those who run mercury 2.4 and 2.0 motors ...

[spareparts]

remember, all the XRI, GT's, XP's or any other performace engines(bass boat stuff) make alot more power than the stickers indicate. they used to have a 10% rule on the ratings, but i doubt its ever inforced. That could explain the fuel burn issues. Ferm, I doubt that 150 XRI makes any less than 165 hp on a bad day,

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by spareparts

Ferm, I doubt that 150 XRI makes any less than 165 hp on a bad day,

I KNOW, I LOVED IT! The factory boat test with a regular 150 was for a 46 MPH top end, I hit 59 with it with a light load. Just don't use the flats boat enough to justify keeping it. I prefer the open water, I'm an old salty dog at heart. But that rocket like feeling everytime I laid into the throttle was nice.

[spareparts]

Ferm, you need to find you a Shipoke, I rebuilt one with a freind of mine acouple of years back, its not the best skinny water boat, but it will eat up 1' chop with no problme(it will keep you wet). they are the best all around inshore boat I have ever fished on. Big wide gunnels to walk on, runs over 50 with a 130 Yamaha. The boats were based on an old Sidewinder ski boat(same as an old Glastron Carlson), with the sides cut down. Keep your eyes open down in your area, there aren't many around, adn they ususally bring good money on the open market, teh good thing is not many people know about them, and they have been out of business for a while.

http://www.twotree.net/shipoke/

[THEFERMANATOR]

Looks like a good flats boat, but my next flats boat will be an aluminum jon boat. Having them fancy boats makes me scared to go where I like to go. Them aluminum jon boats bounce off the rocks. Plus I have a nice 35HP JOHNSON here at the house.