BIG Question - replace Yamaha 150 HP with Honda 225HP

Pike-Hunter · #1 03-19-2008, 01:20 PM

This is a great forum and I just signed up this morning and I am eager to learn as much as I can from the gang on this forum.

First, I have a 2004 Wellcraft V21 Steplift powered by 2003 Yamaha 150HP TXRC. Also a trolling motor Honda Four stroke 15HP for catching salmon and trout on Lake Ontario.

I was entertaining offer on trade in with Honda 225HP 4 stroke engine. This outboard has the best displacement of any given 225HP.See quote below:

New 2006 225 HP Honda - 25" - MSRP $18,389.

Discounted Sale Price $15,450.
Less 150 Yamaha - 5,800.
w\25" Shaft $9,650.* Plus Tax
Model TXRC

*Includes Installation on boat with Honda Controls & Gauge Package & 3 Blade Aluminum Prop as required - Engine qualifies for Extended Warranty to 5 Years at N/C (Value $2,300). Must be registered by 3-31-08 to qualify. Also $500 rebate offer on this one.

My biggest questions:
gas savings?
performance wise?

Am I better off to leave this outboard the way it is?

Thefermantor stated I was not wise to do this. Hence, this is why I am posting a new thread. Am I fool?

Thank you for your anticipated feedback.

I will post pictures of my boat shorty.

tsubaki · #2 03-19-2008, 01:39 PM

Have you considered the weight difference?

Blue_Runner · #3 03-19-2008, 01:52 PM

A 150hp Honda would be no problem - right Reelapeelin?!

Here is a test you could do-

Take a 200 lb (very brave) man and have him sit directly on top of your 150 2 stroke while you do a hole-shot out of the water and venture out into some swells. With this temp modification technically it should perform about the same as the heavier 225 as far as porposing goes.

I know its not a realistic test that that's about what it would be like.

I'm going to have to agree with Pink Jeep.

THEFERMANATOR · #4 03-19-2008, 01:55 PM

His boat was a center console not a cuddy like a V21, but that 225 HONDA is ALOT of weight to be hanging off the back. You'll also want to consider he had his transom mounted, and the V21 has a setback built into the hull already adding leverage. As many here have experienced, that setback can make some hulls a real bare to handle due to porposing. These are things to keep in mind. And could you also post pictures of your hull for us, it appears that a V21 was built in 04 but it doesn't resemble the classic V20.

And here is the link to jackman1939's previous post regarding his HONDA 225 experience.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/communit...ighlight=HONDA

THEFERMANATOR · #5 03-19-2008, 01:59 PM

http://www.wellcraft.com/owners/info...04_pig_V21.pdf

If this is your hull, then disregard my above post. This hull is not the same as our old venerable V20's/V21. It has a lower deadrise to it, more weight, larger fuel tank, and is rated for a large 4 stroke engine. It was offered with a 225 YAMAHA 4 stroke as a factory option.

Blue_Runner · #6 03-19-2008, 02:26 PM

Once again I agree with Pink Jeep

Pike-Hunter · #7 03-19-2008, 02:35 PM

Thermantor -

more information - I have a trim tab plus four stroke 15HP trolling motor already mounted next to the main OB.

So do you give this idea of replacing my current OB a blessing? Or am I better off keeping my current motor? I am thinking if nothing is broken then why fix (or replace) anything.

I still need to study on how I could post pix of my boat for all to see.

Thanks again.

Blue_Runner · #8 03-19-2008, 02:46 PM

If you have pix email to:

[email protected]

I'll post em up for ya! I'm anxious to see this newer V21. I have a 1994 V21 which is a totally different hull.

macojoe · #9 03-19-2008, 04:37 PM

I saw the new V21 at a boat show when they first came out, nice boat and all but no V20!! Not even close!

As for switching to a 4 stroke, If you have the cash, and you have the cash to maintain it at some mariner then go for it, if you are a DYI guy like most of us then forget it!!

I am not sold on 4 strokes, I love the power of the 2 strokes!! and will stay with one as long as I can!!

THEFERMANATOR · #10 03-20-2008, 09:49 AM

If it were me, I would keep the YAMAHA unless you use the boat for 500+ hours a year. You can buy alot of gas for the extra coin you'll put out for a 4 stroker. If you don't use the boat enough, then you have essentially just spent all that money just to have a 4 stroke, not for any savings. And I hate to say it(as I am against YAMAHA's), that 150 YAMAHA is a solid engine. And your biggest fuel savings will be seen at idle-trolling speeds, but you already have a kicker to save fuel there. I would strongly consider saving some coin and sticking with your current engine.