150 hp vs 200 hp?

[THEFERMANATOR]

There's another option MANY overlook. Buy a couple of different props for each application, then a lower HP engine can do it all. Then again, even with a 225 its a good idea to get a different prop for water sports than what you would use for cruising/running. It doesn't cost that much to pick up a 4 blade prop with 2 inches less pitch for watersports so you have extra thrust to jump on plane when you're needing that, then switch back to your other prop when you're not. I've got 3 props for my skiff, and I don't even pull skiers. Thats just to cover my different uses.