I rigged an Ilmor 725/Indy package into a 28' Batboat, and Ilmor provided everything they possibly could.

The Indy package is intended to be a direct replacement for 700/NXT packages, with the same setback, prop-to-crank height, and almost identical transom cutout and stud patterns. They have all the jigs and fixtures to make things come out right, and their factory support is second to none. Even though I had had no problems, they sent me an updated transmission and intake manifold top at no charge.

Call them and ask for Ian Hawkins.

I would tell them to build the hull and deck only and get someone else to rig the Ilmors. If Braver won't agree to that, find a nice used Cig and do the swap yourself.

Wrinkle,

You are more than welcome to contact me about my Ilmor Experience. All positive but I understand your dilemna if going the Cig route. I wanna believe they can only be ordered w/ Merc power.

Michael
704-905-0086

Actually there is......Sunsation has built two Ilmor boats, a 28 w/625 and an F4 w/725s and indy drives. On the F4 project they were very concerned about shifting the CG due to lack of weight at the stern. The Ilmor package was significantly lighter than the Merc 700 package. They built the boat as a poker run boat with no cabin features the other F4's had (head, v-berth, couches etc) to keep the boat's CG even. The cabin is essentially carpet lined with a couple of thin cushions in the v-berth.

The boat is beautiful and has done several poker runs including KW 2010. It is in the OSO classifieds w/Doller Marine as the dealer. In the end the boat was not faster than the Merc 700's despite being lighter but it burns 30% less fuel at WFO.

I believe the hull needs to be built with any weight changes in the bilge in mind so the steps perform correctly.

If Wrink goes from a NT to a Cig I would be shocked. I can't recall it happening in that order too often but it is common the other way around......

And from a 43 to a 39 no less...makes perfect sense; he wants more performance without sacrificing ride quality.

Curious, EXACTLY how many ex-Cig owners do you know that now have Nor-Tech V's? Can you actually name one?

What's the take on the Indy Drives; how have they been performing thus far?

And...can they replace a Bravo without moving the engine?

Me .. 2000 38 single step to a 42 Sonic, to a 37 AT, then 3 43 NorTechs..

Do you still have the Nor-Tech? and wasn't the last one a diesel?

As for getting out of the single step...makes sense.

Are we sure that we are even talking about Cig?