1989 150 vs. 2008 115

[Jace817boater]

I unfortunately blew a hole in my 1989 Evinrude 150 XP and it is toast. I'm looking to repower with a new motor. This is going on a 1994 18' Cajun Fish 'n Ski.

With the old motor it would push it great at 50 MPH. I have heard that with vast improvements in motors and now rating the HP at the prop, that a new 150 is going to have considerably high performance. So if this is true, would I get similar performance as the old engine in a new Mercury 150 Optimax? I am looking to save a couple grand by getting the 115 instead of the 150 and be able to use my current Baystar steering but I would like to have similar performance to what I had before.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1989 150 vs. 2008 115

you are going to loose performance. probably to the tune of 25hp difference, new 115 and old 150.

 

[JB]

Re: 1989 150 vs. 2008 115

I would say 35HP. The '89 150 was rated at the prop also, and 1989 HP were the same size as 2008 HP. Look for more like 38-40mph with the 115.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: 1989 150 vs. 2008 115

The XP/GT series had a bit more "poop" under the hood too. I went from a newer 115 back to an older 200 with XP heads, pre 85, so likely about the exact difference you would see the other way.
I got the additional performance I wanted, but at the cost of massive amounts of fuel.....with the Opti, you won't be using as much fuel as my carbed engine, and it will use slightly less than the older 150 did.
The new 115 would be a real fuel economy boost but you will notice the lack of power.