Hi G
I have had a couple of Senators and have just sold my 1800 Pro sport...
If he has the $$$ he should custom it a bit - I have done that to both. I am in two minds as I am buying a new boat and is a tossup between the 540 Senator and 565c Osprey.
My last boat -
This is my old 540 -
The things I changed on my 540 -
- Above pic - Raised sides 150mil (low free board is a bit dangerous and not good for kids leaning over) Top of gunnels were about were your knees were 150mil higher took gunnels up to thighs.
- Sep anchor well - when pulling anchor in you get wet as anchor well is low (get them to put in sep anchor well)
- Seats are to high when seating your view is where the canopy reaches the screen (I lowed mine 100mil) could see perf out screen when seated.
- Put in a 100ltr under floor
- Deck shelves not so wide - lined up with gunnels (can even raise them to meet the bottom of transom)
- Closed transom off with cubby's
In my new boat I closed of anchor well for fully elec capstan - put in a cubby on front wall in cabin for access in to the anchor for washing and airing -
Also put in some bunks with ali foot rests..
Ride was swt - 1800 Pro Sport was better as had more length..
I had a 90 Yammy 2S on my 540 (4 dudes & fishing gear) but didn't push it so went to a 115 Yammy 2S which turned it into a whole better boat.
My new 1800 Sport had a 90Merc 4Stroke 2013/14 model just before the latest - went mint and prob wouldn't of gone any smaller than that - you may get away with the 80 4S on the 540 but def make sure it is perf height and propped perf then you should be right - if he has the $$ I would go to a 90..
Hope this helps..
What make OB is he looking at???