size motor

[keepitgreen05]

i might be buying a new outboard what is the limit of hp can go on a 87 steplift

[aussie]

[brisboats]

Careful outboards changed power ratings in the mid 80's from the powerhead to the prop. For example the 235hp aka the two thirsty five was later prop rated at 185hp. 150hp is perfect. Make sure the transom is up to the task.

Brian

[tsubaki]

150 is about perfect all things considered.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by keepitgreen05

i might be buying a new outboard what is the limit of hp can go on a 87 steplift

Assuming your transom is solid about the most perfect OB for these boats on today's market IMO is the small-block 200 HP Etec...all I've ever had was 150 and that's been sufficient...but I've always felt another 50 HP would really put a nice kick to the V20...

If you are primarily saltwater, 150 is all you'll be able to use most of the time...

[aussie]

I think bigger is always better but look at the weight difference in motors and if u r buying used ask some of the guys here they can tell u what certian brands have problems with and the dos and donts a few outboard mechanics on here so feel free to ask get as much info as u can before u buy

[Genie Aye]

Originally Posted by brisboats

Careful outboards changed power ratings in the mid 80's from the powerhead to the prop. For example the 235hp aka the two thirsty five was later prop rated at 185hp. 150hp is perfect. Make sure the transom is up to the task.

Brian

This happened in the 84/85 year

so a 200hp in 84 would be about a 160hp in 86'.

Mine is rated 235 for a 88.

So in the answer to your question--the above equation has NOTHING to do with your question as it happened before your boat was built--LOL

I have a 200HO E-Tec on the back of mine---plenty of HP for sure--If I was to do it agian--I would probabley do the 175 E-Tec--smaller block for the weight difference.

[brisboats]

Well actually it depends on the maker of the outboard what exact year the hp changes were made wasn't across the board in a certain year. But my point was and still is that a boat hull that started with a 235 rating did so usually because OMC was making a 235hp outboard. Later in the 1980's when the hp ratings were prop rated boat hull mfrs still kept the higher hp ratings. So yes it has everything to do with the in question this particular boat a 1987 is 24 years old and what is more important is the condition of the transom and stingers. FWIW a 175 etec is probably the equivelent of the old 235 omc crossflow powerwise.

Brian

[leeprice72]

F150 Yamaha four stroke does the trick nicely. I have always liked to go fast and this combo is great for me. SHe will run in 3-4ft washing machine chop in the bay and loves to be opened up when it gets less choppy. The best is the gas mileage out of this engine. One of our last trips we went between 55-60 miles running fairly hard and only used 18 gallons. The boat planes fast and I have had it at 42 mph and I could have gotten more out of it on flatter water and trimming up a bit more. Make sure to factor in the gas mileage in your decision. Those tanks are big!