SHADOW804

I'm Thinking Of Picking Up An '81 24 Pantera SetUp For Twin Merc OutBoards As A Possible Winter Project. Anyone Here Had Any Experience With One Of These ? The Boat Was Originally Running 200's. I Have Access To A Pair Of '93 Merc 275's To Re-Power. Is This Too Much ?? Thanks In Advance For Any Help !! 8ZERO4 .

GaryMMM

This is just my opinion but I think that twin 275 Mercs are too much. They weigh too much. The only way to do it would be solid motor mounts and top notch external hydraulic steering. I would also suggest full size k-planes and a front ballast tank. The boat may top out at 80 mph which is fast in a 7' beam v-hull. I think that you should trade the 275s and rework the transom for a single new 300 Merc and you will run about 75 without the handling problems. I have a new 24' with a single 2003 Yamaha 250 HPDI. It spins a 23" Mirage at 5800. You can do the math. If you are in salt water, think about Yamaha real seriously. PS: I do not think that the 24' is that much fun above 75 mph. Check the transom for soft spots and structure. Good luck, GaryM

Caincando1

That's allota motor for that boat. I'm sure it would take it but I'd find a smaller pair. Any pics of the boat? Where is it at? A 24 with twin OB would be a choice setup.

floatingphil

On the subject of 24' outboards, I was wondering if someone can provide some info on a 1979 24' Cobra. Like Shadow804 I was thinking of a winter project and spotted this one with a 200 Merc on a bracket. I would like to know if any of you Pantera guys know this boat and how it runs/handles.

RLW

I would stay away from those Merc 275's. They are dinosaurs and parts would be hard to obtain. The gearcase is the weak link.
I'm a Yamaha fan based solely on the reliability factor. Having owned both Mercs and Yamahas, I can attest that the Yammys are hassle free.
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