Hey BR: I have a Suzuki 300 on mine (24 footer)--- good power because I usually travel HEAVY. Funny you should ask about Barkley: I decided to leave P.A. At noon, even though it was blowing like nuts----I'd heard how Orca's like big water so I thought it would be a good opportunity to try it out on it's maiden voyage---two meter water around Nitnat: blue stuff coming over the bow ---my daughter was doing laps around the rosary beads but we made it to Bamfield fine.
I've also had her in big following seas: No fun at all----those Orca's tend to bow steer so you have to be careful because they can get somewhat squirrelly. You'll find out very soon that your trim tabs are your best buddy
You'll love that boat, though--not sure what you had before but they ride really nice.
No, not a stock pod. When I bought the boat, it looked like I was dragging a dead cow behind the boat at speed. Cowl of the motor was always soaked. I finally had a guy weld another aluminum sponson under the original bracket to extend the pod down to the keel of the boat---it was like someone turned the channel---silly smooth ride now----you can see the weld line of the new add-on pod in the picture---best $$ I ever spent on a boat