need advice on used outboard purchase...

[THEFERMANATOR]

Up to 85 was 200HP max, and 86+ was 225HP max. The main reason for the increase in the max HP rating was the design of outboards changed. Up to 85 there wasn't a lightweight alternative to really get more than 200HP out of an outboard. In 86 OMC came out with the 200/225 loopers. The big V6 loopers from OMC weighed in close to 475-500 pounds, and that YAMAHA is just shy of 400. This is enough of a weight savings to make a difference on a bracket mount application. You can always try it and see how you like it, but I think WHATKNOT has a good balance on his with his YAMAHA he has. The extra HP isn't so much an issue as the extra weight that the big JOHNNY-RUDES pack. Look at it this way, MJ's SEA OX is a beast of a boat and he has a 225 EVINRUDE on it. Now consider the difference in balance and size, yet hanging that engine just as far back with just as much weight. That is a BIG difference in balance.