Repower - 1998 205 Osprey

[nccoaster]

Looking to repower this boat I have had since new. It has a 1998 150 Evinrude 2 stroke on it. She is getting old and tired, and really drinks the gas.  Looking to get something that would be easier on fuel.  I use the boat off the North Carolina coast, where going 25 mph on a good day would be great.  Looking through the Wellcraft archives, I found this information on their 210, which in 1998 and 1999 were the same model boats. This was for 1998:
Performance data with a 115 OMC
Time to plane 4.03 seconds
Top Speed 34.0mph at 5420 RPM
Cruise Speed 24.5mph at 4000 RPM
cruise range 216 miles
propeller size 15x17 sst

and in 1999 had this:
Single 225
Time to plane 2.6 seconds
Top Speed 51.0mph at 5900 RPM
Cruise Speed 34mph at 4000 RPM
cruise range 200 miles
propeller size 14 3/4 x 19 viper swept

Could a 115 really push this boat, my mind thinks not.  Do I just bolt on another 150 and gain the efficiencies of the new technology?  Suggestions please.

[fitz73222]

I'll try to keep the conversation in a non denomination context.( I won't push a particular brand) A 115 will push your boat all day long but will it satisfy the requirement? You're running a 150 2 stroke and the torque, speed and overall performance have met or exceeded your expectations I assume. I would not advocate running less horsepower than what you have grown accustomed to. The issue is the weight gain for the exact same 150 hp either with a DFI 2 stroke or fourstroke powerplant. The efficiency of today's outboard is far better than in '98 so reduced fuel consumption will be notably measurable. That said, the fourstroke will offer the best fuel economy but will sacrifice some mid range torque. The DFI 2 stroke will obtain a better midrange torque and be more similar to your older '98 in overall performance with a little less weight gain over a fourstroke but will have consumables like two stroke oil. You have a lot of choices in the 150 hp family and the manufacturers are well aware of power to weight ratio in this engine size and there is some nice choices in the inline four cylinder engine family.  So go look at the Etecs, Mercs, Suzies, and Yami's in the 150hp group and look at the offerings. To save a little cash, check and see if your OMC wire harness, binnacle controls, shift and throttle cables, gauges etc.  are compatible with the Etec which could trim $750 off of the investment, you may get away with using your current propeller for an additional $300. My $.02

[seabob4]

Farley,
His current OMC rigging will work with Etecs.  Might want to consider, if you can find one, a used 200 H.O. Etec...

[nccoaster]

Thanks for the responses.  Has the 150 met my expectations, yes it has.  Where there days where I would like to have gone faster but couldn't, yes there were, but that I think was a limitation of the hull vs the outboard. That is a whole new discussion. In an area where 2 footers are the norm, and you can count the flat days each year on one hand, I had to find the balance between speed and comfort. I was actually looking at the e-tec 130, thinking that might be the place to start.  Have not looked to see what the weight difference between the old 150 and the new 130 would be, but I will do that today.