Repowering with OB - Hp?

[randlemanboater]

My Johnzuki 140 4 stroke pulls my big butt (210#) out of the water with no problem....as long as I put on the right prop (14x19).....but if I were buying new, I'd get the Suzuki 175 4 stroke.

[mgarfield]

Hmmmm - thanks for the information. I'm buying new so it seems going >150 is a popular recommendation. The suzuki 175 was suggested by a dealer, who also sells Yamaha - interesting. This 175 has a favorable power to weight ratio.
So it seems best options might be Suz 175 4 stroke or ETEC 175 2 cycle or Merc 175 2 Cycle. Might search used motors but this is on hold for now until I can narrow down on a new motor and then see where that will go.
Anyone know about the suz 175- any known problems etc.
Appreciate any other input!

[tsubaki]

Think about it this way.
How many years of warranty till you might have to worry about a problem?

[mgarfield]

Did some looking this weekend. Options are Optimax 150, Yam F150, suzuki 150 or 175. The age old question about 2 stroke vs 4 stroke? What is the advantage of 4 over 2? Why not a 2 cycle?
How do they stack up:
- Price per Hp
- Weight per HP
- Performance Hp to HP
It seems the 2 cycle still is better in these categories.
???

[bradford]

Something I would consider is number of dealers and popularity of a particular brand in your area.

Weight is an issue with our older boats too.

[bgreene]

Can't go wrong with Evinrude or Merc because parts and service is so readily available.

Believe Merc Opti may sqeeze out the most fuel economy, but more noise than the Rude.

If low 40's mph is enough for you, go with the 150hp, less weight, very good fuel economy and you should be very happy.