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On the 18 guardian, best to stay with a single motor since stern weight is critical for proper handling. The 18 gaurdian max is 150 hp and about 475 lbs +/-. Four stroke twins will put you over that weight even with twin f70 yamahas.

Move all batteries to the console, replace the fuel tank and all wiring and plumbing. If the transom was cut down to a 20" motor shaft length, high likelihood that the under deck fuel tank cavity is all foamed in and there is an above deck fuel cell. Some agencies wanted to run smaller hp motors that are not available in a 25" shaft length, hence the 5" notch.

I am sure I have an extra tow post and line spool if you need it from one of the last sixteen guardian rebuilds I did. Ideally, you are going to fab one up with an integrated engine guard. I usually raise the splash well divider to the top of the gunnels to avoid significant water entry from rear.

As for motors, hard to beat the honda 150 or the new yamaha f150 with 8 dog tooth lower unit (previous versions had 6 dog teeth and not as strong). If significant towing, best to have a spare lower unit since thats what goes first. Local harbor patrol here run honda 150s and see 10,000-14,000 hours on powerheads. Not the case on lower units.....

Local commercial operators see 5,000+ hours on yamaha f150s before repowering for economic reasons, not motor issues.


Hope that helps.