Question on power for '98 20 Aquasport

[doyle007]

Guys,

I'm helping a friend look for a boat, and I came across two boats that are listed for sale in our area that are within a couple of hundred $ of each other.  They are both listed as 1998 20' Aquasport (I'm assuming that they are Ospreys).  One has a 1998 Johnson 115, and the other has a 1995 Yamaha 225.  I've tried to find the exact specs on this boat to see what was recommended, but could not find anything. I did find a lot of ads for this same boat for sale in other areas, and I see 115 hp on a bunch of them, some with 150, as well as some with 200 hp.  

I'm thinking that a 115 hp would be underpowered, and a 225 hp would be too much.  The 225 would also be pretty heavy for this boat.  

So, what are your opinions?  I'd really like to get him into a boat in the next week or so, and he is ready to buy.  

Thanks.

[scott_gunn]

The maximum HP they are rated for is 185 hp - unless that changed in more recent years. I would think the 225 is more likely to be a mistake than the 115.

115 will work if it's an Osprey, but 130-150 is probably "ideal".

[KRoy]

I have a '96 200 Osprey with a 130 which I consider "ideal" for the boat.  Less weight than the 150 and still plenty of power.  That 225 is way too much.  My boat is rated for a 150.

The 115 will do the job about 90% of the time.  It will be those days in rough seas or carrying a big load when he'll wish he had a little more oommphh.