ab1752
Crew Member
I honestly don't know about power yet. The quotes I've been getting for twin 200 hp engines are rediculous to say the least. I'm thinking either a single 350 and a kicker but not sure if that enough hp or twin 200-250s and no kicker. I found a verado 350 sci with a new long block with warranty for pretty cheap. Not sure it's enough juice though. I got mine from someone that really took care of it. It is a 1987 and I got it for 9500$ with the engines and legs out of it. With the glass work and pod I'll be into the hull for about 15k. It's a little more dated looking inside than the one on Craigslist but it's in really good condition. Once I get further into it I'll post some pictures of the conversion to outboards.
I don't think you need twins on that boat. Hourston did a couple of Island Runners with a pod from factory and they used twin 2 stroke 175's. As I head down the pod path on ours, I am going to use a minimum of a 300HP 4 stroke, likely a Verado, plus the existing 9.9 yamaha. Stock power is a Volvo DP 320HP and it is plenty fast for this rig, moving the power further out back I think the single 300HP is going to be fine although I could be talked into a 350HP Verado for the woot factor. Our boat currently will top out at 38 knots and that is plenty fast enough...I think the Commander with a single 350 would kick butt.