Prop, Tabs, and Kicker questions for new (to me) 2320

[SBH2OMan]

Well, the deal is done and I should be closing on the 2320EC by the end of this week... (It was a long and arduous process finding the "right" boat for me!)...

One of the first things on my list is a kicker motor. I have a line on a really nice Merc 9.9, but it has a short shaft on it. Since my Parker has the older narrow bracket (made by Armostrong or Stainless Marine?), there's no way to mount it on the bracket like the newer Armstrong setups. This means a "drop down" mount, probably on the port side.

Since this i my first time dealing with this issue, I'm curious about whether I need to worry about shaft length when using a "drop down" type mount for the kicker? If so, does anyone have recommendations on mounts? I'd prefer a Yamaha high thrust 9.9, but the deal I can get on this Merc is pretty compelling...

The boat is powered by a 250 OX66 and has a 15 x 15 prop (Powertech). It seems like most folks are running more pitch on their motors. Any advice or opinions here? (should I be testing different props and thinking about going to a 17?). The Powertech is a copy of the Mirage 3 blade prop, btw.

Lastly, the trim tabs are starting to rot a bit at the hinges and will probably need replacement. I assume these are the "stock" tabs, but I have not measured them yet. Judging from the picture below, are there replacement tabs that might be larger without having to reposition the actuators?

Thanks again for all the help and advice. I'm very fired up about having a Parker and setting her up "just right".

-Brent

 

[TunaJoe]

Congrats Brent!

I'd forget about the kicker. Don't need it.
Just get Vessel Assist Gold.
If you join Boat US you can take advantage of the SPOT locater/Vessel Assist arrangement which they call SPOT Assist.
If you break down, you simply press the "Help" button on the SPOT and it sends a signal to your local Vessel Assist with your location(lat and long) and they come and get you.
Of course you have to buy a SPOT Locater, but they don't cost much money and if you plan on over-nighting at the Islands, it's a great way to let your family know your "OK".
As you probably know, we don't have cell phone reception at our local Islands.

Edit: I noticed Santa Barbara does NOT have Vessel Assist. You'd probably have to get towed to Ventura. Or maybe they would tow to your home port.

It also looks like you can upgrade to bigger tabs with no problem. On my Parker, the tabs are recessed and I think it limits what size I can put on....

Soooo, tell us what upgrades/improvements you have planned....

 

[Megabyte]

Congratulations on your new ride. I think you're going to love her. :wink:

Can't help with the kicker as I don't have one. BoatUS and SeaTow are both local to me, so that is what I use.
When I first bought my boat in 2003, she had some motor issues and I needed two tows. Since then... none.

Your bracket looks exactly like mine, so it is probably an aluminum bracket by Stainless Marine.

The tabs on yours are not Lencos, and I don't believe Bennett ever used that fat hydraulic line, so I'm guessing they are Boat Levelers.
My boat is a 1996 and it was wearing (non-operable) 12"x12" Boat Levelers when I bought her.

I removed my Boat Levelers and replaced them with a set of 24"x9" Bennetts.
Yes, the actuators will have to be moved and I doubt the screw holes for the tabs will line up either.
Filling the holes and starting over is easy to do, and (IMHO) is the way to go.
That way you can install them correctly instead of compromising.
There have been several posts in the project section showing the proper way to drill and seal the holes so you don't get any water intrusion.

My 2520 MVSC which is wider, heavier, and has less deadrise wears a Merc Mirage 17p which is just a wee bit too large.
A 16x16 would probably be just right for me, but they are not a common size.
If I were you, I'd run the prop you have for the time being. Get the other more pressing items taken care of first.
I know you'd like to knock off everything on your list, but sometimes measured steps work out for the better.

Take care of the safety and reliability items first, then start on your list. :wink:

Good luck!

 

[SBH2OMan]

Thanks guys!

The kicker is #1 on my list and #2 is probably radar. I consider both to be "safety" related upgrades. I will ALSO have Vessel Assist "premium" but the problem is that they come out of Ventura harbor (I think) and if I'm up at Santa Rosa, they can take up to two+ hours to be on the scene. Without a kicker, I don't want to be foundering helplessly, just relying on a sea anchor or ground anchor to keep me from banging into the islands.

I also figure that for the occasional trolling or low-speed repositioning (drift fishing then returning for another drift) the 4-stroke kicker is much better than running the OX66 which from what I understand don't like to idle or run at low speeds.

Repairs planned:
Complete tune-up
Replace water pump & thermostat
Replace low pressure fuel pumps
Replace VST filter, fuel filter (internal), Water separator/filter (with 10 micron unit)

Upgrades planned...
Vigorous buffing and wax job
Kicker + mount
Radar + mast/arch
Larger tabs
Kayak/surf racks
Smooth bottom paint
improved swim step with dive ladder
Remove stove and replace with FW sink + drop-in cover with recess for butane portable burner
Better captain's chair
Anchor windlass

Eventually an F250 or similar motor, but I'll be watching for deals and hopefully the OX66 will give me time to find the right deal....

 

[Bluefish1354]

For what it is worth I just mounted 12 x 24 tabs on mine upgrading from 12 x 12's. I used the same actuators in the same locations but drilled two new holes in the tabs two so the actuators are 2 in of the center of the tab. I used two of the existing holes and added 2 if that makes sense.
My old tabs are in great shape if you want them, you are welcome to them.