Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

the options for the engine when it was new are these

merc 7.4L 300hp
merc 454 mag 350hp
volvo 740dp 300hp

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

would 496 mag be an option or is it too big for the 23' spyder and what drive should you consider good for the 496?

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

Is there an existing transom bracket? The bracket that clamps both sides of the transom and creates a mounting system for the drive on the outside and a mounting system for the steering on the inside? If you have one, and it is intact, you might be able to use it and replace the drive with a like-drive.

If I was starting from scratch and had loads of cash I would put a Volvo in it.

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

no, transom is missing. Volvo any particular model?

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

the engine i'm going to get will be used 100% cause right now i cant afford to buy a new one. i was looking in the classifieds and there are a lot of good deals 496 HO around 12000 and many more, that's why i'm asking for some feedback on the 496

the boat will beused only in saltwater btw

I am going to look at a 1992 23 Nova Spyder this week, what is the weight on this? It looks so far like I might buy it. Taking a run to look and make a decision. Photos look excellent! One tough boat. My uncle wanted one back when they came out. It has the 7.4 Bravo II.

Advice

Well I bought the boat.
Took her out for a run this evening.
I found out the trim tab switches are backwards. Port switch controls stbd tab, stbd controls port. Will have to fix this immediately.
I did notice some porpoising around 40 with the tabs up. Dragging a little tab or trimming in corrected it to some degree. I will have to look into props. I have been told the prop is a 21p. I will have to look at this closer. There is another prop with the boat, I have yet to look at it. I was also told it was a 23p.
Despite the tab switch and porpoise issues, the boat is great. The switch is an easy fix. The porpoise seems to be a prop selection problem.

For those interested in prop comments, I have the 7.4 300hp with a Bravo 2 2.0 gears. I don't know my top end or rpm.

Engine Co -

I to am going to look a at 93 Spyder here in NJ. Boat is really clean and is calling out to me. Anything i should look for for? It has the same engine package you have so i am curious to know how you make out with the props. I am hoping to sea-trial it and make him an offer within the next couple days.

cheers
erol

I have a 93 nova spyder it has less than 140 hours on it I have totally redone the boat it was left outside uncovered. I had to replace the floor and rear seat(rotten). It had 83 hours on it when I bought it and came with a 330 hp 454. I don't know how fast it went stock I would guess in the high 50's that was with a 23 mirage prop it would lean also I took care of that by switching to a bravo 1 prop. I built a 420 for it and the only thing that is still stock on the motor is the sea-water pump fuel pump and alt. She runs 68.7mph on gps. I am currently building a stroker 489 for next year. The boat is heavy, not many around and they ride great. I have had the boat completely apart the fuel tank they say is 80 gal but it only holds 60gal. It has a new int. gauges, steering, trim pump, all new switches lights, compass, halon, hatch lift, etc everything has been replaced including outdrive.

out the back