I have a Scout 185 with a Yamaha 2 stroke 130hp. The motor runs perfect and is in mint condition. I was thinking of repowering with a used Yamaha 150 four stroke. Here are my concerns:
It will add another 100lbs to the back of my boat. I already have 4 batteries, a trolling motor, t-top and other stuff weighing it down. The boat sits in the water and I am worried that the scuppers will be underwater.
I know I will get better fuel economy but how much more power would I see?
Could I keep my no feed back helm or would I have to upgrade to hydrolic?
Don’t do it…I have had 2 185s. One was a 2002 with a f115…it was a little sluggish but was overall paired well.
The next was a 2000 185 with a 05 f150… While it was a rocket ship it was too much motor…so much that the transom area started to develop a small crack from the torque and weight.
Its rated for up to a 150 and it has a single cable no feed back helm.
Scout 185
Manual single cable with a 150+ will have steering torque even with torque tab maxed out. a four blade prop would help. Just a slight relax of the wheel will result in a hard unwanted turn.
Have you considered the option of selling the boat? You sell your current rig and move up to a 21 ft Carolina Skiff with a Suzuki 140 hp four stroke. When you do all the math it may not cost you too much more than just the repower.
Sorry Loopervet. I just re-read your question and see that you are talking about buying a used engine. The cost of a new Yamaha F150 rigged at the dealer (required) would run around 12 thousand dollars. That was the figure I was starting with in my head. Buying the used engine and possibly installing it yourself is a different set of numbers.
Thanks for the input. I agree with you Larry about the maximum HP except in this case. Scout boats made pre 2003 or so have known issue of water coming in the back through the scuppers. It wouldn’t bother me if I kept a boat on a trailer, but mine sits at the dock. I was hoping to get insight from other 185 Scout owners that have a 150 four stoke on the back.
Plugging the drains is not an option I’m willing to take while at the dock. I’m sold on the motor on every other aspect then this.