power , overpower?? 225 optimax

[newgatorjohn1]

a 250 and  225 optimax xs weighs in at 505 where a 200 suzuki 4stroke is 580.  So i'm not sure its the weight is the issue.  The 175 4stroke weighs in at 474.  

I am in the process of starting a 71 Flatback rebuild with a boca grande guide who rebuilds 3-4 boats a year.  He suggested a 250 XS optimax as the engine of choice.  He said that when the boat is fully loaded with gas, 3-4 people, and gear,  big baitwells, the extra power is a good thing.  

I still question the efficiency/RPM the boat will be running at with a larger engine at cruising speeds when the boat is not fully loaded.  The turning ability of an older 71 Flatback with that kind of power is also a concern to me.  

Any thoughts about this one?

[GoneFission]

I think the 175 seems about right.  You will be happy not to have that extra 100 lbs on the stern.  About the XS series - the Mercury 175XS uses the same block and weighs the same as the 250XS (505 lbs.), so there is not much difference there.  The 175 Optimax is 431 and that would make a difference!  My vote would be for the 175 Opti.  

One reason Aquasport switched from the flatback design to the 12 degree deadrise was because of turning issues with the flatback hull.  Some folks put an extra keel on the flatback to help with this, but that kind of defeats the whole "skinny water" appeal of the flatback.  

The flatback and 222 officially have drafts within 1" of each other, so it does not seem like that big a deal to me - but the mystique and appeal of the flatback is unique!  

Good luck!

[newgatorjohn1]

thanks for the advice, thats what I thought but was looking for some verification since I am new to this