Help Repowering Boat

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by HookedOnMarsh

Hello. I'm looking for any input about replacing my old 86 175Blackmax on my cuddy cabin. I'm looking for a used motor in the 150-200hp range.

If I stay with Mercury, will all my controls and gauges work with say a 2000 year model or newer?

Any of the EFI or DFI motors I should avoid?

What kind of gas mileage increase will I get with these newer motors? And which would be better 150 or 200hp on gas mileage and performance?
This boat will be used to go offshore with a full load of 60 gallons fuel, ice chests, and kids.
Thanks for any advice.

150 is plenty to get you and the load you describe offshore...if the controls will work (somebody hopefully will answer this), I'd say find a good Optimax 150...go as new as you can and check it out good...they are about as fuel efficient 2-stroke outboards as they get...if your existing controls won't match up to newer motor, then you're open to lots of options...late-model FICHT, Opti, and other Direct Injections...a 140 Suzuki 4-stroke will work well and be a REEL fuel-sipper...