I have an 8foot fiberglass mini-speed boat with a Merc 9.9 on remote control setup.<br /><br />Its an absolute dog and won't plane with one person in it.<br /><br />Looking to upgrade the motor. Max seating is 2 and I want to get onto a plane (read not hobble onto a plane). Max speed is not a terrible issue but we all like faster 
<br /><br />Being in CA, EPA regulations ban a lot of the 2-stroke models, and the 4's are heavier but appealing for the fuel economy. (I have a 5HP 4stroke and its a champ). Suzuki has some pretty impressive looking models but just that weight issue is jumping up to over 200 pounds. I have seen 40's on this model boat before and even some idiot with a 70 strapped to it.<br /><br />However I keep bouncing back and forth from the 25-30-40 range with EFI being available only on the 40 from Suzuki. I also keep bouncing around plane versus top end. I really don't race or need to impress anyone--just squallering around at hull speed is getting on my nerves in such a hot looking boat. <br /><br />Boat would probably be 500lbs or less. 2 people can easily carry it around.
<br /><br />Being in CA, EPA regulations ban a lot of the 2-stroke models, and the 4's are heavier but appealing for the fuel economy. (I have a 5HP 4stroke and its a champ). Suzuki has some pretty impressive looking models but just that weight issue is jumping up to over 200 pounds. I have seen 40's on this model boat before and even some idiot with a 70 strapped to it.<br /><br />However I keep bouncing back and forth from the 25-30-40 range with EFI being available only on the 40 from Suzuki. I also keep bouncing around plane versus top end. I really don't race or need to impress anyone--just squallering around at hull speed is getting on my nerves in such a hot looking boat. <br /><br />Boat would probably be 500lbs or less. 2 people can easily carry it around.