*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: It takes one bad marriage to recognize a good one.
Well after making sure my job was secure after my company got bought, its time to get things squared away with my 235 KenCraft purchase again. The loan was approved a while back so that hasn't changed. What has is the new Yamaha 300 HPDI, and my dealer in NC highly suggest that I consider it on the 235 CC. My original configuration included a single bracket and single 225 OB. I test drove the boat and loved everything except the sluggish ride. Well things have changed and the 300 HPDI seems like it would be a perfect fit for a single bracket, single OB configuration. For the sake of brevity, I don’t want twins, as it pushes he price over my head. I’ve fished offshore NC for 13 years and I currently use a single OB and have not had any problems. Provided, you treat it like your life depended on it, and oh BTW, it does right! Besides, you can buy a sh&tload of SeaTow insurance for the price of that second OB. I don’t fish tournaments, so that second rocket is not mandatory for me. Given that, I would love to hear some opinions with regards to the 300 HPDI itself, and or how some of you guys who fish offshore NC ,and might have a KenCraft 235, feel about this boat with a single bracket single 300 Yamaha 300 HPDI configuration. I would love to hear anyone else’s opinions too. Thanks a million!!
I think that would be a good combo for a single engine set up. But, don't be the guinea pig - get a sea trial on one.
Since the 300 is so new, it's not likely you will find a 235 w/ a 300 HPDI.
You may want to talk to Jerry Dilsaver (www.captjerry.com) or Chip & Chad Sanders (not sure of URL, search for Team Reel Screamer), both here in NC. Both are fishing the 235 on the king mac tourney circuit and can prob. help you out.
I too was considering a Kencraft 235 with single OB. Unfortunately my purchase will be delayed indefinitely due to family problems.
However, I heard about the 300 and also think it would be perfect. My only concern with the Yami 300 is an "untested" engine. Yamaha seems to be caught up in the HP race like Mercury with the early Opti's and OMC with the Fichts. we both know where that went to.. Ge the eextended warranty on the Yamaha for piece of mind. The intial price for the 300HP is a litte on the high side if you ask me.
The 235 with 225 opti is a dog. Also consider the 250 Suzuki (less weight than the rest) if $$$ becomes the problem. The Suzuki power curves indicate a powerful engine in a small package. Great warranty also should you need it. Haven't seen any of the power curves from Yamaha yet (see the tech bullentins on the Yamaha site).
good luck on your purchase. Webb's seemed the be the place, even for us Jersey residents.
A few comments, first if you do decide on the 300 HPDI and take delivery by March 31 (I think that is the date), you will get 5 years of warranty for free. Second, if you have questions about the 23 in general, you can contact the Sanders brothers thru their web site at http://www.teamreelscreamer.com/ . Third, it is tough to beat Mike Webb's pricing and service. He is the numbers seller of Kencrafts for a very good reason. Good luck with your decision.
What is the beam on the 235? Can you email me broncobirdy@yahoo.com. I have a few more questions regarding options and price. I had a 98' KK 19'. I loved it! Tahnks
I would think that would be great setup for your purposes. There are several 235s running around with 250s and the folks I have talked to have been pleased with that setup for non-tournament uses. A 300 would be all the much better.
The Kencraft 235 rides very well and will not beat you. It does tend to dig a little in a following sea due to its length and weight. The length will get you in all 23s and the weight will help you in other seas.
You'll find plenty of storage, a good baitwell system, the boat hold plenty of fuel for long runs, etc. A very well laid out fishing machine.
We have fished the boat for 2 years in all kinds of conditions. I think you'll be pleased with your decision.
I run a 235 with single 250 ficht, notched transom, I prefer the set up over the bracket (which should start another arguement). WOT, 5500 rpms I make 38 knots. The prototype with a 225 supposedly made 45mph. I held out for release of the OMC inventory from bankruptcy for a 250 hoping I'd make 50mph (which I don't come close to).
The 235 is a big heavy boat. It's built by a group that really appears to take pride in what they're producing. I visited the factory regularly during construction of mine. I don't think you can go wrong with a Kencraft. I will be interested in the performance with a 300, but I really hope Bombardier or who ever owns Evinrude/Johnson when I get ready to repower has something to compete with the 300hpdi.
Ok you asked for opinions so I'll give you one. Assuming you are using the boat offshore IMO you should consider twin F150's. According to Yamaha's own testing on a 25' Grady, they are faster and more fuel efficient than a single 300 HPDI. And, I suspect the cost differential is minimal, at least in proportion to what you're already spending
Going with twin yam 4 strokers puts almost 400 pounds more on the back compared to a single 300. If you are interested in twins ask Webb about the 23 they set up with twin 140 Johnzukis. I saw the boat but never got any feedback after it was run. As you know SeaPA the suzukis are around 50-60 pounds lighter per motor than the yams.
SeaWitch, my best friend has the 23.5 cc with a Armstrong bracket powered by a Yamaha 250 ox66. If you are not into speed meaning running with the SKA guys this set up is the way to go. Good fuel economy and he runs a 4 blade prop for power. I know Yamaha quit making the 250 ox66 but you still can find some for sale at a great price. We have a new local Kencraft dealer in Wanchese that you might want to talk to. I got my Kencraft from Webb's and at the time he gave me the best price. Joe's Marine in Wanchese is the new dealer. If you want to talk to my friend e-mail me and i will give you his phone number.
I just went through this issue on a repower. The extra 20% fule consumption over the 250 made me choose not to get it. I sacraficed about 3 MPH for a noticeable fuel savings.
That boat is rated for 500 HP, there's just no way twin F150's @ 450 lbs each is too much weight. I think the 140 Suzukis are acutally about 130 HP and I'm hearing the F150's are closer to 160-170 HP, more than enough to compensate for the extra 50 lbs per motor.
The cost differential associated with dual F150’s vs. a single 300 HPDI is about 7 grand. This includes the cost of the F150’s and the dual bracket. As far as adding dual 150 carb engines, I'm being told that my choice would be OMC dual 150's. The engine cost associated with dual OMC carb 150's is about a wash compared to the 300 HPDI, but naturally that would require a dual bracket. The dual bracket cost compared to the single bracket, is an additional 2.5 grand. Combined weight for 300 Hp on the stern using dual F150’s is about 950 lbs vs 543 lbs for the single 300 HPDI. This is based on the fact sheets SeaPA provided via the URL he attached. If the F150’s are say really 170 Hp engines, then I’m not convinced that adding 40 additional HP at the expense of an additional 407 lbs. is a good trade off. That’s something I will need to think about. I’m still personally feeling good about the 300 HPDI. Needless to say, thank you all for your great replies.
KenCraft 235 + 300 Yamaha 300 HPDI. Opinions please. 
