Offshore Fishing Reports - Kencraft boats - What is everyone's opinion of the sea king boats? Are they a good buy for the money? What about the ride? Thinking about a 230. Has anyone got any bad experiences to tell? Is 2 150's enough or would 175's be be

hydroactiv · Deck Hand Joined: Apr 03, 2008 Posts: 5

I am looking for someone who has a 235 Kencraft(not Seaking) with twin 225 Yamaha Four Strokes. I am considering repowering mine-I currently have twin 200 Bombardier Evinrudes 2003 models. I want to get 1st hand feedback that the four strokes will not be too heavy or effect the ride of my boat. Thanks in advance

rodhog · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 7:13 am Post subject:

My engines are 200 hpdi's. I to would be interested in the 4 stroke weight issue.
The one thing I like about KC's is that you get your moneys worth in space. My 21/215 Challenger had more fishing room than most 23's. This is due to your feet are able to go up under the gunnels, utilizing floor space, and its safer for balance. Due to not having european transoms you get a true usable measurement. A 23 boat with a european transon and a pull pit is only a 19ft boat in my way of figuring. This is not to bash anybodys boat, just my opinion. The 215 I had was 16.5 ft from the bulk head to the transom wall.
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If you cant feed it, don't breed it !

ReelScreamer · Deck Hand Joined: Jul 01, 2004 Posts: 7

We have a 230 with twin Yamaha 225 4s and had one last year with 250s. I spoke with Hydroactiv on Saturday about our set up.

Great riding hull with good economy but like someone else mentioned this is a heavy hull so economy may not be as good as some others. However, the ride will be at least as good as a few others and better than most others in the class. I don't think there is another 23 can match the storage of this boat.

Our 2008 230 w/ 225s is for sale. If your typical run is to the stream you may want a little more power so you don't have push 150s/175s so hard to get there. The boat has ~ 140 hours but can be had with full warranty on boat and motors. Let me know if there is any interest.

rodhog · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:41 am Post subject:

Chip or Chad ? How fast are the 225 4's and do you think 250 4's would do Ok on my 235 or would there be a weight/water line issue ??
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If you cant feed it, don't breed it !

fishinbumnc · Ol'Salt Joined: Oct 03, 2005 Posts: 368

Reelscreamer check your pms.
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Donnie (Reel Affliction II)

Offshore Bob · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:49 pm Post subject:

I was going to re-power my 215 Challenger with a 4 stroke and had the same questions. I called Ken and asked the man him self and he told me not to do it . If I did put a 4 stroke on it I would have to add 200 lbs to the bow to make it ride right . In the case of twins I would suggest you get 2 of your larger fishing buddies and have one of them sit on each motor, this is how much more weight you would be adding. I re-powered with a HPDI
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PHOTO CONTEST
Capt. Bob

www.southchathamtackle.com

hblac · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:28 pm Post subject:

I just repowered my 235 with 225 Optis (had 225 EFI's). Haven't run it hardly at all since the repower but already tell via the Smartcraft guages that fuel ecomomy has improved dramatically to well over 2 mpg with full tanks and 3 people on board going 34 knots @ 3,800 rpm. WOT was 48.5 knots but motors only turning 5,200 rpm, so I'm slightly overpropped. I'm running Mirage Plus 14.75"D X 21"P props and I'm told by another guy at my marina who has identical boat with 19'P Mirages that my top end and mileage will improve even more with the 19"P props. Like I said, haven't really had the chance between, weather, work and honeydo's. Hope to go fishing soon and get some 'real' numbers (and a box full of fish).

Hal
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Kencraft 235 w/225 Opti's @ Holden Beach Marina

ReelScreamer · Deck Hand Joined: Jul 01, 2004 Posts: 7

Miles, our 230 last year had 250s and we did not have a weight issue. We did add a little weight in the anchor locker to reduce the need for tabs but it was not significant. We had done the same on boats without 4 strokes just toying for the best possible set up.

The boat with 225s should easily get to the mid to upper 50s. 60 is not out of the question but not with normal fishing load. As you know the hull is not designed for top speed as the primary factor which is fine by me.

The 235 with 250s is a little overkill but it sure is nice cruising at 45-50 without putting it to the pins.

ReelScreamer · Deck Hand Joined: Jul 01, 2004 Posts: 7

Hal, your new set up is the best we ever had in terms if fuel mileage. Yes, even better than the 4 strokes. Hope it does the same for you.

hblac · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:38 pm Post subject:

ReelScreamer · Deck Hand Joined: Jul 01, 2004 Posts: 7

Hal, it has been so long since we had the Opti I don't recall the pitch prop. We usually run out of Morehead or Bogue. We have not had a problem porpoising with the tabs down. As I mentioned we added a little weight to bow in an effort not to have to put the tabs down and therefore increase fuel mileage when running the ditch.

hblac · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:19 pm Post subject:

thebobcat · Newbie Joined: May 08, 2008 Posts: 1

Rodhog, I am interested in your fix to help out the ride on the 215. Got an older 215 hull with a F225 on a bracket. Thanks.


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