Size matters?

[Small Saddle Wedgie]

Howdy folks!

I am new to the world of boating, and have recently purchased a 1983 Skeeter Wrangler.
The boat is rated at 140 Horsepower (And to my understanding is what it came from the factory with)
It currently equipped with a 115hp Mercury.

The boat is 16'2" and has a dry weight of 950 lbs.

I understand horsepower, but I don't understand it in a marine environment.
Skipping like a stone across the water at blinding speeds is not what I'm looking for, but I also understand that using too small of a motor causes wear and tear...

So do I keep the 115hp, or upgrade to the 140hp? (Or well, re-acquire a 140).

I would like to get to where I'm wanting to go before the fish evolve into humans ...
but I'd like to keep the throttle at 75%. (engine runs better, less wear n tear, but availability to hit it and get it in the case of an emergency.)

Opinions?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Size matters?

115 vs 140 is not a big difference in HP. So, I would try the 115 HP and see if the fish are still there when you arrive.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Size matters?

at that size/weight agree stay with the 115.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Size matters?

Agree, run what ya brung til it blows up. You are well within the 80% of max hp so moving up may make some difference but is it worth the expense?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Size matters?

25 horsepower more will yield about 4-5 MPH more top end with very little difference at cruise. Save your money and stay with the 115.

 

[Small Saddle Wedgie]

Re: Size matters?

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the replies!
I've been given some diagnostic advice for the 115, and I'll know soon if she's going to run!
Thanks a ton!

And "Run what you Brung"... I love it!

 

[gbrowne9]

Re: Size matters?

what year 115 is it. i have a 1989 merc 115 2+2 motor and it is very economical.my boat is about the same length but 400 lbs heavier.it will go 40 mph +or - and went through half the gas of a merc 135 v6.

 

[Small Saddle Wedgie]

Re: Size matters?

what year 115 is it. i have a 1989 merc 115 2+2 motor and it is very economical.my boat is about the same length but 400 lbs heavier.it will go 40 mph +or - and went through half the gas of a merc 135 v6.

From what I can tell it's an 83-84 Mercury 115hp.
I can't imagine wanting to go faster than 40 mph! (well, not on a small bass boat anyways....)

 

[gbrowne9]

Re: Size matters?

that would be a inline 6,great motor and if well maitained will go for a every long time.i would run the 115 until it dies.