Sportfish 1850 - What engine and Bench question?

[Tahoe]

I am REALLY thinking of getting this boat.
Couple questions:
1) Some dealers are running specials with 135 Opti's. I have heard not to go lower than a 150? What would the real difference be between the 2 in performance? This would be a family and fishing boat anyway?
2) With the optional bench in the stern, can you still have kids or adults sit comfortably with the 4 seats in the ####pit and kids or adult on the bench?

Thanks

[Easyrider]

I can only help with part of your question. I have a 2001 Sportfish that does not have the rear bench seat so I cannot help you there. However, I maxed by boat with a 175 Evinrude. You may have a family boat but consider all the weight that will be involved. The boat is wide and deep, and with gear and 3-4 people I think you would be unhappy if you ski, tube, or just cruse. The 135 would be working itself to push that boat. I would not go any lower than a 150 or a 140 4 stroke perhaps. I bought the 175 just for that reason. With 4 people in the boat and gear, the 175 puts me on plane and I can cruse effortly. I don't have to run the engine full throttle and the engine is never over worked. Think about it before you buy the 135 for that reason. I am sure some of the other Sportfish owners will agree on this issue. It's very expensive to repower if you don't like the performance with the 135. Get a few more opinions and make your call. Good luck. By the way, the boat is really nice and I am sure you will like it.

Bud

[Das Boot 3]

My 1850 SF has a bench seat and I (we) love it! I have had 3 adults and 4 kids in the boat and the bench was the preferred seating with the kids all wanting to sit on the bench. I like it because it folds down into a large fishing platform that can be used by two people with the baitwell and livewell at thier feet. The bench is the reason I picked the SF instead of a Lund or Alumacraft fish and ski. Get it, you'll like it.
DB3