Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

[wespants]

I'm looking at a 2000 model Trophy 2002 (20-21ft walkaround). It is a good buy compared to others like it, and is in great shape. It has the 125hp Mercury Saltwater Series 2-stroke carburated OB motor with a stainless steel prop. I'm afraid it will be underpowered. Here's my situation: Usually fishing inland waterways, bays, but also some offshore fishing in NC. Always saltwater. Usually 2-4 people, sometimes more (5 or 6). I'm afraid of having trouble getting on plane, and of getting terrible fuel economy. The boat has trim tabs, so maybe this will help. Please let me know what you think, especially if you have this particular boat/motor setup. Thanks!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

The motor is probably the minimum hp you can get by with so I wouldnt call it underpowered.Whats more important is how many people you usually boat with and how much gear goes along for the ride.The boat may be great with 1or 2 in it and change radically with 4 people and a few coolers.Charlie

 

[DJ]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

wespants,<br /><br />I agree with your concerns. I had a friend (just passed away) that had the nearly same boat. It's a '95' model. He first had a Force 120 and then a Merc. 115. It was underpowered with either.<br /><br />I don't think 5-10 more ponies is going to make that much difference.<br /><br />I thought the boat needed a v-6 150. I believe that was an option.<br /><br />Being that it has trim tabs, that's a clue to what to expect. The tabs WERE NOT standard.<br /><br />I would think you could get a decent trade for the 125 though.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

You had the answer when you wrote "Usually 2-4 people, sometimes more (5 or 6). I'm afraid of having trouble getting on plane, and of getting terrible fuel economy." - - I would think a 175 would be more in order for your expected load.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

I don't think you will have any problems getting on plane. I had a 2001 bayliner 1952 cuddy, which is a little smaller. With the 135 hp i/o engine, it could run 43 mph (measured by speedo and GPS) with 4 people on board.

 

[DJ]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

BIG difference in torque and load lifting ability between a 3.0 (I/O) and a 125 Merc. outboard.<br /><br />I should have added that the boat that I was on was marginal with two adults and turned into a "wallowing pig" with four.

 

[mole2]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

The 125 is currently the smallest available motor for that boat (Trophy 2002). While I've got the same engine on my 2003 Trophy 1802 it's considerably lighter at 1975lbs vs 3342lbs. It's great on the 1802 but I'd shy away on the 2002. Minimum I'd buy is the 150 and would prefer the 175 on the 2002 being as you'll regularly have 4 or more people onboard.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

what's the max HP rating?

 

[mole2]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

The largest Trophy offers on the 2002 is a 175hp.<br /><br /> http://www.trophyfishing.com/index.asp?display=brochure&modelid=34858&reqtype=1,8,9 <br /><br />You'd have to check the CG placard in the boat you want to purchase to verify the largest motor that can be mounted on it.

 

[wespants]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

Thanks for all the posts everyone. I'll check to see what the max HP is, as a couple of you have recommended I do. Maybe I can work a decent trade on the motor. I don't know if that dealership will have any used motors in stock in that size, and I can't really afford a new one, but if I can get a really good buy in the boat, maybe I can upgrade somewhere else. Of course, for now, I will keep looking for a good deal on a boat that already has between 150 and 200HP, and maybe I can avoid the upgrade altogether. Thanks a lot everyone!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

Wespants;<br /><br />Sounds like you have not taken the boat out for a sea trial. If not, simply take three friends with you. I think the trim tabs will do much more than you think in terms of low end performance ( getting on plane). Another 50 HP will certainly help but as for planing the trim tabs will do more. No question that you would get more high end performance out of another 50 hp but the additional weight on the transom will have a tendency to off set some of the low end performance for planing.

 

[mole2]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

You can pick up a new 200hp carb motor from Ed's Marine complete for $8500. It should bolt right up and hopefully use the same cables. You can check with Ed's or the dealer first. Then sell the old motor used on Ebay to help offset the cost. The site is here:<br /><br /> http://www.edsmarinesuperstore.com/mercury.htm <br /><br />Just check with the dealer first if the transom will handle the 200 hp.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

Smart move wespants, I think its underpowered.

 

[Jason Adam]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

I had that boat in a 97' with a 115Merc and Trim Tabs. With 2 people, you were rockin. I could do low 40's. With 4 people, you were having problems when you got alittle chop. 5-6 people on that boat, you're out of your mind. All in all, I was happy with the boat if you're not going to fish more than 3 people. 4 - 6 people, on a walk around cuddy, you really need 24 - 26+' if you want any room to fish. I would not spend $8500 to repower that boat unless you know your extremely satisfied with the boat and are going to keep it for a long time, cause you'll never see that money again if you go to sell it.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

A buddy of mine has the same rig a year or two older. The motor may be a tad small for the 20 footer, but I wouldn't say that his is a dog. If it's a real good deal, you may want to go with it and limit your additional weight. Maybe you can use the engine size to negotiate an even better deal. I wouldn't nix the deal because of that motor.<br />Stalker

 

[mole2]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

Originally posted by Jason Adam:<br />...I would not spend $8500 to repower that boat unless you know your extremely satisfied with the boat and are going to keep it for a long time, cause you'll never see that money again if you go to sell it.

Yes and no. Figure he could at least get $3000 for the old motor on eBay. So the real cost if he can do it himself and doesn't need any cables or controls is around $5500. If he's getting a good deal on the boat then it probably would be worth it and increase the resale value, abeit not $5500, but an acceptable amount.<br /><br />My Trophy 1802. <br />

 

[felderjr]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

i have a 2000 trophy 2302 with the minumum motor, a 150 outboard on it with trim tabs and have no problem at all even with 5 people, lots of gear, and a couple hundred pounds of fish. the trim tabs make all the difference in the world when getting on plane. also the gas mileage is as good as was stated by the manufacturer even when i am fully loaded.

 

[93bronco]

Re: Trophy 2002 w/ a 125 SW Merc - underpowered?

have you tried the bayliners owners club site? <br /><br /> BOC