Re-powering my seacraft

[infanterene]

I blew the old 200hp Yamaha on Wednesday. My 18 ran perfect with this motor, it only weighs 416lbs. 25" transom.

I have been shopping for Etec 150's and Optimax 150's and Yamaha F200. I have been quoted $8900 for the Optimax and I think $10,400 for the Etec and $16,000 for the Yami. I like the etec because its simpler and quieter but there is only one dealer in Miami. They always packed and they dont open on Saturdays. There is a Mercury dealer 6 blocks away from where I store my boat. I refuse to pay $16k for the Yamaha.

Ive also found Suzuki 140's for $8000. They look interesting too.

I also have a 20sf that I am considering having completely redone. I would transfer the motor from the 18 to the 20. I am still undecided as to whether I like the 18 or the 20 better. I think the 18 actually rides better. It jumps on plane and doesn't even need trim tabs.

I searched but couldnt really find any performance figures for an 18 with the Optimax or the Etec.

Now I read a thread below where it looks like a Suzuki 90 is adequate. Jeez this is all so confusing.

[Sceptre20]

Weight will be your biggest concern with the new engine,the days of 416 lb 200hp engines is unfortuneatly over.Even mid range 4 strokes will exceed that weight.

[FishStretcher]

I have a 356lb 100hp 4 stroke on a 20 footer and I like it just fine. I get the feeling that the water is often flatter in Florida, so you can take advantage of big power on little boats, so the combinations down there are sometimes a bit different from the those in the Northeast.

I would think that a modern 90 on an 18 footer would be a great combo for performance and on the wallet. And still fine for a 20 footer. Spend a little time on prop tuning and selection to maximize the potential.

[McGillicuddy]

Your kinda all over the board. Just one look a bitsamonkey's Garmin on that other post is as good of a sales pitch as I would need.

If you are looking new, Zuke 90 would be a fantastic all-around choice. 115 Etec is also a great choice. Etec 90 and F90/100 Yammie would also be effective.

Zuke 140 or etec 150 are a bit heavier than I would want.

IMO F200 is just silly.

[infanterene]

Originally Posted by McGillicuddy

Your kinda all over the board. Just one look a bitsamonkey's Garmin on that other post is as good of a sales pitch as I would need.

If you are looking new, Zuke 90 would be a fantastic all-around choice. 115 Etec is also a great choice. Etec 90 and F90/100 Yammie would also be effective.

Zuke 140 or etec 150 are a bit heavier than I would want.

IMO F200 is just silly.

I am all over the place, my head hurts. All I know is that the boat felt perfect they way it was. I dont mind loosing some top speed but I do want to be be able to cruise at 30-35 mph.

[FishStretcher]

Originally Posted by infanterene

I am all over the place, my head hurts. All I know is that the boat felt perfect they way it was. I dont mind loosing some top speed but I do want to be be able to cruise at 30-35 mph.

Well, I think a 90 or 100 would do >35 WOTon your 18 footer. Well tuned, maybe 40 MPH. And about 35-37 WOT on a 20. Mine is 33-34 MPH at WOT, because I drag a big wing thru the water to lower the minimum planing speed, because I have a 4 stroke kicker and a 4 stroke main on the stern. I do fish offshore in the rougher stuff a bit.

My 4 stroke Yamaha F100 is probably quieter (and happy there) at 5500RPM than a lot of the bigger older 2 strokes at cruise. And the 5-6MPG is a bonus.

I think anywhere from 90 to a light 115 is your sweet spot. Watch out, there are heavy 115 outboards out there. So do your homework.

If I had your 18, I might try a 70 hp if it was lighter than a 90 so I could take advantage of it. But that not be a good motor for a Florida bay boat.

[infanterene]

Sometimes the bay is pretty flat here, especially in the summer. I dont plan on leaving the bay as I suck at fishing offshore.

I go to the sandbar with my wife(sometimes the kids too) then we go to lunch at one of the water front restaurants and then maybe cruise around for a while.

I have recently gotten hooked on back country fishing and might use my boat for the occasional fishing trip.

[Yz2009]

im yamaha fan all the way and have a f115 on my 20sf

however i feel like the etec 130 may be perfect for you. only weighs 405 lbs and ive read good things about them. i would try to stay as close to 400lbs as possible

if your consitering the etec 150 why not think about the 175 or 200 as they are all 433lbs

[infanterene]

Originally Posted by Yz2009

im yamaha fan all the way and have a f115 on my 20sf

however i feel like the etec 130 may be perfect for you. only weighs 405 lbs and ive read good things about them. i would try to stay as close to 400lbs as possible

if your consitering the etec 150 why not think about the 175 or 200 as they are all 433lbs

I just noticed that. I thought the 200 was heavier.

So far the only estimate I have gotten is $15.8 for the new Yamaha F150 or $12.8 for an Etec 150. Im still waiting for the Suzuki price.

Im going to price out the Etec 175 and 200 too.

[Caymanboy]

Just for comparisons.
The new iF200 is only 8lbs heavier than an F150.
Yamaha F150XA, engine only, $11,490.
Yamaha F200XB, engine only, $13,790.
I can get a cost on a Suzuki if you wish.
And there are some deals around on some used 200's.
OP