90hp thoughts on a 222

[Diag_right]

Hey everyone this is my first post on ClassicAquasport. Thanks for having me. I've had my 1986 Osprey 222 for three years and I've started to get serious about rebuilding it. I've got the center console out, adding electronics and gauges, and I'll be taking care of soft soft spots in the floor along with a new gelcoat which I'll be spraying myself.

I need your thoughts on this power issue that just popped up. It has a good running 1981 6 cylinder Mariner 115 hp, but the other day I got a really good deal on a 2004 90 hp Mercury 4 stroke. I'm not worried too much about top speed but I'm a little worried about getting on plane if I choose to swap to that 4 stroke 90. I'd be hoping to get 30-35 mph @ WOT but i think with the weight and the Osprey's hull that this would be wishful thinking. What could i realistically see as far a planing and speed if i did swap these outboards?

I'd appreciate your thoughts, suggestions, or criticisms.

[Capt. Bob]

You have an 1800lb hull, dry.

Max HP is 235.

I feel you would be very disappointed with the 90.

A Yamaha 150 four stroke would work very well on that hull but then you're not getting a deal on one.

Good luck.

[Diag_right]

Your information is appreciated and noted. The truth usually hurts.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Will it work? Sure, if you run a light load and stay inshore most of the time. Will it be fast? Nope. Will you wish you had gone with a bigger motor as soon as it gets nasty and you have to climb some decent waves in the slop? Yup.

I'm running a 140 zuke 4 stroke and it has been a good motor for what I do but I wouldn't want anything smaller.

[Diag_right]

Thanks Mike. That really helps. I'd be staying inshore hugging the shores of Eglin AFB just casting for reds and speckled trout. Maybe I'd be making the 6 miles trek across Choctwahatchee bay over to Destin but no way venturing out into the Gulf. I just don't want to get lapped by a pontoon boat.

[Ulysses485]

Hey everyone this is my first post on ClassicAquasport. Thanks for having me. I've had my 1986 Osprey 222 for three years and I've started to get serious about rebuilding it. I've got the center console out, adding electronics and gauges, and I'll be taking care of soft soft spots in the floor along with a new gelcoat which I'll be spraying myself.

I need your thoughts on this power issue that just popped up. It has a good running 1981 6 cylinder Mariner 115 hp, but the other day I got a really good deal on a 2004 90 hp Mercury 4 stroke. I'm not worried too much about top speed but I'm a little worried about getting on plane if I choose to swap to that 4 stroke 90. I'd be hoping to get 30-35 mph @ WOT but i think with the weight and the Osprey's hull that this would be wishful thinking. What could i realistically see as far a planing and speed if i did swap these outboards?

I'd appreciate your thoughts, suggestions, or criticisms.

Welcome. LETS SEE SOME PHOTOS! 

In short, I agree with Mike.

Good topic of discussion. There are a lot of benefits that come with newer 4 stroke technology. However, there are pros and cons still today with both 2 stroke vs 4 stroke. I don't know this to be true but I can only assume that the move from V6 to I4 and V4 to I4 came with the demand for efficiency, dependability, comfort, emissions, noise reduction, change in design, and weight reduction (less cylinders) due to 4-Stroke Technology. This had a negative effect on torque (at least for V6 to I4, I cant speak for V4 to I4 but would assume it to be similar) and required a higher HP rated 4 Stroke motor. Unfortunately, the higher rated 4 strokes weigh more and will never compete with the same rated 4 stroke V6 motor both propped the same. We do not see torque & HP measured on a graph as it relates to RPMs as we do with muscle cars and truck for Outboard motors (that I am aware of). I bet the results would be very surprising and help better explain but low end torque is what gets a boat on plane. The lack of it in newer 4 stroke technology requires a higher HP rating to " pull" (also known as HP) the motor into its torque "band" or sweet spot so it can bring the boat on plane. After 71' when Aquasport changed the hull design of the 222 and added lifting strikes and 12 degrees of deadrise at the transom, it changed the ride, power requirements, and how the boat performs. Getting on plane became a "thing", because the flatbacks just move faster forward. This is why the 222 max power rating went from 150HP to 235HP in this hull design change from the Flatbacks (1965-1971') to the Semi Vee (1972-1987'ish). This is with a hull that has roughly the same weight and running surface. 

Is it safe to assume that your build wouldn't include closing in the transom, adding any kind of t-top, bimini, Livewells, and the motor would be hung directly on the notched transom? 

If you are trying to keep HP low and efficiency (4 Stroke) up, my opinion would be that Mike has it figured out and the 140 Suzuki (2.0L) is your best bet as long as its propped right. With a gear ratio of 2.59/1 I believe Suzuki has an edge when it comes to hole shot. If your a Merc guy, I would say the 150hp (3.0L) would be a great choice although a good bit more money. The 150hp Yamaha would be even more money. The 115hp you have has good low end torque so long story, longer,  you would need to go up in HP (in my opinion) if changing to 4 Stroke to keep around the same low RPM torque for planing.

Hope that helps.

Ulysses

[Woodeneye]

I have a Yamaha 150 four stroke on my  CCP 222. It is ideal for my purposes. Which are getting on the plane comfortably, fuel economy, reliability and cruising at 24knots. Would hole shot be better with a bigger motor? Sure, but this motor is just fine IMHO.