18 Charger DL - re-power and performance advice

**Bin71** · 07-17-2018, 07:27 PM

Hi Everyone.
I'm new to Scream and Fly and have enjoyed reading many of the threads.
Does anyone have any advice on re-powering an 18' Charger DL?
I'd like to purchase a used 18 Charger DL and a new motor (or new ish) as I just don't have time to mess with an older motor.
I'm looking for 2 stroke power, but worried about the weight of the Evinrude G2's. And Merc seems to have discontinued the optimax.
I've heard that the heavier motors have caused this hull to porpoise. Is this true?
My goal is high 60's MPH range with full fuel and 3 adults so I don't think I need huge power.
Any advice on repower or how this hull performs is very much appreciated.
Thank you all.

**idvette** · 07-18-2018, 06:03 AM

I know of a 250xs powered DL, but think anything heavier would not be a good choice. There are a few guys on here that have or have had a DL/SK, maybe they will chime in. One had an OMC V8 on it for a few weeks, I believe porpoising was a problem. You don't need big power to run those speeds on that hull, even 150 hp would be enough....

**David** · 07-18-2018, 06:03 PM

New? I would buy the gen 1 150 HO at Mobile Marine in Huntsville. 14K Cdn with a 10 year warranty. They put the same motor on our J Craft in the spring. We get 61 mph, Bow tank, no jack plate. A Charger with a jackplate and a stern tank could be a lot faster. Call Gary Fennell. He will remember our boat.

My brother has a DL with an old 200 looper. If he were to get a new Charger (he's thinking about it) he would get a Gen 2 200 HO. His hope is that motor flat on transom and with a bow tank it would not porpoise

is your boat solid? No point in repowering a boat that needs a rebuild.

My used suggestion would be a used Promax. I have one for sale, but there are others for sale here.

**Bin71** · 07-18-2018, 09:33 PM

Hi IDVETTE and David.
Thank you both for your replies.
Sounds like a 150 will produce the speeds I'm looking for.
David. you mentioned a stern tank. Is that because it was most common in older DL's? If you could choose would you go with a bow tank?

**David** · 07-19-2018, 06:06 PM

Most DLs had stern tanks. You want the weight rear for top speed as it makes it easier to carry the bow up with less trim. We have a bow tank in the J Craft to optimize planing with skiers.

$462 US to ship a motor from Texas to Ontario - not prohibitive. I see you are in BC. You may have to look far for the right motor.

A 175 Pro XS would meet your goals as well, but these are out of production. The 150 HOs from Mobile Marine are left over 2017 models. It's also out of production.