250 too big for my boat?

[DeclansDaddy]

So if you've seen my other post on my old 85 150 you know I'm still trying to determine if the motor is trustworthy enough to take my family out. In the meantime I've been keeping my eyes out for a plan B. I found what I think is a deal on a 1999 250 Johnson Ocean Pro. Says it runs great, has 115psi on all 6. Of course I'll take a buddy with me to check it out but my question is can my boat handle it. I have a 1994 Seaswirl Striper 2150. On the CG tag it's says it's rated for a 200 but I've been told that those tags aren't even mandatory on 19+ foot boats. What do you guys think. It's not a done deal yet, still working on getting mine straight but for the deal I might go ahead and get it if it seems like it won't be too much for my vessel. Thanks again for your time.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you will not find anyone on this site that will recommend over powering your vessel.

in the eyes of the local LEO's, your boat is rated at 200 if the tag says 200. however looking at the specs http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Seaswirl_Boats__2150_Striper__1994/bp/66b78551 its 115hp rated

 

[racerone]

????-----Most 22' boats would be rated for much more than 115HP , must be a mistake here.

 

[vasy]

I see that many run this boat with 200 motors, I agree that 115 for 22.3 boat would be more like minimum not maximum.
Although it is not good to overpower, I've seen a few guys buy lower powered stickers for their engine covers and stick them on.
Fool yourself perhaps?

 

[DeclansDaddy]

Yea I have to agree a 115 wouldn't even be suffice for this boat. The guy I got it from had a 140 on it and he said it struggled to get on plane if he had it loaded down good. I really want a 200. But if I found a steal on a 150 I think that'd suffice. Guess I better pass on this 225. It's a heck of a deal though. Gonna be hard to pass it up. Hope I don't regret it.

 

[DeclansDaddy]

Well the guy sold the motor today anyways. Talked to a guy today about a 97 200hp Yamaha. He's repowering to a 4 stroke 150 he said mainly for fuel consumption. Now he's got me worried about that!!! Ahhhh!!!! Too many decisions. I guess the fuel consumption of a 150 would be nice.

 

[WrenchHead]

Stay within the specs but make sure what you get is a 4-stroke. You'll be clicking your heals the rest of your life.

 

[boobie]

Yeah, more maintenance. Two strokes don't need oil changes and valve adjustments. And don't have timing belts to break and screw up your valve train and maybe the whole power head.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Most boats over 20 are not required to have a Coast Guard hp rating. That does not mean the manufacturer can't spec it that way.

 

[gw204cc]

MY boat a 204cc is powered by 225hp 2 stroke tooo heavy. I am trying to get a 150 - 175 2 stroke as 4 strokes are heavy as well

 

[RK]

Not to hack this thread but... isn't one of the main factors in engine size it's weight? For instance if 200hp weighs the same as a 225hp there really is no reason to not go with the 225hp unless you have a teenager or otherwise simply don't want it to go too fast?

 

[boobie]

Horse power ratings of the boat have a lot to do with it especially if you have law enforcement around.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Exactly. God forbid if you got into an accident with an over-rated engine. You want to stay on good terms with your boat insurance company. Most boat dealerships won't install an engine which is above what the boat is rated for. Then they become part of the liability scenario too.