therabster

I have a 1987 scarab 26 excel with the CV hull , same as the 26 sport hull. I am going to convert it to outboard power using a 12 inch manual jack plate. I have a new 225 Mercury optimax with a standard 20inch shaft. Can anyone advise me on what sort of speed the boat will run .I am guessing 45 to 50 mph. The boat is around 1600 kgs with no engine so it is a little heavier than a 26 sport. Also what is an ideal all round engine height . I am thinking mounting the engine so that the cavitation plate is between 3 -4 inches above the bottom of the keel.Also propellor. I have a 23 mirage at the moment but I think I probably need a lower pitch. A 21 maybe


Any advice on how other scarab 26 sports are set up would be welcome.