Action marine 18ft engine set up help!!

**Tony440** · 11-26-2023, 06:19 PM

Hello guys,

I have an 18ft action/motion marine speed boat in the works, i need advice
on what engine setup i can use.

many have told me to go with mercury and stay as mercury but i was thinking
about doing an omc v8 setup like in the picture , what is to be expected besides the
Fact that they are gas hogs to stay away from this set up, should I consider a mercury
v6 and forget all about the v8 jhonrudes , whats the worst that could happen??

**Jim Speros** · 11-26-2023, 07:11 PM

I think that is too heavy an engine for that size boat.

**FUJIMO** · 11-26-2023, 07:17 PM

...must be trimmed down into the sand to hold the transom up higher for the pic...

**JPEROG** · 11-26-2023, 08:29 PM

I would follow the set up recommendations that Shawn at diversified marine in Ft. Lauderdale offers you. He has had all of them and all of them he has had run great.

Joe

**RiverRat71** · 11-26-2023, 08:59 PM

whats the worst that could happen??
Death. RR

**Tony440** · 11-26-2023, 09:15 PM

Yea but its still possible!!

**Tony440** · 11-26-2023, 09:31 PM

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**JPEROG** · 11-26-2023, 10:51 PM

You will spend what a used optimax cost in fuel consumption, have short run range, have a super high C.G. to contend with, chase parts for repairs when needed, BUT-it will sound and look cool.

Joe

**donmac** · 11-27-2023, 05:41 AM

perfect if you weigh 300lb,otherwise it will need a bow ballast tank if your going to run it in anything more than 6" chop! modvp/xr6 build would be my choice to go fast and run it hard without wearing out your luck.
likely need to stiffen the transom to hold that v8 should you encounter any wakes, going to handle like a plumb bob!