150 or 200 HP?

[armywife57]

I am going to buy a used Hurricane 202 OB Deck boat and have it narrowed down to 2-- 1 a 2008 w/200 Optimax and 1 a 2008 with a 150 Suzuki. Both are comparable with hours etc. Of course the 200 HP is more $$ and can't decide if I really need it. Boat will be for joyriding w/friends, spending time on the lake and pulling kids on tube, skis, etc. Will the 150 be enough power to pull my 230 lb hubby up on skis? Not like he'll be doing alot of that but I'd like to be able to do so if he gets the urge. Is the extra 50 HP worth $2000-3000 more??

Also--someone once told me it is actually more economical with a bigger engine running at a lower speed then a smaller engine running higher. Is that the case?

Any input from any of you would be MOST appreciated! Thanks.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 150 or 200 HP?

I would go 200 hp only if it's a 2 stroke like etec, optimax, or a 4 cylinder supercharged Merc Verado. When you add the weight of a 200hp 4 stroke the payoff in performance would be minimal for the cost... But just ask NelsonQ about his 200 hp 2 stroke Merc.... Flippin awesome!

I do love my Yamaha F150TXR... For a 150 it rocks! With a 19"P stainless I had my 202 at 46 mph GPS. Now with the 17"P I get better holeshot and ~ 42 mph GPS. It sufficient but, I'd love a 200 hp Etec if I could do it over....

My F150 pulls me out of the water just fine, you should have no issues with the 150 Suzuki and a nice 4 blade prop pulling a 230lb man out of the water.....

 

[Ernest T]

Re: 150 or 200 HP?

I've got a 2100 which is about the same size boat (maybe a little heavier) with a Yamaha F150 4 stroke and it is plenty of power for pulling tubes, and wakeboarding (I have actually been surprised at what a good wakeboarding boat this one makes). Top speed is limited to 40 mph, but that is plenty fast for me. That said, I certainly wouldn't mind more power, but I'd only consider a 4 stroke, unless it was one of the modern Evinrudes. The Evinrude 2 strokes I've seen are very quiet.

Before we bought this boat we test drove a used one with a Yamaha 150 2 stroke. It was louder, and more smelly. I was ready to buy, because the price was great, but the wife and daughter both vetoed the 2 stroke engine.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: 150 or 200 HP?

Sorry, been busy and not on the forums lately.

So, let me chime in. I have a 2010 200HP Optimax. Yes, it's heavy at over 500lbs compared to the 150 which I'd guess at about 70-100lbs less.

Its noisy compared to a 4 stroke but I don't really notice it unless I'm cranking it out, and at 50+ MPH, we're not talking anyways.

Insane hole shot. With it on your boat, you can pull a few skiers out of the water. Heck, at half throttle, I had two small tubes attached and almost pulled them from under the riders with no effort so either will do fine.

On my 19', if prop'd for it, it'll hit mid 50s no problem.

The 150 is plenty, but as you stated, I can get on plane and stay on plane at lower RPMs, so it'll be more economical at cruising speeds which is where you spend lots of time. (I don't suspect it would be really noticeable between the 2 you've mentioned)

So, there is no such thing as too much HP, but at the cost savings, you may wish to consider the 150.

 

[armywife57]

Re: 150 or 200 HP?

Thanks so much for the input. I actually found another boat with a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke that I just couldn't pass up. Newer boat/less hours then the others for less money so I went for it. But I feel much better about the 150 HP after reading your posts. I think it'll do what we want.

I guess I'll be joining the Hurricane deck boat forum as a new owner now!!! Thanks again for all the info.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 150 or 200 HP?

Awesome, and congratulations!!

How about some details on the boat and some pictures?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: 150 or 200 HP?

Thanks so much for the input. I actually found another boat with a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke that I just couldn't pass up. Newer boat/less hours then the others for less money so I went for it. But I feel much better about the 150 HP after reading your posts. I think it'll do what we want.

I guess I'll be joining the Hurricane deck boat forum as a new owner now!!! Thanks again for all the info.

WHAT?!!! Not a Yamaha.........

Just kidding....sounds like you got the right boat (a newer Hurricane) and a great motor (Yammie 150 with less hours) and save $$$.....

That's the trifecta of boating....Congratulations... Please post pictures... We love our Hurricanes and also admiring those of this growing community.