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.

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...