New member needs advice comparing 215 to 225

[b.staub]

I'm looking to buy a 215 explorer saw one on friday I really liked but I keep hearing alot of horror stories about the 2003 evinrude 200hp ficht that is on it. I have the computer printout which says it onoly has 53 hours on it no hard faults but don't have the money to replace it if it is as bad as some say. I have not been considering the 225 explorer because of the extra weight but I wanted to ask for opinions. I will be towing with a 2001 tahoe. It looks to me that the 225 explorer is about 700 lbs heavier than the 215. I would imagine that that would make a substantial difference in towing and may keep me from putting a hard top on it. Does anyone have experiance towing these two and is it much of a difference. What is the difference in ride of these two boats on the water. Any experiance comparing these two boats would be appreciated. I will be using the boats mainly in the chesapeake which is a 2 hour drive for me and also flounder fishing at chincoteague and ocean city which is a 4 hour drive. Do you notice much of a difference towing a hardtop compared to a boat without one? Sorry there are so many questions but I'm trying to do it rite the first time. Thanks for any imput it is very much appreciated. I have also posted other info and questions about choosing a motor under the engine forum

[pete]

welcome to the forum bro,I have a 225 osprey which is about 300 lbls lighter than a 225 explorer,tow it with a 2004 gmc sierra with the 5.3 liter and tow pkg,it will highway tow at about 60 mph without kicking into high gear,if you want to lighten the load tow it low on fuel and fill up near ramp.The hard top wont make much of a difference.If you can get one with boat it will save you $ later if you want to add.good luck  

[Circle Hooked]

Welcome aboard,there are some members with that engine,that don't have any problems,the early one's did but if this one is still around it should be fine,the 225 is more boat but your tahoe would pull it just fine,i used to tow mine with a 98 f150 with no problems,when it comes to boats it's very common to say if my boat was only two feet longer,can't tell you how many times i wished i would have bought a 245,so if you find a nice 225 i say go for it,and like Pete said a hard top won't make a difference towing