SD 187 O/B vs. I/O for water sports

[Beforr]

Hi everyone- I'm considering going back to a family boat- selling the old Malibu ski boat (closed hull- center engine- not family friendly but a great performer) in favor of an SD 187. Our kids are grown and grandkids are sprouting, so we're more into tubing now, family-style cruising and some slalom skiing and wakeboarding.
I was wondering what the collective experience has been with the smaller Hurricanes in terms of water sports and engine choice. I'm considering the Yamaha 150 O/B or the 220 hp I/O. In either case I'd opt for a reduced pitch 4-5 blade prop for hole-shot. Any preference with the O/B configuration over the I/O for ski/wakeboard performance in terms of giddyup, planing, speed stability, etc? The I/O seems like a better choice for wakeboarding but how is the wake at 26-32 mph for a slalom? Is it worth the extra expense to up the HP ratings to the max? Thanks for your input!

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: SD 187 O/B vs. I/O for water sports

So I'll share what I can and hope it contributes to your decision. First, I've only ever owned OBs so I can't really comment other than to say that I've tubed, kneeboarded and waterskied behind both IOs and OBs. I think the IOs create a different wake, but nothing that if I adjusted the trim on my OB I don't think I could somewhat replicate. Ihave skiers commonly at 28MPH and they love it behind my boat but again they aren't wake jumping, etc.

The 4/5 blade comment is bang on. For watersports it will give you better hole shot, better 'grip' in the turns, but will drop the top end speed which doesn't seem to be an issue for you so that is your best bet on prop selection. I have a 5 blade SS prop and its fantastic for this purpose.

As for extra expense for HP. For watersports, etc I think 150HP on the 187 will work but additional HP is only really needed when you're tubing a big tube with folks and have the boat loaded. There is no such thing as too much HP. And in fact, the higher the HP, the lower RPM range you'll be running the engine at (translation, lower fuel consumption and running your engine at lower RPMs)

Several guys here are running similar boats or similar size and it meets the needs with 150HP. I have a SS188 and have it powered with a 200HP so I'm never on the short end of power, but can cruise along with a loaded boat or do watersports living happily in the mid range RPMs.

Hope this helps in deciding but congrats on picking a Hurricane. I'm on my second and really enjoy it.

 

[Beforr]

Re: SD 187 O/B vs. I/O for water sports

Thanks, Nelson for a great review of the 188 O/B. I have read that the Hurricane O/B's tend to pitch up a bit during the initial ski pull. Many have recommended Smart Tabs to compensate for that and seem very pleased with the results. Have you seen the need for tabs in your experience?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: SD 187 O/B vs. I/O for water sports

I haven't installed Smart Tabs but as you've mentioned, they are fairly popular. I've not had any issue with excessive pitch (or at least my skiers haven't complained) on the initial pull but the tabs would certainly help. I've considered them just to stay on plane at lower speeds. I've read many of the Hurricane owners on here and as you've mentioned are very pleased (ErnestT had a great thread on them with pictures and info on installation as well)