I am on the point of ugrading my motor. Some advice would be appreciated…
the boat is a 20 foot: beam 8 feet, deadrise 18 degrees at the transom. weight 2200 lbs dry weight.
I can purchase a 150 hp at the same price as a 175 hp. The boat has maximum rated hp at 175 but my dealer recommends the 150 hp. I did not purchase the boat new but from a friend who had a 115 hp on it. Its to small to me hence the upgrade.
The dealer’s reasons for recommending the 150 are varied but not significant. I use the boat for fresh water and salt water fishing. Comments of experiences with this size boat and motor application …
You just have to be careful when loading up the transom with maximum amount of motor (weight),the scuppers on some boat mmodels will ride below the waterline and keep the deck flooded.
I know with a mercury there isn’t much of a weight difference if any at all between a 150 and 175, at least in my model year (97). In the ocean you will be glad you have that little extra power. I have a 150 and it is just fine most of the time but sometimes in a following sea or something I wish I had the extra horses
175 Opti is the same weight as the 150 Opti. On a 2200 lb boat I’m suprised max is only 175, I go with that. What were the dealers reasons for recommending the 150? Cause he had it in stock and would make more $
The weight is the same per the dealer. His reasons for recommending the 150 was that he felt that was all the HP I needed. I use the boat in freshwater more than salt water. When in the salt I limit my distance to about 20 miles in good seas and weather forecast. I think this is what he was tuned in on. I have never had a 150 but have had 175 and 200 on other boats. Gas consumption on the 200 was terrible. The 175 was much better but I don’t think it would be that much worst than a 150. I have almost made my decision…will post later
What make of engines are you comparing? Same brand 150 to 175 or different manufacturers. 150 is more than enough to push a boat that size. Usually 150 and 175 engines of the same make have identical performance through the low and midrange. Only the top end power is affected. A 175 will give you maybe 2-4 mph over a 150. Otherwise a 150 with put you on plane and perform the same most of the time. Maybe even better when getting on plane and heavy seas since the prop pitch required may be less (example: a 17p on a 150 vs a 18 or 19p on a 175).
Both engines are Johnson make. I decided to buy the 175 since it offered some more hp if you needed it. Now I have to match the engine with a new prop. The dealer is giving me a prop that he recommends. 21 pitch. I hope that matches up. Sometimes I have four people in the boat and added hp should be an asset. I don’t understand prop requiremens completely. I sure don’t want to go through a bunch of experiments. If the engine turns 5000 rpms that is the range you want ???
Each model of outboard has a recommended WOT engine rpm range. It is always better to be on the upper end of the range. So if the recommended rpm range is 5000-5500 then you want to be at 5500 at wide open, full of fuel, and the normal number of people you carry.
