225BR hull construction vs. engine size... any differences?

[Crispin]

Looking at a 1999 225BR with a 5.0. Is the hull constructed the same for a 5.0L boat as it is for a 5.7L boat or even a 7.4L boat? Seems like they would be coming down the line the same and then get different engines. Put another way, if they're making a hull that can handle running a 7.4, wouldn't that be a pretty robust hull for a lighter, less powerful 5.0 with lighter drive as well?
Thanks in advance for any help, C.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the 5.7 and 5.0 are dimensionally identical. a BBC is a bit wider, and a bit longer, however the motor mounts in the same space

the hulls are all pulled the same from the mold

these days, I would look long and hard at a 6.2 LS motor before I spent money on a big block.

before you go looking at motor swaps.....have you checked your 28 year old boat for rot?

 

[tpenfield]

Doubtful that Crownline or other manufacturers do differently on the hull layup per engine option. If a 7.4L was not offered on that model, then it might be a force fit.

I agree w/ Scott on a 6.2 vs. the 7.4L

 

[cyclops222]

Brand new 2025 model of that boat ? Yes
Your very tired 1999 boat. Do not try a new motor in the likely weakened hull.

 

[Crispin]

Thanks for the replies. This 1999 225 is really clean. 250 hours. I am told the engine is fine. My point was, not knowing anything about a Crownline, is that the hull should be built pretty well if the boats are offered with a 7.4L. It's not in the water and we probably won't move on it until next season (2026). I am able to get to the boat and it will be in a shop for cleaning. Can anyone steer me to the most popular places to look for clues of rot. It has lived in fresh water and the hull is clean with good looking gelcoat (no cracks or spider cracks). Steering felt a little sloppy. Thanks again, C.

 

[tpenfield]

Don't read too much into it in terms of build quality . . . I like to search for factory tour videos to gain insight into a particular brand's build process.

I found this one. . .

 

[cyclops222]

Pretty boat could be a storm boat cleaned up to sell.
No way for normal gus to wiggle around and check out condition of beams.

 

[Pmt133]

Don't read too much into it in terms of build quality . . . I like to search for factory tour videos to gin insight into a particular brand's build process.

I found this one. . .

So just watching that video a few things jumped out at me...
1. Fully encapsulated stringers that clearly weren't fully encapsulated.
2. Hardware just slapped in with no bedding. 3. The liner is a great idea... but it still appears there are a lot of places water could eventually get behind it.
4. Did I hear correctly that they used treated lumber for the grid?

Cool find and was fun to watch.

 

[tpenfield]

KDAT plywood (i.e. treated) started to be used in the early 2000's.

I did notice that the stringer grid was attached to the hull with chopper gun mat rather than biaxial cloth.

 

[Crispin]

Thanks @tpenfield for the video. That hull design with the liner does seem very strong but nearly impossible to check for rot or any other type of issue. Looks like they fill all the hidden open cavities with foam so that's good. I guess a good look at what you can see and hope the rest is in similar condition.
Another question... Anyone know if this boat struggles to get on a plane with 4-5 adults and a couple kids if equipped with the 5.0? Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

You have to make test drills into the transom and stringers (from inside the bilge, about 2" up from the inside hull surface)

Drill a 5/16" hole about 3/4 deep (8mm x 19deep) and look at the shavings.

If the shavings are light colored, dry and smell of fresh cut wood. Seal the holes, you are good to go

If the shavings are dark colored, wet and smell of mulch. Put on the tyvek suit, don on all the PPE and fire up the saws