Re: mercury verado 4 stroke
Hi, I would like to point out that Mercury's parent company Brunswick Corporation owns and builds the Trophy line of boats now. So they should be able to tell you if the Verado is a good match and give you some kind of transom guarantee. <br />I own a older Trophy 2305 model and have had a 200 Verado on the boat only for a few break in hours thus far. Everything seems ok, with no new cracks thus far from trailering or under power. I had motor put on the existing jack plate, but I added some transom stiffners before the installation to try to be on safe side. I honestly have not noticed much more set down in water than with the 220 Mariner I had before even though the weight is 230 pounds more. But I don't have much time yet as I haven't brought it back out of winterization. <br />As far as trolling at 3mph, I do not know. There is no boost from the supercharger being delivered at the lower rpms from what I can tell. I imagine a lot depends on type of prop, but it will idle down to 550 rpm and the smartcraft does have a troll control for speed setting(not sure about SC1000 monitor model, but rest do). I don't know if the gas mileage or the wear on a motor is worth putting that kind of time on it when a trolling motor usually is under 3 grand to replace and the Verado whould be a WEE bit higher.

But Merc must think it's ok cause they have the troll function on the smartcraft. I'd have them take you out in one that is outfitted with the motor and find out. Most places that sell these motors also have at least one to demo. I personally have both for safety and for less hours putt putting around on the Verado. Might want to check out the article on powerboat-reports.com as they tested Merc Verado, Evinrude Etec, and Yamaha 4 stroke on identical Wellcraft 23ft center consoles. Does cost about some bucks for the report, but might answer some of your questions.