22-2 Sandpiper power requirements

[Wireliner]

I am new to the group although I have visited this site many times. I have a 1988 Sandpiper 22-2 currently powered by the original 1988 225 Johnson. The motor is running, but not great, and given its age and need for regular repairs I want to re-power. I want to get a new (or at least much newer) engine I can count on, but I am not particularly interested in a super high top speed or a fast takeoff. I want to know the minimum horsepower for the boat. The max is 240, as noted by the placard and specs on this site. I think I have seen somewhere the minimum power rating was 140 or 150, but have not been able to find it again. I am thinking of a 150 Suzuki, which I believe would be perfectly adequate, and likely would provide more power than the old Johnson is generating nowadays. I also saw from some of the old brochures on this site that earlier renditions of the 22-2 hull were powered by twin 50s, suggesting that 100 hp might even work. Your thoughts, or better, experiences regarding power requirements would be appreciated.

Thanks, Greg

[Capt. Bob]

Greg,
A couple of things. First, your hull is a deep V CCP hull with a different cap. It doesn't share the same specs as the earlier 22-2 cc models produced in the 70s. Those could be powered by twin outboards in the 60+/- hp range and often were. Popular power for your hull design is the tried and true 200hp. Yes, you can go lower and some have bumped it up (like your factory motor was).

That stated, your 225 was rated at the prop in 1988 (I've read anywhere between 84 and 86 for hp rating change for OMC). If this is true then a 150 would only produce more power if your motor was really sick. Still, I feel a 175 Zuke would indeed power a 222 CCP design hull (XF or Sandpiper). Addition of trim tabs will aid in planing and properly trimmed should give you 35+/- mph.

Good luck.

[GoneFission]

The next-higher HP from the 175 for Suzuki is a V6 that weighs 591 lbs.     The 175 comes in at 485 and that extra hundred lbs is right on the transom where you don't want it.  I would go with the 175 with the 'Zuke.  However, the Mercury Optimax 200 and 250 are both right at 500 lbs, and you would not notice 15 lbs on the transom.  IMHO, the Optimax 200-225-250 would be an ideal choice for your boat.