repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

[rustymed]

I am planning on repowering my 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage, after the 98' 200HP Mercury EFI recently seized, and would appreciate any thoughts or personal experiences with this boat. I am considering going to a new Yamaha 225 4 stroke, but would be interested in hearing input into other options including twins. The boat is rated to 700lbs engine weight/300HP, and I would like to keep it around 600lbs max. I fish mostly 20-30 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, with a fuel capacity of 125 gallons. Thanks

 

[jerzshaw]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

I thought the 1998 21 outrage had a recommended horsepower of 175 hp? Anyhow the newer optimax engines have a much better rep than the mercury outboards from a few years back.<br /><br />The 2004 Mercury 200 Optimax weigs a hair under 500lbs I believe. Also there is a promotion going on right now. 2 more years on warranty (5 total) plus $600 cash back for the 200 or 225 opti's.<br /><br />I would guess your 21 outrage is gonna need to be re-rigged anyway. The new optis use 'smartcraft'. So whether you switch engine manufacturers or not you should budget for the re-rigging.

 

[Schmaltz-Herring]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

Right! a F225 would be a nice match. Rerigging is nothing.

 

[JB]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

Moving to General Outboard

 

[Forktail]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

I think you'll have trouble going with twins given your weight requirement. Even twin 90's won't do it. If you could handle another 100 lbs of engine, twin F115's would be paradise.<br /><br />Otherwise the F225 would be my choice. Yamaha also has a 300 HP HPDI that weighs just over 540 lbs.

 

[rustymed]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

Thanks for the input gentlemen. Any comments or personal experiences with the Honda 4 Strokes in the 200-225 range vs the Yamaha 225 4 Stroke?

 

[Forktail]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

Good, reliable outboard. But they're generally a little more pricey, and you'll be pushing your weight limits a little bit more. Dealer service/parts are not as common. You really can't go wrong with any.

 

[Hawaiian]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

You didn't say how big your Outrage is. How did it perform with the 200 EFI? Top speed? Hole shot? If it performed well, a 225 Honda or Yamaha will probably be a good choice. Mercury is also coming out with their new "project X" outboards soon. They are supposed to be lighter than their Japanese counterparts but are going to be more expensive and are as of yet, untested by consumers.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

Rustymed,<br /><br />You might consider the 4-stroke 225 Merc as it is the 225 Yamaha engine. The Merc version can still use your present controls and can save you rerigging charges and materials.<br /><br />The 225 4-stroke may be close to your 200 EFI in performance. Though I'm not versed in Mercs like other brands, I've run 200 hp Evinrudes that ran similar in speed and acceleration as the 225 4-stroke Yamahas on the same style boats.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

Personally if I were you I wouldn't bother with the 4 cycles. It seems to me that all they add is weight. The new 2 cycles are just as efficient, clean burning and quiet as the 4's but you don't have to worry about the maintenance and you don't have to worry about the wear and tear that 5000+ rpm's puts on a 4 cycle and the 2 will probably last longer. Just my opinion, good luck.<br /><br />P.S. Nice boat, there is one in my marina and it always makes me look twice.

 

[Alaskantech]

Re: repower 1998 Boston Whaler Outrage

Rustymed,<br />The 225 Honda is an awesome motor. You should take a look at it if you're in the big 4 stroke market. It will push over the six hundy mark by the time you get it wet and add a ss wheel. I've had nothing but sucess with every boat we've put one or two on. (yup I'm a Honda dealer) Honda realy strives to keep there customers happy in every way posssible. I have only been around a couple of the Yamaha f225's and they seemed to be a solid motor. The Honda does seem to have a better top end (v-tec), but I have only seen a few of them and they were not on similar hulls to what we were running. Suzuki also should be worth a look with their 250 four stroke. It realy depends on what you have available in your area. You need to go with a brand that is well represented in your area so you'll have access to service and parts as needed. The big four strokes are realy starting to make an impact on the V6 market. Best of luck on your new motor.