90 or 115 ETEC for 18SF?

[pjzabo]

OK, I thought I found a mint 2003 Yamaha 130 to put on my 18SF, but it turned out that motor had issues. I think I am going to bite the bullet and pay up for a new (leftover) ETEC. My transom was redone, but the PO didn't raise it so needless to say, I want to stay as light as possible.

Question - will the Etec 90 do the job for this boat, or do I want a 115? I would not go 130 because I don't want a motor that is too stressed - looking at Evinrude's website the 90 runs 69 hp/liter, the 115 is 67 hp/liter but the 130 is 75 hp/liter. My gut is that the 115 is the right motor, but if I can save 70 lbs and possibly $2K I would consider the 90.

Thoughts? 90% of my use is short fishing trips on the LI Sound, 2 people on the boat usually (which means 470 lbs since I'm big and so are most of my fishing buddies). I'll go out in 1-3' seas, but usually stay home if 3-4+' is in the forecast.

Thanks -

Pete