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Hello Whaler Central, first time poster here from Mississippi Gulf Coast.
I was looking for some input about mid-90's BW Guardian 25's specifically ones with Whaler Drives. Pro's/Con's?
I looking at one that was formerly powered by twins, but would like to go with a 250-300hp single.
What shaft length would I need? is a hydraulic jack plate needed or better option? What are things to look for in the pre-purchase inspection? I am thankful for the help.
The shaft length depends on the particular year of the boat as some had a 25" shaft and some had a 30" shaft. But as an owner of a 25 Outrage, I can tell you that you definitely want a jackplate. the performance increases across the board are noticable and well-worth it.
I was looking for some input about mid-90's BW Guardian 25's specifically ones with Whaler Drives. Pro's/Con's?
I would not put a jackplate on a whaler drive 25. I would recommend 2 engines as well on a whaler drive 25, as the whaler drive adds length to the boat. Whaler drives completely change the way a boat rides and performs.
Wading Mark does not have a 25 with a whaler drive that is using a jackplate, his is an open transom 25. Not the same.
Silentpardner, do you speak from personal experience? I am leaning towards a 250-300hp four stroke single. I have given up on offshore fishing Just trying to make a heavy-duty bay/inshore boat.
As I stated above, I would not personally install jackplates on a whaler drive. I have never operated, or even seen any boat with a whaler drive and jackplate(s)
The purpose of my post was to insure that you saw that Whaler Mark's jackplate recommendation was for a different boat and transom. It is not a guardian, its an outrage. They look alike, but the guardian is heavier. WM is recommending a jackplate on an open transom, you are requesting info about a whaler drive installation.
I own and regularly operate a Whaler 27 with a Whaler drive. The whaler drive is a platform that actually supports the engine weight with flotation, and adds a full 3' setback from the outside of the closed transom to the props on the motor. I have twins on this application.
I also own and operate a 1986 Outrage 18 with an open transom. I use 1 motor to power this boat. The only problem I have with using a jackplate on it would be the setback and additional weight of the jackplate. I don't use a jackplate, and I have never needed one with the original engine install on this boat. I am currently repowering this boat, maybe I will need one with a single repower? I don't think so, but I don't really know.
Just remember, a whaler with a Whaler Drive is a completely different boat than a Whaler without one. The flotation of the Whaler Drive that the engines are attached to completely changes the way the boat handles because it adds 2-3 feet to the boat. A 25 foot Whaler becomes a 28 foot whaler with a whaler drive.
If I was going to get information on mounting engines on a 25 classic style hull with a whaler drive, I would contact and review everything the member DUF has posted on this subject here. I think he would have the most recent experience with exactly what you are requesting information about.
