225 or 250 HP too much???

Stinky_Hooker · #1 12-10-2004, 12:12 AM

hey guys I was wondering if yall thought a 225 or 250 would be too much on my 79 steplift? I was just wondering, as I am still months away from buying one, but I have seen some good 200+ HP motors out there. They cant weigh much more huh...I would think that weight would be the main factor. Except that I think most 225-250 Ive seen are 25 inch shaft, do they make em in 20??

Just wondering, what do you guys think?

chumbucket · #2 12-10-2004, 01:59 AM

I wouldn't be as concerned with weight but more so with the amount of power you're attempting to put on an old transom. Check the max horsepower rating as well. Not to sure on the '79, but I believe max was around 235. Which is a lot of power and gas consumption. How fast do you want to go, and how much abuse are you willing to subject your older boat to? I would be looking for something in the 150 - 175 range and that'll give you really good performance. A 200hp would be okay I guess but probably starting to push the envelope a bit. With a 150 Yammi, mine topped out at 38 mph and was still good on fuel consumption. Macojoe has a 175 Yammi and gets a bit more speed than that without burning much more fuel.
That's my .02

chumbucket · #3 12-10-2004, 02:05 AM

Well, I just went to the library in the gallery. No '79 brochures, but there's a '78. According to this, max hp is 240. I would still think about what I mentioned above though.

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...78&id=09_G

Stinky_Hooker · #4 12-10-2004, 09:54 AM

I gotcha chum. Im not after speed, just thinkin on it and have seen good bigger motors for sell. I dont want more fuel consumpsion though and if that is what would happen with more motor Ill rethink it. I was under the impression that a little more HP wouldnt take more fuel, but maybe work less and therefore use less.

chumbucket · #5 12-10-2004, 12:35 PM

That's true to a certain extent, but in general, the bigger motors will and do use more gas.

Stinky_Hooker · #6 12-10-2004, 12:43 PM

10-4 Thanks chubo, I know a 150-200 will be plenty anyway.

Pipe_Dream · #7 12-10-2004, 01:12 PM

I went from an old OMC 155 commercial to a Yamaha HPDI 200 this year. *I can tell you that the 200 is more than enough power for my old boat, and I wouldn't go with anything heavier, that's for sure. *Weight affects not only how low the stern (and scuppers) are at the dock, but also the handling characteristics at higher speeds. *At full throttle it's definitely a little bit "squirrelly!" *But it's also a gas to surprise the newer Grady's around here! *;D

macojoe · #8 12-10-2004, 01:48 PM

The 175 is more them you will ever need!! These hulls were not ment for speed!~! So you will only use it on the flat days, and I don't know about were you are, but We very rearly get alot of flat days.

That said I know that a 175 yamaha is of the same weight as they are the same block. 390 pounds

The added HP will also add torque to the transom also when you doind hole shots! So take it easy!

I belive the 225 hp is the same as the 250 block and will add more weight to the boat.

So unless you are 100% sure on that transom I would not want to go over a 150 to 200

I get about the same numbers as CB, 38 or so with a light load. But with 3 people and gear we move nicley at 30 to 33 mph, which is great by me!

Good Luck

#9 12-10-2004, 03:07 PM

Yes.

Stinky_Hooker · #10 12-10-2004, 03:09 PM

yeah, not alot of flat days here either couldnt run fast if ya wanted!!!I think a 175 or 200 is what im goin for. I am going to build a top out of aluminum for if with electronics box and all that so I want plenty of ummf for the x weight.

Man this is a cool sight...lots a good stuff here for us restorin kind!!

Glad there are those out there as "unique" as me. or whatever u call me??? ;D ;D ;D