New Mercury fourstroke

[jchief]

Originally Posted by I make oil

I have the Yamaha 150 4 stroke on a 2200 Blazer Bay. I have no complaints. Good hole shot good top end and plenty of power down low. Top end is around 50 on my GPS. At 3800 RPM's at 35MPH where I cruise fuel economy is great less than 4GPH. How fast do you need to go? I think it is the perfect motor for my needs. All I've ever needed to do to it is change the oil. Next time I'm home I'm bringing it in to have the oil/lower unit oil changed and maybe have the water pump changed. Don't think I need it but will do so anyways. I hope to have many many more trouble free years out of this motor.

What prop you running?

[bluewing]

Don't think you can do 50mph with a 150 4 stroke on a 22' blazer bay. Go with the 200.

[I make oil]

My Prop is a 19 with a nice cup put into it by Johnny's in MC it started as an 18. My performance numbers run a little better than the performance data. My top end is actually right at 50 with 2 people half tank of fuel batteries, troll motor etc. on a slight chop. My best performance increases with the prop change were mid range over the perfomance bulletin. At 3800 RPM on my Tach I am doing 33/35 MPH on my GPS with a normal fishing load. My fuel consumption is a guess but pretty close I'm sure. Prior to my Prop modifications I was on exactly the same numbers as the bulletin. With an 18 pitch prop 48.5 MPH top end is still pretty dang close to 50. Like I said how fast do you need to go? A 225 will only get you 13 more MPH top end? Look at the price difference in a 150 and a 225 then look at the fuel burn difference. I used a Bluewave with a 225 for example. I think a 150 4stroke is the best for all around performance/economy. Just my .02.

http://www.yamahaoutboards.com/sites...sa6e4c.tmp.pdf

http://www.yamahaoutboards.com/sites...ay-f225txr.pdf

[fishaholic82]

But that 225 won't bog when you have the bozt loaded down heavy for a weekend at the camp or a family boat ride on the lake or pulling a skier. I know not every body does these things with their boats but Its just like your truck, would you buy the biggest most powerful engine option cause you never know when you may need it or would you get the small less capable engine cause it was cheaper and gets the job done most of the time.

[I make oil]

The difference in a 150 and a 225 is over 10K. That's not a small difference to me. I load my boat with people and pull the kids on the tube no problems.

[I make oil]

I'm not telling anyone not to get the biggest motor that thier boat is rated for. When I was looking at getting a boat everyone told me top get the biggest motor my boat was rated for. Not to get a smaller motor because I wouldn't be happy, would have trouble reselling etc. I have to say that has not been the case with me. I am perfectly happy with the motor I have and the performance I am getting. I would advise someone looking at a boat to decide what sort of performance they will be happy with and are willing to pay for. Compare the performance bulletins on the Yamaha web site and make a choice. I have seen lots of boats with 150's sell very fast on the used market because they are MUCH cheaper than a similiar sized boat with a larger motor. We are talking 10K or more cheaper. That will open up a much larger market for a prospective seller. Tell me which boat will sell faster a 2005 bayboat with a 150 for $20K or a 2008 bayboat with a 225 for $32K both in similar condition.

[fishaholic82]

$10,000 difference is way off. A new mercury 150 fourstroke is $10,500, the 150 optimax is $9,700, the 225 optimax is $13,600, and the 225 pro xs is $14,500. And as far as Yamaha they have about a $5000 difference but they are also about $1000 to $1500 more than the Mercury engines. I just know that it also nice to have the extra power and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

[meaux fishing]

Originally Posted by fishaholic82

$10,000 difference is way off. A new mercury 150 fourstroke is $10,500, the 150 optimax is $9,700, the 225 optimax is $13,600, and the 225 pro xs is $14,500. And as far as Yamaha they have about a $5000 difference but they are also about $1000 to $1500 more than the Mercury engines. I just know that it also nice to have the extra power and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

now you are comparing 2 strokes to 4 strokes though

[fishaholic82]

The 225 Verado is $17,000 but that still isn't $10,000. And I wouldn't reccomend a 4 stroke anyway. The optimax have better fuel economy and a much better performance. I've just seen way too many boats underpowered cause it was cheaper and owners regret it later. Blazer Bays are also lighter than most comparable size other fiberglass boats which is why the 150 works ok for you but he was asking about the 2110 Nautic Star which is heavier than your boat and IMO that particular haul performs much better with a 200.

[fishaholic82]

Also a smaller engine will have to work much harder than a larger engine would to get comparable performance thus shortening the life of the engine.

[I make oil]

I've found Yamaha 150 4 strokes priced online for $10500 and 225 4 strokes for $17,800. That is a difference of $7,300.00 nope not $10,000 but it is a pretty big difference. When I was pricing at local dealers I was seeing close to 10K difference. I wouldn't buy a 2 stroke today but again that's just me. Buy what you want it's your money.

[fishaholic82]

Your right to each their own that's why there is so many options these days. And to answer your question, I'd spend the extra money and buy the 2008 boat with the larger engine cause its also 3 years newer which will add to its resale.

[wishin i was fishin]

looks like the 200 is out the window. I was told that Nautic Star lowered the max rec hp to 150 to be more competitive on price and the main change was in the steering, only rated for a 150. there was an option to upgrade the steering at the factory and the would put a 200 rec hp tag on the boat but the dealers are selling out of the 2012 model. next ones coming in are the 2013s and it appears that cant be done anymore.

looks loke i am staying 4 stroke, i am more interested in fuel economy than speed but want to get the most out of what I have. I am adding the Atlas jackplate, anyone have a one and how does it affect performance?

[I make oil]

I have a CMC and love it. Make sure you have a water pressure gauge installed too.

[fishaholic82]

I have to agree a hydaulic jackplate is a must. Also I'd get trim tabs if they offer them. I got them on the boat I have now and I'll never have another boat without them.

[wishin i was fishin]

Water pressure...never thought of that one...nice catch Oil. trim tabs will have to be an add on later, but that was gonna be my next question.

[fishaholic82]

I like mine. They help help alot when trying to get on step in shallow water and also when running offshore in a side sea.

[wishin i was fishin]

iz that the jack plate or trim tabs?

[fishaholic82]

trim tabs help with both situations and the jackplate will help get on step quicker in shallow water.