Cat with twin outboards or Cat with single I/O ?

[PORT]

Alright, its time to start looking for my next boat. Every time I get out, the need for speed drags me back in.:reddevil:
Looking for a 24-26ft cat. Let's make some comparisons. Say a 24' Skater/25' Motion with 260s to a 25-26' performance cat (similiar weight & char.) with a single I/O.

24' Skater with 260s - 105 mph
25-26' Cat for 105mph what hp would you need? 700hp?

Fuel Efficiency -Which boat would burn less gas?

Reliability - Both are expensive to run, but I have had twins on two other boats and always had twice as much headaches, everybody feel the same way?

Lets hear your opinions

[slowverado]

outboards will burn less gas than a 700+ hp i/o (going to be a big block to make that power reliably)

[BUZZIN' DOZEN]

IMO I would go with the true tunnel (skater, motion, etc.) do to your location, I would imagine you probabaly get in some pretty snotty water, the " west coast " style tri-hulls (only way to get single i/o) ride like crap, compared to a true cat.

[Wild Wil]

I got a heavy race set up 30 Motion w/ twin 300 PM's. Boat does 109.7 with 14.75 x 34 either 3 or 4 blades. Boat is 5200 lbs. w/ 80 gals. of fuel. Go twins.
just my 1 1/2 cents.

[PORT]

I thought at least one person would have stood up for the I/O

I guess I have my answer


Thanks

[Da Bull]

I`m an outboard guy but have to admitt, You can`t beat the sound of a big block.
How about building a 400hp inboard (that will use less gas than a 700hp) for cruising around and when you feel the need for speed just push the 300hp nitrous button! Now you have your 700hp and when you get off the button your back to your dosile little 400. Just inform your motor builder that you will be useing nitrous and he`ll make it beefy enough to take it.

DB

[Skatin]

I have owned inbords and outboards. Each has it advantages. Me personally the only way I would go inboard is if it was 1000+ hp each.

If you are worried about reliability go with 3 liters. I had a 28 Skater with 3 260's and now a Talon with 3 3 liters. I would take them over the 260's any day.

[GDM]

I thought at least one person would have stood up for the I/O

I guess I have my answer


Thanks


i wont stand up for the i/o , but i will stand up for the center pod cats (they were bashed a few posts above).

i just sold a 23 foot cougar cat that had twin outboards . the ride was awesome , i would take a 23 cougar over a 24 skater for boating in the great south bay . center pod cats turn awesome and dont pourpoise and they ride over bay chop great

.

[Skatin]

i wont stand up for the i/o , but i will stand up for the center pod cats (they were bashed a few posts above).

i just sold a 23 foot cougar cat that had twin outboards . the ride was awesome , i would take a 23 cougar over a 24 skater for boating in the great south bay . center pod cats turn awesome and dont pourpoise and they ride over bay chop great

.

I have owned both and the no center pod cat rides a lot better in big chop.

With that being said I would take my Talon over my Skater any day.

[GDM]

I have owned both and the no center pod cat rides a lot better in big chop.




im not goanna argue over "big chop" but my little 23 footer took everything that the great south bay threw at it with ease . 2 to 3 foot bay chop was nothing , i went right over it in comfort

.

[appsyscons]

As a reference, my 2007 30 Skater T/300XS, runs 2.4mpg, 100+mph, and sloppy water is not a problem.

[GDM]

Good looking ride; :thumbsup:

I've heard a 28 skater w/3x2.5's ran around 123; w/a center pod and a LI 28 running 2x2.5's hitting 127+.:cool:




were the 3-2.5's the same exact motors as the 2-2.5's ?


id be willing to bet the 28 skater running 127 with the 2-2.5 was totally tricked out and dialed in to the max (probably took a few years of tweakin to get those numbers)

i would be willing to bet the 2.5's were highly modded and your quoting speeds of the boat without the full interior in , race hatch , no gas in the boat , and probably woudnt duplicate that number every time out

but what do i know ? i dont know much but i do know i have had days where my cougar was only running 108 mph on gps (95 degree heat , full of gas , lighting et props that werent good for top speed) and i was running dead even or ahead of a "123" mph skater

im not saying the skater you speak of never ran 127 with two 2.5s but that isnt very common , lets not be misleading , if you just throw 2 stock 280's on a random 28 skater it's not goanna run 127

.

[Skatin]

were the 3-2.5's the same exact motors as the 2-2.5's ?


id be willing to bet the 28 skater running 127 with the 2-2.5 was totally tricked out and dialed in to the max (probably took a few years of tweakin to get those numbers)

i would be willing to bet the 2.5's were highly modded and your quoting speeds of the boat without the full interior in , race hatch , no gas in the boat , and probably woudnt duplicate that number every time out

but what do i know ? i dont know much but i do know i have had days where my cougar was only running 108 mph on gps (95 degree heat , full of gas , lighting et props that werent good for top speed) and i was running dead even or ahead of a "123" mph skater

im not saying the skater you speak of never ran 127 with two 2.5s but that isnt very common , lets not be misleading , if you just throw 2 stock 280's on a random 28 skater it's not goanna run 127

.



I think the Skater he is talking about made a looooong run on a frosty cold day in the dead of winter. Skater Jim. The motors were done by Diamond. Awesome numbers regardless of the conditions.

[RLC PE]

I thought at least one person would have stood up for the I/O

I guess I have my answer


Thanks I/O all the way for many reason. All depends on were you live and water condtions

[mr_velocity]

I/O all the way for many reason. All depends on were you live and water condtions

For the speeds he wants to run maybe with a NXT or a VI, no way I would take a single Bravo with 700 hp on a cat.

[RLC PE]

For the speeds he wants to run maybe with a NXT or a VI, no way I would take a single Bravo with 700 hp on a cat.
What no way, I run 640hp threw a Alpha on a heavy 22 foot V bottom

[GDM]

Ok; cool; ill be out there in a few weeks; Ill keep an eye out for your cougar


dont look too hard :)

i sold that boat a few weeks back , i couldnt deal with the milkshakes any longer , i got tired of riding around and breaking many many gearcases and not even getting too many races.

it seemed like i would ride around in the bay all day and rarely get any competitive races . i put about 130 hrs on the boat and i can only remeber having a few good races


I'm running 2-2.5's (ros), don't expect it to take years;but you never know.:)

just curious , how fast has it ran so far ?


.

.

[tux974]

Sorry; didn't mean to "mislead" anyone maybe I'm speaking out of context. I haven't had anything stock in my life since I wore out the tire's on my big wheel.

WOT, That's some funny stuff right there.

I feel the same way:thumbsup: I hate me too stuff :eek:;)

IMO, Skaters are second to none!! Good luck with your project.

[RLC PE]

If it was me just my opinion I would run a single procharged small block in the cat. Faster and more reilible then 2 or 3 outboards

[lightspeed]

I Had Them All I/Os Outboards ,Cats Vees, ,My 29 Kryptonite Was A Real Fast Single ,But You Always Had To Tinker With It , The Best Bang For The Buck,,I Would Go With A 24 Skater With A Pair Outboards On It And Stay Away From A Single I/O Cat

[Frank Molé]

I Had Them All I/Os Outboards ,Cats Vees, ,My 29 Kryptonite Was A Real Fast Single ,But You Always Had To Tinker With It , The Best Bang For The Buck,,I Would Go With A 24 Skater With A Pair Outboards On It And Stay Away From A Single I/O Cat

:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree: :thumbsup:

[skywalker26v]

:iagree: 24 skater with twins for life! Tried and true, and still kickin a$$. :D

[RLC PE]

:iagree: 24 skater with twins for life! Tried and true, and still kickin a$$. :D I disagree let me put a small block in a 24 skater and it will be faster cheaper to run and will go 4 years with out a rebuild. Hmmm this gives me a idea Project Tripple Digits II

[skywalker26v]

opinions are like a$$holes, everybodys got one. I've personally never seen a 24 skater with a I/O, but Im sure it can be done (even though the boat was not desigend for it) For my money it would be a 24 with twins, or even a single for that matter. But hey, build one and make believers out of all of us. :rolleyes:

[RLC PE]

Have you owned a Cat I/O? I'm interested how you draw these conclusion.
Thanks!
I draw my conclusion from years and hundred of hours testing and Yes I have owned one and have set up a few for other customers and I know a few people around the country who have them. Yes I have had twin Out boards boats as well as singles. Everybody has there own likes and dislikes some like coke some like pepsi.

We run these things hard wide open all the time ever were. How many power heads would you pop in 4 years time runing like, we run the I/Os hard. In 3 years I just did a tune up on mine before going to Long Island.

Im not saying I/O is the way to go but in certain aplacations it is.

I would go I/O single small block in anything 21 to 28 special when your talking twin out boards on a cat.

say you did a twin 24 skater with twin 300's on the back and it goes 120 mph with the rite bottom in the skater and the good 300s. It would probly be faster Im just using numbers, rite off the bat the twin 300 cost more then the small block does. Small block makes way more power and is lighter the the twin 300.

Small block boat 135+ mph seen alot faster but just using that as base line.

Service small block usal get 4 years out of before freshing up
300s well gurante to have some type of problem or if not pop one if you run it as hard and as offten as the small block in a season. It's been proven more cost efective going with a single small block

[RLC PE]

If we could do a challange the small block I/O boat would be cheaper to build and faster and would last longer.

[Skatin]

I disagree let me put a small block in a 24 skater and it will be faster cheaper to run and will go 4 years with out a rebuild. Hmmm this gives me a idea Project Tripple Digits II

HUH??:confused::confused: I disagree.

[Powerplay25]

I have not owned a cat. However ran my friend's 30' Spectra with a pair of 2.5's many times. Loved the power to weight ratio.

Outboards are fast, reliable and will run wide open for longer periods without issue than an I/O any day unless you are talking about a specifically built race motor.

The proof is in the pudding.

We did our poker run yesterday (Ed's Last Blast). Here's a list of the casualties or no shows.

2002 35' Sonic with a pair of 500 EFI's - could not make the run, his boat has been down for 2 months, one drive issue and one motor with water intrusion.

1985 35' Cigarette with a pair of "built" 540's - could not make the run, been having motor issues, in the shop.

2000 25' Active Thunder with a 500 EFI - could not make the run, he overheated the day before, he thinks it's his circulation pump.

1984 29' Mirage with a pair of 502's - could not make the run. Blew a motor last week.

2001 28' Checkmate with a 500 EFI - called it a day half way through, he blew a head gasket.

1998 25' Checkmate with a 502 EFI - made the run, but lost reverse half way through the it.

28' Donzi - made the run, but also lost reverse on one outdrive.



All the outboard guys made the run and none had a problem.

We all ran hard. You tell more what is more dependable.

[dreamboater]

Charlie's 28 Ran 126+ with diamond 2.5's....however, he is one of the best at setting them up and as said spends a lot of time and money trying new things to get that last mph out of the boat. Jim's 28 with 300x's has run 127.2 and like Charlie has tried everything imaginable with setup to get the boat to do it.

Tripple Digits....I/O power is not the ideal setup for a 24 or 28 Skater. It was tried overseas with a 28 and was not very successful.

[lightspeed]

I have not owned a cat. However ran my friend's 30' Spectra with a pair of 2.5's many times. Loved the power to weight ratio.

Outboards are fast, reliable and will run wide open for longer periods without issue than an I/O any day unless you are talking about a specifically built race motor.

The proof is in the pudding.

We did our poker run yesterday (Ed's Last Blast). Here's a list of the casualties or no shows.

2002 35' Sonic with a pair of 500 EFI's - could not make the run, his boat has been down for 2 months, one drive issue and one motor with water intrusion.

1985 35' Cigarette with a pair of "built" 540's - could not make the run, been having motor issues, in the shop.

2000 25' Active Thunder with a 500 EFI - could not make the run, he overheated the day before, he thinks it's his circulation pump.

1984 29' Mirage with a pair of 502's - could not make the run. Blew a motor last week.

2001 28' Checkmate with a 500 EFI - called it a day half way through, he blew a head gasket.

1998 25' Checkmate with a 502 EFI - made the run, but lost reverse half way through the it.

28' Donzi - made the run, but also lost reverse on one outdrive.



All the outboard guys made the run and none had a problem.

We all ran hard. You tell more what is more dependable.

Even Race Motors Have Problems ,

[GDM]

I disagree let me put a small block in a 24 skater and it will be faster cheaper to run and will go 4 years with out a rebuild.
Hmmm this gives me a idea Project Tripple Digits II


wouldnt it be a better idea to get "Tripple Digits" I to actually run tripple digits ?:confused: :)


.

[RLC PE]

wouldnt it be a better idea to get "Tripple Digits" I to actually run tripple digits ?:confused: :)


.Been there done that NEXT

[lightspeed]

Oh Boy Here We Go Again

[GDM]

Been there done that NEXT


if you really ran 100 with that boat it is pretty cool , always cool to see something unique

if you really ran 100 then why all the drama on that other website ?


.

[Pro300x24LD]

Here he goes again...

[RLC PE]

if you really ran 100 with that boat it is pretty cool , always cool to see something unique

if you really ran 100 then why all the drama on that other website ?


. Ask some of the guys that I ran with at Mole fest if they think its fast. The drama is because there 200K 38 to 42 go fast dont go as fast as mine and mine handles pretty good rough water. Im no were nears the fastest, it's just a pretty cool sleeper boat with a pump gas small block with a alpha.

[RLC PE]

Here he goes again...LOL u only went in the 80's and you challenge me to race last year. Now thats funny

[RLC PE]

Im going to stop posting because it's getting off subject. Becuase some one always makes it about me.

[Pro300x24LD]

LOL u only went in the 80's and you challenge me to race last year. Now thats funnyWow, you are SOOOOO much cooler then me. I'm not running around spewing BS like you are.

But I know, you made the coelest small block boat with an alpha ever, too bad your pig takes twice the horsepower to go a whole 10 mph faster then me.


Im going to stop posting because on this, it's getting off subject. Becuase some one always makes it about me.That wouldn't be you would it?

[GDM]

Ask some of the guys that I ran with at Mole fest if they think its fast.


i thought you only ran about 90 at molefest ?

.

[vnemous]

I get more information watching Anderson Cooper 360' than I do listening to this guy's :icon_bs:.:smiletest: Your annoying; unless you have something constructive to talk about; other than your crap 22'V; go stuff yourself.:) Literally!:eek:

Speaking about stuffing yourself, check this out. Just trying to lighten the mood:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0utBfPhtjg&feature=related

[lightspeed]

But You Have To Admit Weather You Go 80 Or 100 You Do Have A Sleeper ,,Who Would Figure,,,, But There Is Always Someone Faster :cheers:

[RLC PE]

But You Have To Admit Weather You Go 80 Or 100 You Do Have A Sleeper ,,Who Would Figure,,,, But There Is Always Someone Faster :cheers:yes I agree 100% i never claimed to be the fastest.

[RLC PE]

i thought you only ran about 90 at molefest ?

.no it more like high 70's low eightys :thumbsup:

[Hydrophobic guy]

Hey,
TRipple Digits did some neat chit with a total sleeper.
Sure their's always gonna be someone faster. What I'd like to see is a run off with a budget
just like monster garage. Each contestant has a 30k budget and gets to build what ever he
wants. But, you have to run three different courses calm water 1 mile top speed, 50 mile in
shore endurance and 25 mile open ocean. Total top combined average wins now,
that would be interesting.

[RLC PE]

Hey,
TRipple Digits did some neat chit with a total sleeper.
Sure their's always gonna be someone faster. What I'd like to see is a run off with a budget
just like monster garage. Each contestant has a 30k budget and gets to build what ever he
wants. But, you have to run three different courses calm water 1 mile top speed, 50 mile in
shore endurance and 25 mile open ocean. Total top combined average wins now,
that would be interesting.Im in were do I sign up. That would be super cool I wonder if we could sell that to somebody and get that on TV and mag coverage

[dreamboater]

Tripple digits, I know people rag on you...but it has a lot to do with your attitude. I dont think anyone can argue that you have not done a hell of a job with your boat. If your even running 85-90...thats impressive. You would do much better if you stopped telling people that their 250k boats dont compare to yours.

[Dutch]

I/O - outboard thing. The i/o is cool, I had one and still have friends that
do. Big powered cats and vee's. They are cool and really fast, but they
could never go do the Conn. River run or the Romp and run at 90-110 for
30 miles straight without having skattered something.

[Pro300x24LD]

Tripple digits, I know people rag on you...but it has a lot to do with your attitude. I dont think anyone can argue that you have not done a hell of a job with your boat. If your even running 85-90...thats impressive. You would do much better if you stopped telling people that their 250k boats dont compare to yours.
Couldn't have said it better myself.

It's impressive to take that boat to the speeds that he has, but the attitude gets old.

30k? I am sure there are a lot of boats that would stomp me that are less then 30k, but i'd give that challenge a run.

[RLC PE]

I/O - outboard thing. The i/o is cool, I had one and still have friends that
do. Big powered cats and vee's. They are cool and really fast, but they
could never go do the Conn. River run or the Romp and run at 90-110 for
30 miles straight without having skattered something.I disagree my boat would not scatter anything, it's all in set up and how you drive.

[RLC PE]

Tripple digits, I know people rag on you...but it has a lot to do with your attitude. I dont think anyone can argue that you have not done a hell of a job with your boat. If your even running 85-90...thats impressive. You would do much better if you stopped telling people that their 250k boats dont compare to yours.This is the problem, My boat is alot faster then 90 mph it does handle realy rough water, I do run this thing wide open for super long periods of time going on 4 years now. I do this on a weekly basis. I do beat up on stocked powered big go fast boats. I have so much work and time and R+D invested into this deal. So I get a little bragadoish and my ego comes out im very proud of what I have. They said the Alpha could not go that fast or handle the power, I figured out how to make it handle the power, they said my boat could never go faster then 80 mph. The so called experts said it would be so out of control at those speeds when its a super smooth ride. So when you get all these basher and haters and know it alls that don't know, they say no way your lieing it can't be done, I tend to fight back because this is all I do 24 /7 and I know what it takes to go fast.

[Pro300x24LD]

TD nobody here is saying your boat is not fast, everyone here is equally impressed with the fact that you took a normal run of the mill 50 mph boat and made it fast.

At the same time, you put a 20k engine into it, you probably have quite a bit into the custom drive, hydraulic steering, props, etc. So to rag on a guy with a 250k boat that is stock power who is almost as fast as you seems a bit over the top. If he spent 20k on a motor, however much on a drive and some props, he'd be going faster too.....

Everyone has something different, everyone wants to go fast. Who honestly cares who is the fastest and how much someone spent?

If thats what your concerned about go out and race it everyweekend and prove it. If not, just enjoy it, go fast and have fun.

[RLC PE]

TD nobody here is saying your boat is not fast, everyone here is equally impressed with the fact that you took a normal run of the mill 50 mph boat and made it fast.

At the same time, you put a 20k engine into it, you probably have quite a bit into the custom drive, hydraulic steering, props, etc. So to rag on a guy with a 250k boat that is stock power who is almost as fast as you seems a bit over the top. If he spent 20k on a motor, however much on a drive and some props, he'd be going faster too.....

Everyone has something different, everyone wants to go fast. Who honestly cares who is the fastest and how much someone spent?

If thats what your concerned about go out and race it everyweekend and prove it. If not, just enjoy it, go fast and have fun.You missed his point and do not understand my project. He was saying
Hey people rag on you because of the atitude. I was exsplaining why I have a little atitude and ego. The project is about taking a oridary boat and turn it into a 100 mph boat to go play with the big boats special when they dont run the ocean they just want to run the intercoastal

[Pro300x24LD]

I didn't miss the point of anything.

[lightspeed]

I didn't miss the point of anything.

I Think TD Missed The Point Of This Thread,,,Its About A Cat With Outboards ,Or I/O ,,Not About His Boat ,,Go Start Another Thread About Your Boat ,OH You Did That Already,,This Whole Thread Is Going Completely Off Track,, Keep It About Cats

[Pro300x24LD]

Only Cat I ever rode in was an eliminator 25ish footer with center pod with a 502 big block in it, I do not know the specifics of the motor but it ran 85ish. Was a nice fun boat, but I like outboards better. I would think in a smaller 24-28ft cat the lighter outboards would have an advantage of a single big block. Not to mention the abuse single engine cats put on thier drive systems....But I'll leave the true opinions to the guys who have done it (lightspeed, Wot, gdm, etc.)

[RLC PE]

I Think TD Missed The Point Of This Thread,,,Its About A Cat With Outboards ,Or I/O ,,Not About His Boat ,,Go Start Another Thread About Your Boat ,OH You Did That Already,,This Whole Thread Is Going Completely Off Track,, Keep It About CatsEver body else made it about my boat not me

[Pro300x24LD]

Is there a way to turn a spam filter on this guy?
http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=24021

If that link doesnt work go to his profile, under user lists you will see an option to add him to your ignore list. All of his posts will just show as a blank post to you. :cheers:

[Pro300x24LD]

Ever body else made it about my boat not me

Really you think so? Your defense of your original statement have nothing but responses filled with my boat this, my boat that, and your boat is a 22' V-hull with a small block in it. The original poster asked about those who have experience with Cat's, dual outboard or single I/O...You made this about you, no one else, now go away and leave this thread to the people who have actual experience with the subject.


I/O all the way for many reason. All depends on were you live and water condtions


What no way, I run 640hp threw a Alpha on a heavy 22 foot V bottom


If it was me just my opinion I would run a single procharged small block in the cat. Faster and more reilible then 2 or 3 outboards


I disagree let me put a small block in a 24 skater and it will be faster cheaper to run and will go 4 years with out a rebuild. Hmmm this gives me a idea Project Tripple Digits II


I draw my conclusion from years and hundred of hours testing and Yes I have owned one and have set up a few for other customers and I know a few people around the country who have them. Yes I have had twin Out boards boats as well as singles. Everybody has there own likes and dislikes some like coke some like pepsi.

We run these things hard wide open all the time ever were. How many power heads would you pop in 4 years time runing like, we run the I/Os hard. In 3 years I just did a tune up on mine before going to Long Island.

Im not saying I/O is the way to go but in certain aplacations it is.

I would go I/O single small block in anything 21 to 28 special when your talking twin out boards on a cat.

say you did a twin 24 skater with twin 300's on the back and it goes 120 mph with the rite bottom in the skater and the good 300s. It would probly be faster Im just using numbers, rite off the bat the twin 300 cost more then the small block does. Small block makes way more power and is lighter the the twin 300.

Small block boat 135+ mph seen alot faster but just using that as base line.

Service small block usal get 4 years out of before freshing up
300s well gurante to have some type of problem or if not pop one if you run it as hard and as offten as the small block in a season. It's been proven more cost efective going with a single small block


If we could do a challange the small block I/O boat would be cheaper to build and faster and would last longer.


Ask some of the guys that I ran with at Mole fest if they think its fast. The drama is because there 200K 38 to 42 go fast dont go as fast as mine and mine handles pretty good rough water. Im no were nears the fastest, it's just a pretty cool sleeper boat with a pump gas small block with a alpha.


Im going to stop posting because it's getting off subject. Becuase some one always makes it about me.


yes I agree 100% i never claimed to be the fastest.


no it more like high 70's low eightys :thumbsup:


I disagree my boat would not scatter anything, it's all in set up and how you drive.


This is the problem, My boat is alot faster then 90 mph it does handle realy rough water, I do run this thing wide open for super long periods of time going on 4 years now. I do this on a weekly basis. I do beat up on stocked powered big go fast boats. I have so much work and time and R+D invested into this deal. So I get a little bragadoish and my ego comes out im very proud of what I have. They said the Alpha could not go that fast or handle the power, I figured out how to make it handle the power, they said my boat could never go faster then 80 mph. The so called experts said it would be so out of control at those speeds when its a super smooth ride. So when you get all these basher and haters and know it alls that don't know, they say no way your lieing it can't be done, I tend to fight back because this is all I do 24 /7 and I know what it takes to go fast.

[Hydrophobic guy]

if you really ran 100 with that boat it is pretty cool , always cool to see something unique

if you really ran 100 then why all the drama on that other website ?


.

This is pretty much where this thread truly took a turn for the worse
and started going off to TRipple Digit's as the new subject. ;)

[Apple a day]

I have owned both and the no center pod cat rides a lot better in big chop.

With that being said I would take my Talon over my Skater any day.
How do you like your Talon? I am considering a 25 w/ twin pro maxes.

[Skatin]

How do you like your Talon? I am considering a 25 w/ twin pro maxes.

I love it. The hull isn't as efficient as my Skater and it doesn't take big water as good but the handing is great "Very predictable" and it's perfect for where I go boating. I plan on getting a 32 or 36 Skater down the road for poker runs and such..

[fastcat]

My 29 redline with twin 280s smoked a lot of 22-26 i/o this weekend.
Now there was a 24 cougar with big power that smoked me like 4 times he was on the juice and very fast
I also ran 30 plus miles at 95+ with a 32 skater with big power in the sunday soup. None of the i/os wanted to run in that stuff they wanted to race short distances in calm water. It was a awesome weekend.

So I vote true cat with twins. Here are a few pictures

[scott reierson]

Hey!

I am trying to give away my 24ft Eliminator Daytona center pod Cat. Its been a great boat for me.

Checkout the ad here in boats 20ft and overs.

Its not an offshore boat, but it is fast.

If your gonna use it on the bay on LI, it would make a believer out of a lot of people.

If you want power for it I have some options.

I'm with lightspeed. Iv'e had them all. They all have issues. For Me stock Outboards are the ticket.

If I can, I'm going to a 30 OB Cat with 3 litres. If my Eliminator doesn't move it will probably get mild modded 3.0's.

Please put me out of my misery so I can move up. I also have a MOD VP race boat I can throw in if you wanna go real fast but you gotta pick your day.

[T2x]

Really you think so? Your defense of your original statement have nothing but responses filled with my boat this, my boat that, and your boat is a 22' V-hull with a small block in it. The original poster asked about those who have experience with Cat's, dual outboard or single I/O...You made this about you, no one else, now go away and leave this thread to the people who have actual experience with the subject.

Dear TD:

We have a little boat....20 feet ......with ...."big power" (750 hp)... too... How fast you wanna go.......... ? ;):p:D

We actually have a smaller one ...15 feet....but that only has 300 hp, yet it should top 90......when that "project" is completed.

Funny thing though....... owning them doesn't make me want to go out and insult the world........ especially those people who do me favors.

T2x

[T2x]

Of course .......... we have this too......

A Real performance boat..............................................

and probably the "pound for pound champeen of da woild"......

I could say it loves to pass big power, big block, Fountains, Cigs and OL's....and little, over powered wannabe's as well..... but I rarely even look...or give a d*mn.

T2x

[Pro300x24LD]

I could say it loves to pass big power, big block, Fountains, Cigs and OL's....and little over powered wannabe's as well..... but I rarely even look...or give a d*mn.

T2x
That's the spirit. :thumbsup:

[skywalker26v]

Of course .......... we have this too......

A real performance boat..............................................

and probably the "pound for pound champeen of da woild"......

I could say it loves to pass big power, big block, Fountains, Cigs and OL's....and little over powered wannabe's as well..... but I rarely even look...or give a d*mn.

T2x

You da man T2x!!! No truer words have ever been spoken:thumbsup: Skater for life! :cheers:

[Hydrophobic guy]

TD


Dear TD:

We have a little boat....20 feet ......with ...."big power" (750 hp)... too... How fast you wanna go.......... ? ;):p:D

We actually have a smaller one ...15 feet....but that only has 300 hp, yet it should top 90......when that "project" is completed.

Funny thing though....... owning them doesn't make me want to go out and insult the world........ especially those people who do me favors.

T2x


Here we go again, this is starting to get like groundhog day. http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/images/smilies/food-smiley-007.gif

[skaterjim]

I had a 25 eliminator with about 700 hp and really loved the boat handled very well , it woud run around 100mph, but it would break drives every so often. I always felt like I had to be a little easy on it so it didnt break. sold it because I didnt want to buy another drive but I did love the boat. then I got a 28 skater with 300x motors and after some (alot) of seat time I found out how good of a boat it is. I can go 120mph almost every day. first set of powerheads went 430 hrs every time I drive this boat I am just so amazed by it, the handeling, speed and reliability has been great. the skater can handle water that I cant even believe it is the way to go IMO. Jim

[dreamboater]

Of course .......... we have this too......

A Real performance boat..............................................

and probably the "pound for pound champeen of da woild"......

I could say it loves to pass big power, big block, Fountains, Cigs and OL's....and little, over powered wannabe's as well..... but I rarely even look...or give a d*mn.

T2x

Rich, do you have any other pics of your 28? I have not seen it since it was painted.

[T2x]

Rich, do you have any other pics of your 28? I have not seen it since it was painted.

I think that's it......

It will look like this when the new Vinyl is applied.........

T2x

[Dirk Pitt]

Alright, its time to start looking for my next boat. Every time I get out, the need for speed drags me back in.:reddevil:
Looking for a 24-26ft cat. Let's make some comparisons. Say a 24' Skater/25' Motion with 260s to a 25-26' performance cat (similiar weight & char.) with a single I/O.

24' Skater with 260s - 105 mph
25-26' Cat for 105mph what hp would you need? 700hp?

Fuel Efficiency -Which boat would burn less gas?

Reliability - Both are expensive to run, but I have had twins on two other boats and always had twice as much headaches, everybody feel the same way?

Lets hear your opinions


There is nothing like the sound of two high performance outboards singing in harmony, to me its a symphony of sounds,

but of course a single engine anything is more reliable and less expensive to run, but going to a single engine cat becomes a comprimize of which handling and speed in certain situations suffers, but the upside of the single engine application becomes apparent when you buy gas, oil, and any of the other essentials needed to keep that thoroughbred in tip top running condition
The formula looks like this $=p=s, money = power = speed

case in point

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/42158/2854353890050260153S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2854353890050260153dleRmW)

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/43517/2273315940050260153S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2273315940050260153mhrjqq)

photos courtesy of Marine Man

[airpacker]

I/O - outboard thing. The i/o is cool, I had one and still have friends that
do. Big powered cats and vee's. They are cool and really fast, but they
could never go do the Conn. River run or the Romp and run at 90-110 for
30 miles straight without having skattered something.

Funny, thats exactly the sort of thing I do with my single I/O cat all the time.
Its known to have two throttle positions. Dock and Drive.

[Skatin]

[QUOTE=Dirk Pitt;1451839]There is nothing like the sound of two high performance outboards singing in harmony, to me its a symphony of sounds,

The only thing I can think of that sounds better than two is the sound of three!! Especially from afar.

[tux974]

There is nothing like the sound of two high performance outboards singing in harmony, to me its a symphony of sounds,

This is very true!! Especially a pair of O/S 2.5's :thumbsup:

[merctwofive]

:iagree::iagree::thumbsup:

[fastcat]

Oh hell yea I love it too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8s9rx9taP8&eurl=http://www.grantscustomrigging.com/video.html

[skydog]

Love my 25' Motion with about 100lbs of radio. Ran about 115mph with stock 280s Now with Diamond power after set up i will run 122-125MPH :) :)

Skydog

[BRAVEHEART]

I had a 25 eliminator with about 700 hp and really loved the boat handled very well , it woud run around 100mph, but it would break drives every so often. I always felt like I had to be a little easy on it so it didnt break. sold it because I didnt want to buy another drive but I did love the boat. then I got a 28 skater with 300x motors and after some (alot) of seat time I found out how good of a boat it is. I can go 120mph almost every day. first set of powerheads went 430 hrs every time I drive this boat I am just so amazed by it, the handeling, speed and reliability has been great. the skater can handle water that I cant even believe it is the way to go IMO. Jim
Don't know if this is the right thread to ask, but what do you run for props on your 28. I have a 97 28 that just had the tanks and bottom done at Skater. I sold my 280 OS's and put a brand new pair of 2005 300X motors on it. So far I've only hit 106 but the computer won't let me go over 6400 RPM yet. Any suggestions from you or SkaterJim? Thanks

[BRAVEHEART]

Don't know if this is the right thread to ask, but what do you run for props on your 28. I have a 97 28 that just had the tanks and bottom done at Skater. I sold my 280 OS's and put a brand new pair of 2005 300X motors on it. So far I've only hit 106 but the computer won't let me go over 6400 RPM yet. Any suggestions from you or SkaterJim? Thanks
Sorry, i meant suggestions from you or Dreamboater...

[tux974]

I was running 14.5 X 34 BBlade labbed Merc 3 blade cleavers on my 28 with a pair of X's.
Hope that helps you!!

[lightspeed]

We Are Running 15/34s With 300XSs On A 28 And Its Running On The Limiters Need Bigger Props:iagree:

[skaterjim]

Don't know if this is the right thread to ask, but what do you run for props on your 28. I have a 97 28 that just had the tanks and bottom done at Skater. I sold my 280 OS's and put a brand new pair of 2005 300X motors on it. So far I've only hit 106 but the computer won't let me go over 6400 RPM yet. Any suggestions from you or SkaterJim? Thanks

if your motors are on the transom you will problably need 14.75x34 but if you have jack plates you will want 15x34to 35thats what I like Jim ps call bblades talk to Brett he knows exactly what you need!!

[skydog]

Yep Brett does all my props!!!!

Skydog

[boathouse]

We Are Running 15/34s With 300XSs On A 28 And Its Running On The Limiters Need Bigger Props:iagree:

what are your gear ratios?

[tux974]

what are your gear ratios?

1:62's. Motors on the transom.

BBlades is the place for sure!!

[Dirk Pitt]

ECMP rigged 28 Skater 14 3/4 x34 on 300 x's, 4" of setback 120 mph




http://i33.tinypic.com/2wclgt0.jpg

[BRAVEHEART]

Thanks for all the input & suggestions. I have the Cook Jack plates, and i'm running the 14 x 30 3 blades from my 280's. Sounds like i need to change props, & maybe raise the height a bit.. Although i spend more time in the ocean, so i want more bite..
I only have 10 hours test time. i wanted to get through break in before i mess with motor height & props... All input for more speed appreciated! Thanks!

[dreamboater]

Thanks for all the input & suggestions. I have the Cook Jack plates, and i'm running the 14 x 30 3 blades from my 280's. Sounds like i need to change props, & maybe raise the height a bit.. Although i spend more time in the ocean, so i want more bite..
I only have 10 hours test time. i wanted to get through break in before i mess with motor height & props... All input for more speed appreciated! Thanks!

Thats a whole different ball game if you are running in the Ocean. Even on a rough day in the river I can clearly tell my setup is too high. The boat will struggle to run 100 if I cant keep the props in the water. However 15x34 3 blades would be my first starting point if I were you. Another big thing that is not mentioned so much is to keep an eye on your tow. Those things beat and bang around and it doesnt take much for you to be out 1/4" from nose cone to prop shaft.

Now that you dont have them, do you miss the 280's??

[skydog]

Thanks for all the input & suggestions. I have the Cook Jack plates, and i'm running the 14 x 30 3 blades from my 280's. Sounds like i need to change props, & maybe raise the height a bit.. Although i spend more time in the ocean, so i want more bite..
I only have 10 hours test time. i wanted to get through break in before i mess with motor height & props... All input for more speed appreciated! Thanks!

14" that is WAY wrong! Going from a 14.5X32 to a 15X32 is 5mph on my cat!! It is kind of funney i can hold better/more water psi with 15" props? Not sure why dont realy care, i run 15".

Skydog

[BRAVEHEART]

Thats a whole different ball game if you are running in the Ocean. Even on a rough day in the river I can clearly tell my setup is too high. The boat will struggle to run 100 if I cant keep the props in the water. However 15x34 3 blades would be my first starting point if I were you. Another big thing that is not mentioned so much is to keep an eye on your tow. Those things beat and bang around and it doesnt take much for you to be out 1/4" from nose cone to prop shaft.

Now that you dont have them, do you miss the 280's??

I ran over 106 out of the box with no tweaking and the props i mentioned. only 10 hours test time so far.. I should also mention that i don't think it's quite out of break in mode, as it doesn't let the R's get over 6500. The plate on the back says max RPM's are 6800.. It should open up anytime now... I took your advice and will be test flying a friends pair of Labbed 15x34's soon.
I took measurements and used a straight edge and the toe looks right on. When the boat was at Skater for the tanks, i had them mark the transom for the proper height and distance apart for the motors.
I'm going to try to run down to the Manhassett poker run today to put more time on it.. Anyone in LI going ??
So far i like the torque of the 300X's & not mixing oil, but i miss the scream of the 280's. :) Thanks again for all the advice.....

[helios2001ve]

alright, Its Time To Start Looking For My Next Boat. Every Time I Get Out, The Need For Speed Drags Me Back In.:reddevil:
Looking For A 24-26ft Cat. Let's Make Some Comparisons. Say A 24' Skater/25' Motion With 260s To A 25-26' Performance Cat (similiar Weight & Char.) With A Single I/o.

24' Skater With 260s - 105 Mph
25-26' Cat For 105mph What Hp Would You Need? 700hp?

Fuel Efficiency -which Boat Would Burn Less Gas?

Reliability - Both Are Expensive To Run, But I Have Had Twins On Two Other Boats And Always Had Twice As Much Headaches, Everybody Feel The Same Way?

Lets Hear Your Opinions

24 Skater + Twin 300x + Cleaver 3 Blade 34 X 14 3/4 = 122 Mph...!!!!!!!!
Fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fastcat]

:confused::confused:

[fastcat]

been looking for a race! :)

Bring it to nashvegas on new years day. Our powerboat club will be out havin fun. Im not scared ;).

There will be several boats to run take your pick. My boat twin 280s,32b skater viper power, 44mti 1075s.

Bring it be ready to run for 60 to 80 miles at WOT!:D:D

[lightspeed]

Be Nice Space Man Or I Wont Tow Your Boat Out To SKATER For You:eek::eek::eek::leaving::leaving::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

[fastcat]

DW,skater,redline,motion,spectra,liberator all good boats.

All are fun in there own element.