175 HP Suzuki for 22.2 Flatback

[taxdoc]

While I have been a member for a while this is the first time I have posted.
Just had a Flatback rebuilt and am considering putting a 175 Hp Suzuki 4 stroke on a Port-A-Bracket.  Would like to hear some thoughts on 150 HP vs 175 Hp.  Also, Prop recommendations 3 blade vs 4 blade and size.

[RickK]

Boy you sure have been lurking a while - now I can officially welcome you aboard taxdoc :!:  :!:

[slvrlng]

Isn't more always better! It's only gas. If I had one I'd not only want it to look good , but be able to pass most people on the way back to the ramp! You know that reaction, like "what the heck was that!" Also as capn bob says this post is useless without pics.

[slippery73]

Get whatever you can get the deal on, the 150 and 175 suzuki are basically the same motor, the 175 adds variable valve timing and some different tuning. Other than that, same specs, size, weight, etc. You might gain an extra 3-4mph top end with the 175 vs. the 150. If its going to cost an extra $1500 i'd say it isn't worth the money. Let me know when your looking to buy, i've got place near me that will sell them cheap, cheap, cheap.

[jsmithfl8]

Taxdoc
I put a 175 Suzuki on my 69 flatback. I have not run the boat yet becauce I am picking it up tomorrow from Tommy West. My captian friends that are running flatbacks every day have told me that you can not have enough power if you are smart about how you run the boat and if you are running a jackplate. You can use the extra power to get up and out of the hole with a lot of weight the back off and stay on a plain. I am not going to be able to run the boat until Monday because I am going to the Rays game with friends from out of state. It will take a few days to brake it in. I hope to have it broke in by Wednesday. It is going to the keys the last two weeks in July so I have to run her. I will write back how I like the 175 but the other flatbacks that I have run a 250 four stroke is not too big.

[tulanepat]

I just finished my boat-pix under thread-Aqua in St. Pete.  Running the 175 on a porta bracket.  The 175 has the 'right' torque curve for where I run.  The boat is very happy and sipping fuel at 3500 to 3900 rpm.  I don't believe I would be happy with the 150.  I am running a Suzuki 14.75x23.
The only engine I can compare it to is a 3.0L BMW I had back in '72-nothing like a chain driven cam!
Enjoy!

[LilRichard]

As Slippy said, it's the same displacement motor, and the actual HP difference (hearsay from a mechanic) is supposed to be less than 25hp.  I have a 150 on my 222 FB and my hull is HEAVY, plus I have a tower and 63gal tank, 40 gal livewell - and I am happy with it.  Here are some RPMs / MPH by memory, may be off slightly:

low 3000s, boat planes
4000 is low 20s
4500 is 25ish
4900 is 31-32
6000 is 42

I normally run my boat between 4300 and 4900, and get a solid 4MPG at almost every throttle position (except wide open, obviously).  I have a 4 blade, 21P Powertech.  Call Ken at Propgods, he has a lot of experience with these hulls.  Definitely recommend 4 blade.

I also agree that I would just find the better deal and buy whichever one is cheaper.  if it's close, get the 175.  It was a big difference when I was looking.

[Mike Answeeney]

1973, 22-2 Aquasport, with a 2003 175 Optimax on a Portabracket. T-Top installed.

On flat calm day, trim tabs up, 3/4 tank of gas (70 gallon tank), just me (~200lbs) in the boat with the high five prop (13.5"x17).

Once on plane, Portabracket adjusted up for minimal drag.

WOT - 42.2mph on GPS at 5800rpm, 18.4gph
35mph @ 4800rpm, 9.2gph
30mph @ 4300rpm, 7.1gph
28.3mph @ 4000mph, 6.26gph
26mph @3800rpm, 5.56gph

Time to plane, ~4 sec.

[taxdoc]

Guys, thanks for all of the information.  Slippy I will attemt to pm you to get the info onthe Suzuki dealer in your area as I hope to get the motor in the next week or two.  I have been lurking  for a  while and the info from this site has been super helpful.  I will attempt to post pictures in the next week.