Repower 1988 222ccp, what size engine

[tough boat]

I have a bare hull (new to me) to repower.  What size engine would be best for coastal saltwater use, normally with 2 to 3 fishermen for the day.  mostly trolling not bottom fishing.

Fuel milage is my first priority and then normal trolling , not speed to the fishing grounds.

The 222 only weighs 2,200 lbs even though it is a long boat for that weight.

Previously I owned a 19 whaler that weighed the same and had a 150 Yamaha that worked very well.

Yes, they tell me not to undersize the motor so as to put the performing standards out of the "optimum range".  I would like to get a consumer fisherman's response instead of the motor salesperson's opinion.

So, the first question?  Will I get better fuel economy with a 150 or a 200 or so for this specific boat.

The second question:  In the past I have also owned a 22 whaler outrage with twin 60 motors.  That seemed to be a little underpowered but the performance was adequate for my normal needs.  What if I wanted to put two 75's or 90's on the 222ccp?  Would this optomize my fuel use by using only one smaller motor to troll? Or is that wrong thinking to trolling using one motor?

What do most fishermen with dual engines do when trolling, one engine on or both?

But why would I want to put a 200 or larger motor on a boat this weight?

Thanks.

Tough Boat

[GoneFission]

A single 200 Merc or JohnnyRude was the standard power on the 222CCP, with the OMC 235 as an option, or twin 115s/130s/140s as nice options.  You can put up to a 300 single on her, but that will not be an economical trolling motor...

It sounds like your best bet would be twins, running on one when trolling to save fuel.    Twin Zuki 140s would be sweet, as would twin 115 Yammies, 115/125 Optimax, or 115/130 E-TECs.  I'm a little partial to the E-TECs due to the torque of the V-4, the lower maintenance of the 2-stroke engine, and the fact that an E-TEC will continue to run without electrical power (nice security when you are offshore and something bad happens to the electrical system).

One thing that amazes me is how outboards are priced.    Two new 115s usually cost less than a single new 225/250!  That just does not make sense, but them's the facts.    

I know a guy who has twin 90 Hondas on his 222CCP and is very happy with that setup.  Two properly-propped motors totaling 180HP will come out of the hole better than a single 200, but might give up a bit on top end.  

Hope this helps - see ya on the water!

[tough boat]

That is a great overview that helps a lot.

as time goes on I will post some pictures.

[gran398]

Welcome,

Once you run twins, you'll never go back.

Twin 115's on your 222 should be a gracious plenty IMHO.

Ran a boat with twin 130's. When trolling, ran one for a while, then the other, kept the hours real close to the same. Always cranked the off engine first, ran them both together awhile, then shut off the first one.

[tough boat]

Good to hear from a real experience, what may be best.

Yes I cannot wait to put twins through the paces.

Brink
1988 222ccp

[fitz73222]

You'll love twins on that boat. I run twin 115's on my 22-2 and really cant imagine her with anything else. The great thing about these boats is their low planing speed. When I was having an ignition problem with my port engine, I came home running one engine with 4 people and 60 gallons of fuel. I cruised on one engine @24 mph @3600 rpm and about 8 gallons per hour. I actually started playing with her and she made 31 mph @4800 WOT running an 18 pitch 4 blade prop. I troll on engine an use about 1.2 gallons per hour. Not bad for old carb'ed 2 stroke Mercs. Ran her last night coming back from our local fireworks, got her running @22 mph @3000 rpm! Even with 750# of engines she still tries to plane @2800 rpm @19 mph! Do I sound like I like twins on these boats!!

[gran398]

We also forgot to mention maneuverability at the dock. Twins make even a dummy like me look good!