A YAMAHA would be my first choice in that HP for economy. 2nd would be a MERCURY 2.0L, i know they made them in a 150 and I think there were a few 175 2L's. All of the OMC 150/175's were thirsty except for the DFI's.

I have always loved the sound and power of the 2.0 150 Mercs. I had a buddy with a 175 on n Aquasport and it would FLY....not to mention it sounded like a bigblock in the yard caming.


you ARE talking about the late 80's-mid 90's (I think) Blackmaxes right?


I hear they are pretty chep (for an outboard) and easy to work on as well....correct?

The late 70's through the 90's small MERC v-6's, and yeah they sound MEAN on a hose running. I've got an 81 150 and that sucker sounds WICKED!

stink, ive got a 93 200 (2.5) merc 150 miles due east of you. it ought to make the 18 fly.......

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...ril_4_1976.jpg

Here's some stats on a pair of old old 2.0L 175 mercs pushing an 29 oceanmaster. 2.0L merc have great fuel economy.
My old 2.4L vertical reed 200 with small venturi carbs wh-11's burns a hair under 9gph at a 4000rpm cruise.

And my 2.5L 150 XRI gulps close to 13GPH at 4000 RPM's:nut::bat:, it likes gas.

I have an original 86 Yamaha on my 86 v20 and gas mileage really isn'tthat bad and I do about 35 at 3,000 rpm's....decent enough speed for what I do..especially with the price of GAS!!!