150hp ob performance survey

[chesapeake724]

Hi, gents.

I thought there was a thread that covered this, but I can't find it in my Searches. Those of you with or have had a 150hp outboard on your Steplift, what kind of top end and cruise speeds are you getting?

If my sick 175hp Johnny doesn't survive this weekend's minor surgery, I'll be looking to re-power. Early prospect is a nice, freshly rebuilt 150hp Merc, 2-stroke, carbed. When I say "fresh", it's practically a brand new engine all around. I'm also eyeing a 200hp Yammy EFI, but that's more money at the gas pump and up front. If the 150hp gives adequate performance, I'll just go with that.

I'm still considering a rebuild of the current motor, but that only covers the powerhead. That leaves a few more original parts than I care to rely on. If I repower (can only afford used), at least I get some kind of warranty out of the dealer.

[Skools Out]

you'd be better off with the Yamaha over the Merc. Personally Merc's are junk motors. If you want it to always start and run great buy the Yamma. The 200 in the long run should use less gas cause it won't work as hard to push the boat.

[victore]

hey i have a 1986 150 merc on my v20 on a bracket. 41mph on gps 1 guy and full fuel.

[Mac_Attack]

I won't comment on brands but 150 is a good fit for a V20. Mine has a 150 Force which translates to about 135 HP at 4000 Rs = 25MPH top end 35 MPH only do 35 for short periods of time, it gets thirsty at that speed. Bill Mc ;D

[Seacrets]

150 hp Mercury (1986) and mine isn't junk. *125 psi compression on all cylinders and contrary to others recommendations my oil pump is still hooked up. *I run a 14 1/2 x 17 four blade ss prop and top out at 44 mph. *Skools, sorry about the junk remark, but my engine has been on my boat since you were 7 yrs old and it still runs great. ;) *The HPDI's weren't exactly a success story for Yamaha. The 200 hp Yamaha may not burn more fuel due to injection vs. a carbed 150 hp. *RAP has a great setup with a four stroke Honda 150 hp. *Fuel efficiency and quiet as a mouse. *It's whatever you feel comfortable with. * *

[chesapeake724]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

Skools,
You want to make an offer on my motor if I re-power? I'm not looking for much. ;) I hear you're partial to OMCs from the mid 80's. I'll PM or email you details on it if you're interested and I replace it. I can deliver it next June when I'm down for vacation in EI. 8)

V, Mac & SC,
Thanks for the numbers.

Funny thing about brands, I will never be totally swayed by it. Sure, I do my research and solicit opinions, but base my choices on ALL the information. My first boat had a Force 125 that I put a couple hundred hours on and it never once let me down. Fishing the Delaware Bay until 1am...the Chesapeake Bridge-Tunnel into December...drifting a ripping current that has me headed straight for a monster piling...that thing fired up right away every time. Even when I got another boat and the Force sat neglected for over a year with un-treated gas, it still started right up (albeit with a big cloud of white smoke) within two tries. I think every brand can build a lemon here and there, and even a brand with a bad reputation can put out a bulletproof motor. You just have to get lucky.

[bigshrimpin]

Chesapeake - I think the 150 Yamaha Carb is an excellent match the v20. It's bulletproof (proven) design not to mention that it's very good on fuel.
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Also I'm a big fan of the "old school" two stroke mercs (I have an 81 - V225 and a 87 - 150 XR2). The weak point on the older mercs was the oil injection.

If you are buying a used/rebuilt one. There are many flavors of Merc 150's. 150's were made with 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L blocks. I like 2.0L v6 mercury 150 (2:1 gear ratio) for economy and the 2.5L block (non EFI) for power.
The 150 XR2/unmarked 150's are a 2.0L block
The 150 XR4 is a 2.4L block
The 150 XR6's/EFI's are a 2.5L block

All Merc 150's weigh less than 420lbs (except opti and verado)

[reelapeelin]

Chesapeake, my '86 Rude 150 @ WOT would get 40 on GPS... ;) :)...reliable as the sun til the day it went down...shop finally put it on a stand last week and doin' a post-mortum...might know Fri...even if it's something minor, I get the impression you're lookin' for a newer one... :D...

It has SURPRISED me how little a couple of the guys here have paid for NEW carbed 150s and a dealer can get 'em financed forever at some VERY attractive rates... ;)...

[Franco]

MY NEW RIDE HAS A YAMAHA F150 FOUR STROKE. QUIET AS A CHURCH MOUSE. ONLY HAVE ABOUT 2 HOURS ON IT SO FAR, GONNA FINISH BREAKING HER IN IF THE WEATHER CLEARS FOR THE WEEK END. I'LL BE SURE TO UPDATE YOU GUYS

[reelapeelin]

Almost too quiet...check that tach B4 ya turn that key... :o...

[Skools Out]

yeah i might want that ol 175 but, from what i've read the best on the market is Yamaha. I've got 2 yamaha's and never had a seconds problem with them. I did change the reeds to Boyesen Reeds. Little better fuel mileage. If i could i'd put Yamaha's on all mine but they are higher than OMC. I've had a few Merc's and they just aren't that well built of a motor. They have alot of electric box and oil injection problems. Are pron to throw a rod and knock it through the block. Merc's will dollar you to death. I've rebuilt a couple Merc's too. But I've got a few friends with the newer Suzuki 4 Strokes and man I want one of those. My next new motor will be a Suzuki. Now the Honda is a great motor but hate to say this cause RAP will be up tonight worried lol. Honda's have a major issue with an Aluminum washer under the power head that if it gets wet it will start to eat away and cause an oil leak in your crank case lower seal. You can replace the washer but it will only give you time till it gets wet. Requires removing the power head. I talked to a Honda mech. he said they were trying brass ones on some at the shop he's at Shop is "Wheels & Keels" of New Port NC. So far the ones he fixed were still going strong with no problems from the brass ones. The OMC products are great for lasting but they use alot of fuel and they need the oil injection removed on the 97 and older models. Are great motors inside. Rarely see them throw a rod through a block. Strong motors.

[labii]

I have a 150 yamaha and it tops out at about 42mph @5200 rpms . I am happy with it . But , I'm thinking about a repower with a new 2004 150 . Ed's has them for $6990 . I just need to find a buyer for my current engine . As much as I would like a new evinrude I can buy a lot of gas for that extra $4k !

[reelapeelin]

Normally, I would be up all nite, but I got fever for a 200 E-Tec that's gonna be squelched in only one way...I'll have the Honda paid off soon, then off she comes...build the transom up to a 25''er and ZOOM!! ;D...

[Blue_Runner]

My numbers are exaclty the same as Labii's. And I too am a happy camper 8)

Funny thing though, I can't tell a top end difference between a light load and full load?? Seems to hit the same top end regardless ??? Not compalining, just puzzled :-/

Also, I was surprised how quiet the newer Yamaha 2 stroke was. Heck, my old 1975 Evinrued 70hp was louder than it! But, the 4 strokes - you really can't tell they are running at idle! It beats all!

[macojoe]

150 will be fine, use brand you want, But I hate Mercury! :o

Hey did I see are missing leader post here ??? Welcome Back you!!
Guess the new wife has you to busy now ;) To be playing here with us.

Thats ok we still love you :-*

[Crusher]

Chesapeak 724, bought a rebuilt 84 Johnson 150 hp. still in the break in and finding the right prop. 30 mph. at 5200 rpm. with a 15 x 17 alum. prop. Need to get another 3 or 4 hundred rpm ? Reelapeelin has the right engine picked out ;D, I don't care for all the moving parts in the 4 strokes and maintenance adjustments you need to do. most all of the new 2 or 4 stroke engines will get you 25 to 4o% better gas mileage. Spend a little more now and save big time later. Crusher

[reelapeelin]

Yeah, He breezed through... ;D...

[Skools Out]

crusher that's all you want to turn an 84 150 OMC they are cross flow motors they are peaked at 5300 the newer loopers will only turn 6200 but thats not the best idea on them.

he you want the bad news about a 4 stroke? they are to quiet when you are fishing they are so quiet that they don't attract fish. all the guys at the coast like the fuel but they have a small 2 stroke on them to crank while out in the gulf stream so the noise will attract the fish.

[phester]

I've got a Johnson 150 ocean runner,maybe the 10th outboard in a boating career that spans about 20-25 yrs. I, personally, have never had any problems w/ any of my OMCs that have ranged 35-200 hp.They always start always ran and never let me down. I did have one Merc, a 90 hp in line six cyl. and "most" of the time it ran well...however,it was kinda loud or "tinny" sounding,had to have the carbs rebuilt,replace the power packs,lower unit redone,starter replaced, and it was always tempermental when starting...it was, more often than not, harder to start when it was already warm. I do think Merc. makes a good outboard,I cannot bastardize their entire line of motors based on my personal experience but it did sorta make an impression on me. Prefference toward a brand of outboard gets in your blood and most people stay where they are comfortable, and that for me is an OMC. I don't think anybody is here to piss off people with this brand of motor or that brand of motor...it's not what this board is all about.Back to the original post reply...I have recently put on a stock 3blade aluminium 15x17...cruise about 30 at 3850 RPM top speed is about 38-39 at 5200RPM...have'nt got it to redline yet[5500]

[brianct12]

FYI - you might consider this motor "slightly" underpowered for the V20 ... maybe not. However, if you are interesed in the Johnson/Suzuki 140 hp 4 stroker ... here are 4 of them for sale on EBAY ... brand new 2005 model with 3 year warranty for $7,295 !

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-05-Johnson-140hp-4-stroke-Outboard-Motor-3yr-war_W0QQitemZ4579015612QQcategoryZ50439QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

[Stinky_Hooker]

Shoot I bet the 140 Zuk would push one ok. Those zukis got plenty of grunt and get good milage. SUPER quiet too! A buddy of mine has a 140 on a bay boat....its sweeet. Hard to get parts and a good mechanic for around here though. ;D

[Skools Out]

that should push one good they are both OMC/Suzuki 140 both built by same people. I wish i had a 140 Suzuki 4 stroke for my 19' Sea Ox Skiff.

I use to have a 95 Suzuki 1100 GSX-R loved that bike and they run great if there 4 stroke outboards run as well as there bikes they'll last forever and have a ton of power even with alot of hours.

[willy]

I got a Zuki 9.9 that was on my aluminum boat that I am going to put on my v20 as a kicker as soon as I figure out how to get helm steering, since the v has a bracket 28". That motor runs like a top, is 12 years old starts first time everytime and I have been less than kind with my maintanence habits, but Lord Skools in this area (nj) you better be a zuki certified tech and have connections in Tokyo or you are going to have problems if you need something

[Stinky_Hooker]

it aint no better here Willy. ::)

Skools, I love Zuki bikes...I had an 850 ut the 1100 GSXR is bad. 8)

[willy]

Me to, 850 G shaft drive, two diffrent GS 1100's , I have owned 13 bikes and my friends and family dozens more and nothing was as smooth - reliable - powerfull as those Zukies but you can get parts for the bikes and dealers are around. Not a one of them will look at a marine motor.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Cool Willy! Thats what I had...the 850g shaft..Nice bikes, I totally restored mine and it was midnight metallic blue. I wish I had a picture.

Those 1100g's are hard to come by in good shape. They are fast too. How fast was your 1100?

[Skools Out]

mine went 5.60's in 1/8 mile at 142 mph. but would run much faster if you could hold on. But it was lowered and the swing arm had been cut and extended by 14". I'd love to have a 99 or older GSX-R 1300 UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

[willy]

I never took mine to the track, but I will tell you this, I was on the road playing around, you know one of those afternoons when the sun was on the decline and the air just whispered to ya " time to ride" and I got on a slight uphill winding out in second , and I mean I was moving. popped in 3rd and the front end came off the ground about a foot, first time I had ever done that and once the urine finished running down my leg I just let it have its head and stayed like that all the way up the hill.. My wife and I would load it up with all our camping gear for a week and head into New England, what a smooth powerfull ride. It was like I was riding solo, had so much torque . We once were on the Kangamangas Highway in New Hampshire and I looked in my mirror and saw a nasty thunder boomer right on my ***. Twenty some miles to town on a big sweeping curve highway, no traffic beautiful mountains. I looked at my wife and said we can stop and put the rain suits on or we can crank Zuki up and make a run for it She Just Smiled and said we're still here 8) Never forget that ride or that gs 1100

[willy]

that was supposed to say right on my a$$ don't know what happend there ???

[Blue_Runner]

That's a dayum good deal on those Johnson 140's ;D

[steplift20]

lets get back to the question asked ok i have a 150 1988 merc on the transom and love it i had a few problems with the switch box and the stator i called mercury marine and left them a message and i could not believe it the called me back on my cell phone the help me out also i had to replace the stator 3 times in 4 years and when i asked them about it they told me to send them the old stator so they could test it and see if it was something else causing it to go bad, they told me i just got a bad one and reemursed me the money[i couldnt believe it] as for performance it get at wot 31 mph with a s.s 13x19 inch but i am going to change that i have a 15x17 sitting in my garrage to put on and am told it would be alot better
But a mercury for me ;D always
when you get a comp to syand behind there product like they do thats something

[chumbucket]

Glad things worked out for ya. That 15x17 prop will definately work better. ;)

[reelapeelin]

Wow Step, that's a great story...glad the Merc boys fixed ya up!! ;D...

CB's right...that 15 x 17's gonna get a LOT more outta your 150... 8)...watch that TACH!...what's mfgr's max recommended rpms on your motor?

[steplift20]

im tell you
the mercurys techs are really something they called mre up and walked me thru some off the problems i had they really stand behind there product and thats means alot to me its a great company

[reelapeelin]

Good to hear a positive story about an OB mfgr... ;D...