provided and tell you exactly what you should run to maximize both speed and efficiency. The man is simply amazing. Beautiful boat BTW.

That is an interesting question as now that you mention it I do not know the history on the props, they came with the boat and the 200 HPDI's. I had a 19P on the 21 Contender as well and stacked on top of one another they all look exactly the same diameter and not sure if my eye could determine but pitch wise as well.

Either or I want to go with the SDS props and per the yamaha bulletins on relatively comparable boats the 21P look like the best fit.

Joey- thanks, hope to now see you out there before this one gets sent back to Key West!

Nice repower, but now my neck hurts. :)

sorry bout that I tried to fix it but for some reason THT flips my photos and when i flip the flipped photos over they are still flipped, thats a lot of flips :grin:

Nice Jason

Nice!:thumbsup:

that's my dream boat.

those 300's look awesome on the back!

Congrats, those are some pretty sweet numbers..

RPM MPH SLIP

3000 32 -4%
4000 44 -7%
5000 49 5%
6000 59.5 3%

those slip numbers are pretty low, so maybe those 19's were repitched at one time.
Or the tach could be reading a little high.

Either way, you got 21's on the way so that should be fun.

Those motors seem to make pretty good power at 5600-5800 so I'm sure cracking 60 won't be an issue.

Trayder, great numbers on the 300's, I'm doing the same on a 28 WhiteWater.
So you are using a 21 pitch SDS or the SWS II

RPM MPH SLIP

3000 32 -4%
4000 44 -7%
5000 49 5%
6000 59.5 3%

those slip numbers are pretty low, so maybe those 19's were repitched at one time.
Or the tach could be reading a little high.

Either way, you got 21's on the way so that should be fun.

Those motors seem to make pretty good power at 5600-5800 so I'm sure cracking 60 won't be an issue.


I was thinking he should be running a 23p.... The motors can turn it on that hull and he will hit 60 easy....

That 4k rpm number is sweet ....... Great set up.... Enjoy her

Trayder, great numbers on the 300's, I'm doing the same on a 28 WhiteWater.
So you are using a 21 pitch SDS or the SWS II

those #'s are with the SWS 19s (not SDS) switching to SDS props I was told to drop 2 pitches from a std SWS so using Nexxxts214's same thinking I have ordered 21P SDS's hope to have them in a week or so.

Your new Whitewater should easily see better numbers on the high end as you hull is a bit faster not sure in the middle but I am sure of 2 things the efficiency will boggle your mind and you will be thrilled you went with the 300's, awesome powerplant, the DEC controls alone are worth the upgrade

those #'s are with the SWS 19s (not SDS) switching to SDS props I was told to drop 2 pitches from a std SWS so using Nexxxts214's same thinking I have ordered 21P SDS's hope to have them in a week or so.

Your new Whitewater should easily see better numbers on the high end as you hull is a bit faster not sure in the middle but I am sure of 2 things the efficiency will boggle your mind and you will be thrilled you went with the 300's, awesome powerplant, the DEC controls alone are worth the upgrade

Wow, 19, okay. I know the Conch 27 well & WhiteWater 28, both boat when you transom mount the engines as you have it, versus the bracket, You lose at least one step on the props. I was planning on trying 1st the 21 and go from there, once I get the boat in the water.
Congrats real nice rig.

Dang J, it looks like you've been able to tweak out a few more mph and mpg since I first spoke with you. Those numbers are insane. Great job and I can't wait to slam some bluefins with ya.

One of the nicest boats I have ever seen just got better.

Are you taking that hood off now then?

That is my dream boat.

J, I have now officially gone from jealous to insanely jealous. I must invite myself for a ride. Can you hang a pair of F300 off the back of a '78 SeaCraft, I wonder?

Congratulations!

Awesome numbers.....Beautiful boat:thumbsup:

RPM MPH SLIP

3000 32 -4%
4000 44 -7%
5000 49 5%
6000 59.5 3%

those slip numbers are pretty low, so maybe those 19's were repitched at one time.
Or the tach could be reading a little high.

Either way, you got 21's on the way so that should be fun.

Those motors seem to make pretty good power at 5600-5800 so I'm sure cracking 60 won't be an issue.

And there is the man himself. Playing with Ken's link to the slip calculator, my guess is that your 19s were worked to be closer to 21" or 22". Considering how good your numbers are now, any improvement will make yours one of the most efficient boats of that size that I've ever heard of. I second the "insaneley jealous" comment above. I want a set of these motors for my boat so badly, I can taste it. Just gotta convince the wife that $40k is a great deal:grin:

Ok, on the fuel consumption, how do you reset it from the 200 to 300 HP motors? Are the sensors RPM based or actually physically measuring fuel used?

And there is the man himself. Playing with Ken's link to the slip calculator, my guess is that your 19s were worked to be closer to 21" or 22". Considering how good your numbers are now, any improvement will make yours one of the most efficient boats of that size that I've ever heard of. I second the "insaneley jealous" comment above. I want a set of these motors for my boat so badly, I can taste it. Just gotta convince the wife that $40k is a great deal:grin:

Tokinred, I picked up a pair two weeks ago 140 hours down here in South Florida, there are still a few for sale. A few of the guys on the Yamaha engine exchange program are up for their change and have to sell the motors, you still get the full 3 years warranty, most are priced in the very low 30's

Absolutely awesome!! I want either a whitewater 28 or conch 27 as my next boat and this one is setup perfectly!!

Are you taking that hood off now then?

Odd question, that would take one of the best features of the boat away

Not a chance

Holy Crap! Call me . . .

Ok, on the fuel consumption, how do you reset it from the 200 to 300 HP motors? Are the sensors RPM based or actually physically measuring fuel used?



The #'S come off the engines ECU no sensors like the old FM system same with my old HPDIs I think that started when command link came out but not sure

I think I have....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb57/slayerrules666/beavis_butthead_static.jpg

I think I have....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb57/slayerrules666/beavis_butthead_static.jpg

I dip Skoal long cut and there is now a good amount of that crap on my monitor!!!:o:rofl:

Those are great numbers on a killer ride. We both know the benefits of the engine cover, but how much trim angle did you lose before you hit with the wider motor setup?

-T

Fuel management doesn't care what size the engines are. it just measures the flow in gallons-per-hour. It then takes the gps signal if provided and determines the MPG. it also keeps a running total of how much fuel has been consumed based on that flow rate. The fuel computer doesn't care if it is a 2hp engine or a 200hp engine.

Fuel management doesn't care what size the engines are. it just measures the flow in gallons-per-hour. It then takes the gps signal if provided and determines the MPG. it also keeps a running total of how much fuel has been consumed based on that flow rate. The fuel computer doesn't care if it is a 2hp engine or a 200hp engine.

And, based on my experience, they are right on the money. I always reset mine at each fill, and am always within a gallon either way. Did I mention that your boat is awesome?

nice sled
just out of curiosity how are you getting the boat back and forth from RI to the keys?
that seems like an awful long way to trailer it

Wow those are great numbers for such a huge boat. I don't think I have ever seen slip numbers go UP as speed went up though, that seems odd. Speed is from GPS right?

Just looks weird-
3K to 4K netted a 12mph increase
4K to 5K netted only 5mph
5K to 6K jumped back to 10.5mph increase

Maybe the 44mph at 4K is a little optimistic?

And, based on my experience, they are right on the money. I always reset mine at each fill, and am always within a gallon either way. Did I mention that your boat is awesome?

thanks, Tokinred. Love my boat, although yours ain't too shabby either!

I agree on the accuracy of the fuel management. I always reset mine after each trip, as well. And it is usually right on.

nice sled
just out of curiosity how are you getting the boat back and forth from RI to the keys?
that seems like an awful long way to trailer it

that's exactly what he does. Trailers it. straight shot, too. Crazy.

You have a beautiful boat!! wish i could see #'s like that in our 31 contender!! Enjoy!!

Dumb question - Is your ride rated for 600 hp ?

Just curious - I would love to repower and older boat - but always concerned about the HP rating

Great setup--that boats gonna cook. Quick Ques: I noticed some kind of wedges or starboard angled panel on the old motors, do you still need that on the boat with the F300's, is there no bow porpoise now? Congrats again.

Those are great numbers on a killer ride. We both know the benefits of the engine cover, but how much trim angle did you lose before you hit with the wider motor setup?

-T

As i had to move the engines out 2 inches I also had to move them up, as the bottom of the hull is closer to the top of the transom the further outboard you go (as I assume you are referencing) The original HPDI's were mounted too low they were on the top hole and should of been on the 2nd. These are now in the 3rd hole and that does not affect the running trim but does limit the shallow water trim, if you want to call it that?? Its about 2" worse than the HPDIs all the way down. I have full steerage in running trim but 3/4 up the trim scale you HAVE to pull the shroud fwd. There is 1MM of clearance when the engines are full lock on either side to the corners of the aft deck when trimming up to full tily, its close but is clears worst case (lucky there)

that's exactly what he does. Trailers it. straight shot, too. Crazy.

yes I run the boat from KW to Stuart FL on an afternoon then a straight shot to RI I usually make it to the MD DEL border by 1-2am that night and get some shut eye in the truck then make it to RI in the AM the next day.

In reverse I leave RI at 3AM and pull into KW around noon the following day I figure 28-30HRS non stop.

Trick is to leave on a Saturday from KW so you hit DC and NYC last Sat or early SUN

From RI to KW as long as I pass through NYC before 6am Im good.

I have however had some epic trips where it took what seemed like a week to get in either direction, you have to breath deep take your time and STAY away from most all other people on the road.....

here are some fun shots from the tow to RI last month, the caddy was a personal favorite i think its referred to as a Donk?

Dumb question - Is your ride rated for 600 hp ?

Just curious - I would love to repower and older boat - but always concerned about the HP rating

The boats were a pretty custom build no two are really the same and there is no rated horsepower the only documentation I have recommends twin V6 or a Single V8 outboards

I am not the first to power with twin 300's R&R who builds them now has done at least 2 and there are 2 older ones in KW that have 300's one with HPDI's and the other with twin 300 Verados.

Dumb question - Is your ride rated for 600 hp ?

Just curious - I would love to repower and older boat - but always concerned about the HP rating

Who cares, :grin: they ask me the samething about the WhiteWater with 300's, I say letter rip, 60 mph plus - I see you at the dock 1st:thumbsup:

Great setup--that boats gonna cook. Quick Ques: I noticed some kind of wedges or starboard angled panel on the old motors, do you still need that on the boat with the F300's, is there no bow porpoise now? Congrats again.

Great question they are wedges but not the type of wedges you would see on a Contender or regulator to bring the bow down.

The transom on a Conch is Convex from the inside out its essentialy an arch I think for strength. Some of the boats that were rigged by Fred Herman in Miami (like mine) has wedges installed to create a flat surface to mount the engines on. Without the wedges the engines transom bracket would be "twisted".

Does that make sense? Its hard to see but if you look closely at this picture you can see the outward curve the transom has, see how the middle is a bit further back than the sides?

Who cares, :grin: they ask me the samething about the WhiteWater with 300's, I say letter rip, 60 mph plus - I see you at the dock 1st:thumbsup:

because of insurance only ....... Just curious how that works if a hull is rated for 500 hp and you re-power with more...

I had a 26 Regulator - and would have loved to put on Yam 300's ..... :thumbsup:

Wow those are great numbers for such a huge boat. I don't think I have ever seen slip numbers go UP as speed went up though, that seems odd. Speed is from GPS right?

Just looks weird-
3K to 4K netted a 12mph increase
4K to 5K netted only 5mph
5K to 6K jumped back to 10.5mph increase

Maybe the 44mph at 4K is a little optimistic?

Not sure how to answer as I am no prop god but here is a pic of the gauges and they are spot on from my experience, yes the speed is from GPS as barely seen to the top right of the speed gauge.

4100 rpm 45mpg 2.2 mpg

Kick ass repower, looks great.

Looks like an insane set-up. It is my understanding that the R&R bracketed conch's with the new yam 300's have touched 70...have you talked to them? That should probably put you in the low 60's, since you are minus the bracket and I believe the E&D conchs are a bit heavier due to the lay up. It would be interesting to get those #'s side by side.

On a side note, good choice on the bigger coffin. If you haven't already, I would insulate the lid. In that keys heat you will go from holding ice for a day to having ice for days; plural. While you at it I would also flip those hinges so they are hidden like your deck hatches and non skid the lid.

Have a safe trip back.

Sweet Rig/#'s!

Keep us posted when you get the 21's!

Thanks for the post! :thumbsup: whenever its time to re-power, your post will definitely inspire me ha... Very interesting how well your mpg is now! Im envious! Congrats...

Looks like an insane set-up. It is my understanding that the R&R bracketed conch's with the new yam 300's have touched 70...have you talked to them? That should probably put you in the low 60's, since you are minus the bracket and I believe the E&D conchs are a bit heavier due to the lay up. It would be interesting to get those #'s side by side.
Last time I was at R&R they were building two 27's with twin 300's. Talked with them since and they said they were hitting 70 which is so nasty! One had a pair of e-tecs the other with yamahas... Might wanna give em a call and see what props they're running...

Great post Jason. She looks awesome. Wish my Sea Vee would get better #'s 2.3 mpg is the best I see at 4000 rpm's. I would think with 19p four blade's it would be better. More like 2.6 or 2.7 at cruise. I would love to get a spin in your rig never been on a Conch..

Josh

One of the best boats I ever owned. Sure do miss her.
Here are some pictures


http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted/141719-conch-27-a.html#b

Lucky did you sell the CV yet? Are you moving up? Wish I had the coin, that is one sweet boat..

Looks like an insane set-up. It is my understanding that the R&R bracketed conch's with the new yam 300's have touched 70...have you talked to them? That should probably put you in the low 60's, since you are minus the bracket and I believe the E&D conchs are a bit heavier due to the lay up. It would be interesting to get those #'s side by side.

On a side note, good choice on the bigger coffin. If you haven't already, I would insulate the lid. In that keys heat you will go from holding ice for a day to having ice for days; plural. While you at it I would also flip those hinges so they are hidden like your deck hatches and non skid the lid.

Have a safe trip back.

I LIKE that hinge idea, embarrassed I did not think of it!! but the boat came set up that way. Can you recommend better hinges as well the ones pictured are crap? That fwd deck hatch looks like it was cut out with a jig saw, it is not a molded hatch, somewhat typical of the Edy and Duff Conch's so there is not too much clearance for the hinge part when upside down. Also great idea on the insulation will put that on the "list"


i have not spoked with R&R yet

http://www.randrboatworks.com/albums/conch27/Coffin_Box.jpg

Trayder, I think Conch still use these hinges, I agree a large piano hinge in the large fwd box would be great, but if you can get away without hinges in the smaller hatches, its not a bad Idea, I've seen guys break off hatches left open on the smaller hinges. Norman at WhiteWhater uses a small attached lip on one side and the lock on the other so if you open a hatch you can just move it out of the way.

Awesome boat, you are living the dream when I retire i plan on the same KW in winter RI in summer enjoy the boat she is a honey.

yes I run the boat from KW to Stuart FL on an afternoon then a straight shot to RI I usually make it to the MD DEL border by 1-2am that night and get some shut eye in the truck then make it to RI in the AM the next day.


Nice setup my Brother. I'm dying for a ride :thumbsup:

BTW: Are you trading the Rum Cakes with the Lot Lizards @ the truck stop before you take a nap ;cool;

I did sell it back in '08. Sold it real quick. Unfortunatly if you saw it now you would cry. The boat looks like absolute crap, just shredded. I ended up buying a 32 SeaVee outboard and I am now in the process of building a 32 SeaVee diesel with a 425 Cummins. To be honest sometimes I wished I had never sold my Conch 27. I also wish R and R did a better job of promoting the 27 but they have not even updated pictures since 2008.

Dude you need to rename that thing the Honey Badger...it's just so bad ass! :grin:

that is a balls out ride. Sweet

did you get your new 21"'s yet? you can still grab my 21"s any time if they are taking too long. if your 19's from your old hpdi's fit, these should be no problem right?


.

Dude you need to rename that thing the Honey Badger...it's just so bad ass! :grin:

:rofl:

Thanks for all the comments I am stuck in KW now, came down to button the houses up for Isaac.....and now can't get a flight out till thursday good thing I bought a ton of beer) won't be back in RI till Friday. One prop came in from Yamaha.....still waiting for the other hopefully this week

I did buy a pair of 22 Bravo 1's from a THT member but probably won't get those in the mail till next week. Lots of anticipation...

Joey- I appreciate the offer but hope my 21's from Yamaha will be in RI upon my return when are we gonna get together on the water?

Jason, could we get together sometime. I would love to get a ride and check out your Conch, maybe we could slay some tuna as well. Joey that 42 is unreal and the Contender is not bad either. I feel like I am slumming it in a 26 Seavee LOL..

Josh

Jason, could we get together sometime. I would love to get a ride and check out your Conch, maybe we could slay some tuna as well. Joey that 42 is unreal and the Contender is not bad either. I feel like I am slumming it in a 26 Seavee LOL..

Josh

of course, logistics would be the only hitch, you still have my #?

Yes I still have it. I will give you a ring when you get back from Fla..

Josh

Trader excellent post I currently am a proud owner of a 27 conch with 200 HPDIS best boat i have ever owned how does your conch sit in the water with the 90 gallon live well filled. I think those motors are sick behind your boat im considering the new inline 4 cylinder 200f when ever that might happen with yamaha just for the weight thing.

Trader excellent post I currently am a proud owner of a 27 conch with 200 HPDIS best boat i have ever owned how does your conch sit in the water with the 90 gallon live well filled. I think those motors are sick behind your boat im considering the new inline 4 cylinder 200f when ever that might happen with yamaha just for the weight thing.

I have not filled the well yet but am not too worried about doing so, these engines added less than 200lbs total to the back end no really enough to affect the attitude at all, here is a pic of the boat from the stern with the HPDI's and the F300's

Looks great. Hold on its gonna fly.

So your telling me it was less than 200lb to go from the 200 HPDI's to the new 300's... Holy Shi*. Looking forward to the #'s with the new props.

As far at the hinges on my front box, I have the long piano hinge. I am trying to talk my fiberglass guy into flipping it so just the seem sticks up like my other hatches but he seems to think it will be a PIA because it is such a long hinge. I'll be in the keys this weekend for the holiday if you will be back and want to check it out.

Joey- I appreciate the offer but hope my 21's from Yamaha will be in RI upon my return when are we gonna get together on the water?

Star Island tourney is next week! also thinking about a canyon day trip this sunday.




.

Trader thank you for the pics very helpful when it comes time to repower my conch.I never get tired at looking at a pic of a conch.I have to agree with Lucky 27 a 33 with a shroud whould be a boat i would consider if i went to a larger boat but its hard to do when my boat out performs most 31 on the water not tring to upset anyone at all. I wish the new owners would market these boats a little better.There fit and finish is alot better then when Eddey and Duff where building them. Thank again Trader keep the Pics coming.

Trader thank you for the pics very helpful when it comes time to repower my conch.I never get tired at looking at a pic of a conch.I have to agree with Lucky 27 a 33 with a shroud whould be a boat i would consider if i went to a larger boat but its hard to do when my boat out performs most 31 on the water not tring to upset anyone at all. I wish the new owners would market these boats a little better.There fit and finish is alot better then when Eddey and Duff where building them. Thank again Trader keep the Pics coming.

anytime, yes the F300's are 562# each and the HPDI's were 475# so thats only 87# per side with oil I figure maybe 200 total. really a non issue. The boat runs totally different, in a good sense, its like a jet ski but you don't get wet. in RPM increments of 300 it throws your hair back. Its fun to be moving at 50 drop the throttles 1/2 an inch and still have to hold on.

I will get new photos on my return to RI this weekend, tx again for the kind words

Star Island tourney is next week! also thinking about a canyon day trip this sunday.




.


let me know if you go i would like to make a trip south before the boat goes south but not sure about it on labor day weekend

So your telling me it was less than 200lb to go from the 200 HPDI's to the new 300's... Holy Shi*. Looking forward to the #'s with the new props.

As far at the hinges on my front box, I have the long piano hinge. I am trying to talk my fiberglass guy into flipping it so just the seem sticks up like my other hatches but he seems to think it will be a PIA because it is such a long hinge. I'll be in the keys this weekend for the holiday if you will be back and want to check it out.

I guess I answered your question on conch's reply, sorry bout that but yes less than 200# difference.

I can't do the piano hinge because my front hatch is not molded its literally a cut out from the deck so the side is not a true straight line and a piano hinge would wave all over the imperfect line.

i would love to check it our regardless but i am leaving KW thursday, will be back in 2-3 weeks though.

Your new Whitewater should easily see better numbers on the high end as you hull is a bit faster

Why would a 28WW, a rather large 28, be faster than a Conch27?

Why would a 28WW, a rather large 28, be faster than a Conch27?

its narrower

Actually BigBone, the WW28, I found to be more stream line than the average 28 build in todays standards. The beam is 8'6'' not much difference from a 9ft beam in the Conch, but the Conch has a wider flare in the bow, even the 25 WW has a wider flare in the bow over the 28. Also the 28 has less freeboard, the dist b/w the water line and the upper cap or deck.
I've never witnessed it myself, but several people have mention the samething about the speed of the WW.
My 300's should be on in a couple weeks and as Trayder posted, I'll put my numbers on the board to. Should be interesting, I don't know of anyone with 300' on a WW28.

Trayder, whenever your back in KeyWest, I'll PM you, we should run down to the Fort one day.

I would have definitely put a bracket on that Conch 27 with the twin Yamaha 300's.

I would have definitely put a bracket on that Conch 27 with the twin Yamaha 300's.

Brackets are great, but Trayders Comm. Fish application, IMHO the transom mount is better for walking the poles around the motors.

WW has the same transom mount with the engine covers
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/jon7988/P8110951.jpg

My friend is having a Conch 27 with a bracket and twin Yamaha 300's built at this very moment. Hey, what works for Trayder works for him. I was just voicing what I would have done. I'm a speed junky, so I'd be looking to try to hit that 70 mph mark with mine. I could work around the bracket fishing. I've essentially been doing that anyways with my 31' Contender with the euro transom.

That 27 with the bracket and 300's should be wild too.

I know right!!! I think my friend is an even bigger speed junky. He has the custom 25' Conch that he had custom built. Liked the boat so much he ordered the 27. The Conch 25 he had built with a single Mercury 350 Verado SCI would hit in the 60's.

Hey Barracuda,

I love that KW top, was it made by Bluewater? It looks like the one on Greg Poland's old
Conch. I just had Birdsall install a KW on mine.

I would have definitely put a bracket on that Conch 27 with the twin Yamaha 300's.


If a bracket were given to me I would not put it on, destroys my use of the boat.
the functionality of the shroud and having the engines tucked away is not something I would lose over adding a few mph.

Not knocking brackets I fish a regulator 26 down here as well and they are great swim platdorms

Hey Barracuda,

I love that KW top, was it made by Bluewater? It looks like the one on Greg Poland's old
Conch. I just had Birdsall install a KW on mine.

The top on the WW in that picture is by BlueWater, But the new one I had build, also a KW style just like it but without the station on top, was by Jeff from Grand Slam, who used to be the owner of BlueWater. My WW is still Being built. I was trying to show a transom mount like on the Conch without a braket.

OP congrats on the repower. Hope they run for thousands trouble free. Best of luck. One of my favorite boats. I bet you will be able to spin 23's with moderate load.

Trayder- just out of curiosity, what is it that you do that you couldn't with a bracket? I ask because when I was buying a boat I was down to either a Conch 27 or Whitewater 28 both with a shroud. Then after (literally) 4-5 months of tough deliberation I ended up picking a bracket because I spend alot of time in the NE canyons. Now 2500 hours later, and tons of fish caught I like my decision. If a hull has a narrow transom and a bracket the distance around the motors with even a short tuna rod is about the same as a shroud boat because of the height of the shroud. So again, I love both setups, just am curious as to what your app is.

Seafari here is a KW top by bluewater. one pix when built in 05 and two after 7 years. Nice quality. And alot of woody wax. haha

My Top is exactly like yours Ron.

There is no comparison a boat like Trayder with the shroud is the way to go it also gives you a great work platform for reef fishing .Go down to Key West and you wont find one Conch or whitewater with a bracket on them that should tell you something.

OP congrats on the repower. Hope they run for thousands trouble free. Best of luck. One of my favorite boats. I bet you will be able to spin 23's with moderate load.

Trayder- just out of curiosity, what is it that you do that you couldn't with a bracket? I ask because when I was buying a boat I was down to either a Conch 27 or Whitewater 28 both with a shroud. Then after (literally) 4-5 months of tough deliberation I ended up picking a bracket because I spend alot of time in the NE canyons. Now 2500 hours later, and tons of fish caught I like my decision. If a hull has a narrow transom and a bracket the distance around the motors with even a short tuna rod is about the same as a shroud boat because of the height of the shroud. So again, I love both setups, just am curious as to what your app is.

Seafari here is a KW top by bluewater. one pix when built in 05 and two after 7 years. Nice quality. And alot of woody wax. haha

Rcatena- not sure if you read the thread but I am the OP?

90% of the fishing I do involves cut bait so a cutting board at the perfect height in the perfect location is tough to beat, The rest is trolling and the top of the shroud is great for rigging baits and a nice work surface for anything.

I also do sight casting off the flats and standing on the shroud gets me better visibility.

I strongly disagree with you on the position of the motors while working a rod around the transom I am not following you as the shroud is not so high you have to lift your rod up? regardless, not wanting a bracket has little to do with maneuvering a rod for me.

and suddenly, surrounded by all this horsepower, I feel incredibly inadequate.:(

Trayder- beautiful boat and much luck with the new power. Makes an awesome looking and performing boat even nicer, if possible.

I will go back in my twin 175 hole...maybe if I sell a kidney.. hmm...

Srry Trayder I just made a mistake abt the "op". I agree with all you said. I didnt explain myself well -my fault. Best of luck.

its narrower

From what I've seen of Conch 27s, they just seem fast to me. Years ago, I raced one from Turtle Rocks to Bimini Harbor in flat calm water. I was in a 25/28 Contender that I'd consider smaller than a 28WW, which is a full 28' and then some. That thing seemed fast.

I think a Conch 27 would be solidly faster than a 28 WW and, in any case, fun fast with 300s.

Very nice Trayder. Let me know if you stop in Stuart for a new Sears catalog.

Ran 2 different props this past Sunday I was so excited flying around buzzards bay and Vineyard sound i did not make it too scientific, sorry in advance. Boat was pretty well loaded 3/4 fuel 2 guys some gear.

Ran 4 blade Mercury Bravo 1's 22P

Get up and go was a bit lagged and top end was 59.9mph....
Mid range was interesting 2600 rpms 30mph 2.6mpg
3600 rpms 40 mph 2 mpg



Then I switched to the 3 blade 21P Yamaha SWS 2 with the SDS hub

Fast out of the hole hit 63.6 mph in what seemed like no time. We cruised at 3800-4000rpms going 42 to 47mph getting 2.2 -1.8 mpg and I was sold, these are the props I am sticking with unless I find a deal on a set of 21P merc revolutions. Mid range at 30mph we saw 2.7mpg.

I vividly remember looking at my Furuno repeater and seeing 41Knots while sitting back relaxing on the leaning post and the fuel consumption was just shy of 2mpg I thought that was pretty cool.

So far somewhat pleased with the motors but one of them has something "loose" on the top end of the mid section, or lower end of the power head, at idle, trimmed up a bit, it rings like a bell (albeit a quiet bell) I think part of the throttle linkage or maybe a top motor mount washer is loose? Its in the shop now for the break in oil change and check up on this noise.

Tough to beat those 21p yamaha props. They are great all around props.

BTW, your boat is awesome.

Ummmm, holy crap those numbers are amazing. You have to be thrilled. I ran 5 different sets of props, and the first time i rolled the throttles hard with the SWS II, i knew i had found my props. It still doesnt make sense to me that a lower pitch prop would increase top end, but these do. Yamaha nailed it with the SWS II. You will also find that additional weight has far less impact on fuel burn with them.

Trayder, how do you like the SDS? Is it worth the money to change?

Awesome boat! Im always looking for used Conchs but they are very hard to find. Yours in particular is an incredible set up. F300's what good choice. Congrats!

Ran 2 different props this past Sunday I was so excited flying around buzzards bay and Vineyard sound i did not make it too scientific, sorry in advance. Boat was pretty well loaded 3/4 fuel 2 guys some gear.

Ran 4 blade Mercury Bravo 1's 22P

Get up and go was a bit lagged and top end was 59.9mph....
Mid range was interesting 2600 rpms 30mph 2.6mpg
3600 rpms 40 mph 2 mpg



Then I switched to the 3 blade 21P Yamaha SWS 2 with the SDS hub

Fast out of the hole hit 63.6 mph in what seemed like no time. We cruised at 3800-4000rpms going 42 to 47mph getting 2.2 -1.8 mpg and I was sold, these are the props I am sticking with unless I find a deal on a set of 21P merc revolutions. Mid range at 30mph we saw 2.7mpg.

I vividly remember looking at my Furuno repeater and seeing 41Knots while sitting back relaxing on the leaning post and the fuel consumption was just shy of 2mpg I thought that was pretty cool.

So far somewhat pleased with the motors but one of them has something "loose" on the top end of the mid section, or lower end of the power head, at idle, trimmed up a bit, it rings like a bell (albeit a quiet bell) I think part of the throttle linkage or maybe a top motor mount washer is loose? Its in the shop now for the break in oil change and check up on this noise.


This confirms it.....that is a seriously efficient ride. :thumbsup: Congrats----I will be looking to do the same in the coming months.

Ummmm, holy crap those numbers are amazing. You have to be thrilled. I ran 5 different sets of props, and the first time i rolled the throttles hard with the SWS II, i knew i had found my props. It still doesnt make sense to me that a lower pitch prop would increase top end, but these do. Yamaha nailed it with the SWS II. You will also find that additional weight has far less impact on fuel burn with them.

Trayder, how do you like the SDS? Is it worth the money to change?

Tx, yes I am like a kid who got a fast Go-Kart for christmas you could not wipe the smile off my ugly mug with anything.

The SDS are nice but I really do not notice too much difference in "clunk" from the 3 different sets of props I tried.

I am happy about that as I was afraid I would miss the detent in the throttle controls from FWD to N to REV if there was zero "clunk".

The SDS are nice but I really do not notice too much difference in "clunk" from the 3 different sets of props I tried.

I am happy about that as I was afraid I would miss the detent in the throttle controls from FWD to N to REV if there was zero "clunk".

Thanks, you just saved me a grand.

Thanks, you just saved me a grand.

I agree tokinred, I would not change to the SDS unless its that much different. Performance will just be the same, its still the same Pitch and diam.

I am happy about that as I was afraid I would miss the detent in the throttle controls from FWD to N to REV if there was zero "clunk".

you raise a question that i cannot find an answer to. I, too, have the digital controls but don't know about this --- does Yamaha have the built in shift protection that others like Mercury have? meaning, if you go from full forward to full reverse, will the computer know to interject a brief stop in neutral? I'm almost positive that the Merc DTS does that.

i'm too scared to try it with my own engine!

Great set-up! I live down the st from old Edey & Duff (past tense for them sadly). What rpm's were you seeing w/ the Bravo 22's vs the Yam 19's?

you raise a question that i cannot find an answer to. I, too, have the digital controls but don't know about this --- does Yamaha have the built in shift protection that others like Mercury have? meaning, if you go from full forward to full reverse, will the computer know to interject a brief stop in neutral? I'm almost positive that the Merc DTS does that.

i'm too scared to try it with my own engine!

From my understanding its in the Prop hub that reduces the hit in the gear when shifting.

yeah the SDS is what reduces the clunking when going in and out of gear.

But i'm trying to determine if the digital controls have a built in safety feature like the Mercury ones that electronically protect the engine if you were to shift from forward to reverse without a pause in Neutral. The Merc controls, I believe, will sense what just happened and will automatically bring the revs down to a safe level before allowing the shift into the other gear.

yeah the SDS is what reduces the clunking when going in and out of gear.

But i'm trying to determine if the digital controls have a built in safety feature like the Mercury ones that electronically protect the engine if you were to shift from forward to reverse without a pause in Neutral. The Merc controls, I believe, will sense what just happened and will automatically bring the revs down to a safe level before allowing the shift into the other gear.

I'm pretty sure they do not.

Great set-up! I live down the st from old Edey & Duff (past tense for them sadly). What rpm's were you seeing w/ the Bravo 22's vs the Yam 19's?

The 3 blade Yamaha 19's spun up to 6100
The 4 blade Bravo 1 22's spun up to 5500

I spent my teenage years walking distance to you in the back yard of Edey and Duff on the Marion side on Indian Cove Rd. spent a bunch of time hanging around Dave Davignon, RIP.

My folks still live in Marion but on the other side of the harbor near Kittansett(sp??) club off pt road. Piney point area.

What are u staying with the 3 blade or the 4 ? They told me the motor should run 6000 on those 300's, not to prop them for less.

What are u staying with the 3 blade or the 4 ? They told me the motor should run 6000 on those 300's, not to prop them for less.

I was told the engine makes the most HP at 5800 and shoot for that at WOT so I did and that is very close to what i get with the 3 Blade Yamaha saltwater series 2 with SDS.

Curious as to how your numbers compare to Steven Rodgers Conch with the 300 Verados.

Curious as to how your numbers compare to Steven Rodgers Conch with the 300 Verados.

He has a deck tower so I imagine that creates some serious windage? I saw his boat before I did mine and seeing his engines helped me decide on the 300's but was never able to get any numbers as i never saw him at the boat. I am told from Mark Schmidt that it is very FAST.

Jason, I smell a good ole fashioned race in a few weeks....
I bet it'd be a good one, but his second station might hurt him at top end.

Steve Rodger would jump over the side with the bowline wrapped around his waist and tow his Conch across the finish line beating Trayder by a nose.

That's assuming, of course, that both of his Verados are still running by the time they reach the finish line.

Steve Rodger would individually lasso 8 sailfish and 4 wahoo and cleat them off to the bow so that they could help tow him. He would also take all of his Under Armour clothing and concoct a large sail sewn together with power pro and seaguar to help give him that competitive edge.

Steve Rodger would jump over the side with the bowline wrapped around his waist and tow his Conch across the finish line beating Trayder by a nose.

That's assuming, of course, that both of his Verados are still running by the time they reach the finish line.


Silly Rabbit, Verados don't break down. ;) There are quite a few of the new Yamahas with lower unit problems in the area.

There are quite a few of the new Yamahas with lower unit problems in the area.

how dare you attempt to stop the absolute joy we get in making fun of Mercurys by saying something negative about the gray engines!? Yamaha outboards are built by the Lord himself. Duh...

how dare you attempt to stop the absolute joy we get in making fun of Mercurys by saying something negative about the gray engines!? Yamaha outboards are built by the Lord himself. Duh...

Whatever helps you sleep at night. :thumbsup:

Whatever helps you sleep at night. :thumbsup:

vodka, John. vodka...

vodka, John. vodka...

You are on today, coores. :rofl:

You are on today, coores. :rofl:


Oh this is a daily happening....it's just usually via' group text.

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Oh this is a daily happening....it's just usually via' group text.

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Damn right. If it weren't for my non-stop humor all day, what the heck would you do otherwise? Work?!
Pfffft...

Those fuel numbers are awesome. Tell's you the motors are not working hard at all and should give them great longivity. I have a set of the 21 sds's in the box that I will start with, but I am still going to let Ken play with some other options. Enjoy your new motors before the lower units fail. You know lots of them are failing in the area.:grin:

The 3 blade Yamaha 19's spun up to 6100
The 4 blade Bravo 1 22's spun up to 5500

I spent my teenage years walking distance to you in the back yard of Edey and Duff on the Marion side on Indian Cove Rd. spent a bunch of time hanging around Dave Davignon, RIP.

My folks still live in Marion but on the other side of the harbor near Kittansett(sp??) club off pt road. Piney point area.

Small world. Dave was a nice guy, and the yard might still be going if he wasn't taken too soon. I remember seeing a Conch 27 there w/ a single 300 v8 omc - I think it was for sale at $25k. Seemed like a lot at the time (@ 20 yrs ago) - in hindesight, I prob. could have repowered it, run it for 10 yrs, and sold it for more than I had in it. Great looking proven boats.

Sounds like you got the right props going. I'm working on props right now, so it's interesting on the differences. You could prob. go to 17p in 4 blades like a Rev4 if you wanted. I'll keep an eye out for you next season on BB.

I think that is the Conch my friend Steve Bought.I believe it was Edey&Duffs test boat.He repowered it a few years ago with a single 300 yamaha 4 stroke when they first came out.



Small world. Dave was a nice guy, and the yard might still be going if he wasn't taken too soon. I remember seeing a Conch 27 there w/ a single 300 v8 omc - I think it was for sale at $25k. Seemed like a lot at the time (@ 20 yrs ago) - in hindesight, I prob. could have repowered it, run it for 10 yrs, and sold it for more than I had in it. Great looking proven boats.

Sounds like you got the right props going. I'm working on props right now, so it's interesting on the differences. You could prob. go to 17p in 4 blades like a Rev4 if you wanted. I'll keep an eye out for you next season on BB.

Nice job,I noticed you had a boat cover,I was thinking about getting on instead of shrink wrap, Any thoughts?