Aquasport Model Rebuilds, Mods, Updates and Refreshes > Express Fisherman/ Walkaround/ Explorer Rebuilds

1997 Aquasport 225 Explorer transom weight capacity

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koho99:
I am looking at repowering my 1997 225 Explorer with a 250 hp 4 stroke. I know the boat is rated for up to 300 hp but that was 1997 standards. Today four strokes are quite heavier than 2 strokes so I am a bit concerned about the weight on the transom and added stress to 25 year old corner braces. I currently have a 2000 Johnson 225 Ocean Pro 2 stroke on it that weighs 455 lbs. I am looking at the Suzuki DF250 which weighs 591 lbs. I have tried searching the forums for a similar post without any luck so my questions are, does anyone have any info on what the motor weight rating was on the 1997 poured cast transoms, not horse power but weight in pounds? Additionally, has anyone repowered this particular model with a large 4 stroke? If yes, what motor and what effect, if any, did it have on how the boat sits in the water, on planning out, on general performance? Any insight will be greatly appreciated as this is quite a large investment and I want to make sure I have investigated it fully.

Also, I am brand new to the site and to the forums and want to say thanks for the add. This is my 2nd Aquasport. My first was a 1988 250 Express Fisherman with a 350 Mercruiser I/O that I ran for many years fishing offshore here in North Carolina.

RickK:
Since there wasn't a 300 hp engine in '97, I would get the weight of two 150 HP outboards. Looks like they offered twin Merc 150s back then. If you want to see what the effect of another 136 lbs on the boat, fill and weigh sand bags and stack them on top of the engine and see how it sits in the water.

koho99:
Thats a great idea. Looks like the 150 Mercs weighed in at 407 lbs a piece according to NADA specs. So if OMC offered the 1997 225 Explorer with a twin 150 Merc option that would put the transom weight rating above 800 lb capacity. That definitely makes me feel better. I see numerous used 4 strokes for sale here in NC due to being too heavy for the boat the person repowered and just don't want to be one of those guys! It's going to be about a $25k investment and a 6 month wait so certainly want to get it right the first time. Thanks for the info and alternative way of figuring this out.

jdupree:
You should be fine.  I just hung a Yamaha F250 on my '99 245 Explorer.  To be honest, can't see any difference in the water.  It doesn't appear to me that the stern is any lower.  One thing is for sure, it's a whole new boat with that motor!

I guess the main question is the transom.  Mine has the composite transom.  Not sure what year Aquasport went with the poured composite transom.  I am guessing somewhere between '97 and '98.  I don't think anyone really knows.  Even if your transom is wood, as long as it's solid you won't have a problem.

Capt. Bob:
 :great02:

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