Who know's about 27' Uniflite Express?

[Easy Rider]

Probably 16, or 18" dia. Would depend on the engine rpm and the gear reduction ratio. See a prop shop for more specifics. 120hp w 2.5-1 much different than 80hp w 1.5-1 reduction.

Easy

[Three Ts]

Easy,
You say the 27' express isn't an efficient hull for slow speeds. What about on plane, and about what speed would typically be required to get this boat on plane? I've seen a few 27' boats on the market recently, one a single diesel, another twin gas. I'm guessing the fuel burn on the twin gas would make a person shudder, but single diesel might be interesting. Any feedback would be great. Also, what about the 23' Salty Pup? This would actually be my ideal find but I'm curious how they might perform also.

[Easy Rider]

No Uniflite yacht is efficient and the're less efficient at slow speeds. The Tollycraft is narrower at the chine and lighter (I believe) but w less stability. The older 31' Uniflite is my favorite and I think it's a shorter, (less tall) narrower and generally smaller and lighter boat. I think the 27 is more like the 31 and therefore more efficient. On a medium-fast plane the 27 won't be very far behind the average 27' boat. The Uniflites are heavy and nice riding boats with a quality lay-up but if you want efficient find a lighter narrower boat. I don't know anything much about the Pups. Don't remember hearing anything good or bad about them. They look nice though. All the above is based on what I've seen and heard and is my opinion.

[Three Ts]

Thanks for the reply. I'd rather sacrifice a little efficiency for stability, sea keeping ability and general sturdiness of construction, and so as long as there might not be a huge increase in fuel consumption to achieve the above, its worth it to me. I see a lot of lightweight outboard rigs that can run at 40 kts on smooth water but are held to less than 20kts due to sea conditions because they are too light and stern weighted. I just want to be able to get to about 20kts cruising and be able to hold that in a moderate sea - probably just what you can get with some of the smaller Uniflites. Thanks.

[Easy Rider]

TTT,
Sounds like we like the same sort of thing however I've designed and built a very light 28' outboard that was extremely seaworthy.