200 vs. 225???

[tcbetka]

I have a dilemma. My TP 185 CS may have sold. So I may be buying a new rig shortly. Here's the problem... I can get a great deal on a 2003 floor model boat (Godfrey Marine Hurricane 211 center console), pre-rigged for Yamaha. I was looking at Honda, but hey--Yamaha makes great motors, and there are more Yamaha dealers than Honda dealers where we are moving to in Florida (8 vs. 1). For reference, the hull is rated for 225 hp, and weighs about 2700-2800 pounds. It drafts about 14" with the motor up.

So here's the dilemma... The dealer has 200hp 4-strokes in stock, but no 225hp 4-strokes. It would take 3-4 weeks to get one. No biggee... The price would be $7-800 more for the 225. The extra money saved on the 200 would pay for most of a X15, or a good chunk of an X16/18/19, depending on the model I chose.

My question is about resale value. Is the rig significantly more desirable with the 225? Of course I am not buying it to sell--but still, one has to consider this eventuality. Performance doesn't seem to be much of an issue either, as Yamaha's website performance section reports only about 2-3 mph more from the 225, at a penalty of about 1.1 gph more fuel. So please weigh in--put the cheaper 200 on and get it in 10-14 days, OR order a 225, pay $7-800 more and wait 3-4 weeks...what would you guys do?

Thanks guys...

[Hook'em]

I'd get the 200 HP. You will rarely be running wide open in the ocean to use that extra 25 HP. You will burn more fuel, pay more up front, wait longer to get it, and resale will be just as good with the 200 HP on board.

[icatcher1700]

You simply can't go wrong going with max. horsepower a boat allows. Most often people are sorry they didn't down the road. My advice would be go with the 225. Even if you don't run 'wide open' your 3/4 throttle travel speed will still be easier, faster, than the 200.

My further advice would be to steer clear of the X15 - I have one, wish I didn't. It has been bizarre from day one. Others have posted similar dislikes for this unit.

I am thinking of getting a Garmin 240. A couple of guys I know have, and like them.

My $0.02

[tcbetka]

Really...your X15 is giving you problems? I have one--it has been great. Absolutely no problems from day one (knock on wood).

I have just heard good things about color sonar when fishing, for discerning bottom detail. I have had a hard time picking out fish right on the bottom with the X15, I will admit. But I don't know how important that feature is a few miles offshore, which is the farthest I plan to take this rig.

Thanks for the input...

[tcbetka]

ttt

[PJM]

tcbetka

The motors are the same block and if the 225 was a larger displacement which it is not, I don't think the performance will be that much different. I was running down the lake with and older boat I had with a 150hp Yamaha and a guy at the same resort had the same rig with a 175hp. Both had aluminum props and if his boat was 3mph faster I'd be surprised. We stayed even for a long time. The resale thing is can important but not in this case.

[tcbetka]

I agree...

If I can save $700 or $800, I think we have decided to go with the 200. I may be sorry later, but so be it. The extra money will allow me to install a digital fuel flow gauge, which I feel is important if you are going to be running many miles from home. It's about $475 for the Yamama unit, but I need to check it out a bit more to make sure it has the functions I want.

Someone gave me a great reference about fuel flow gauges a week or so ago. Bass & Walleye Boats ran a piece a few months back, and the article was online. So I will do some more homework later today, after I show the boat. I will know if it sells or not at that point.

[klos]

Put a Mercury 225 EFI Fourstroke on it. They are available now and are the same as the Yamaha! Check out their website mercurymarine.com.

[tcbetka]

No thanks... I just have a bad taste in my mouth regarding Mercury outboards--I just can't get excited about them. I don't know why for sure, but my dad had a couple when I was a wee little runt, and I can still hear him swearing at them! He went to OMC, and never looked back. It's weird, but things like that just stick with you...

I am sure Mercury makes fine motors, and I know a couple guys who won't own anything BUT an Opti-max. But, I think I would rather have a Honda or a Yamaha.

Thanks for the post.