4-stroke motor choice on Ranger 1860 Angler

[hambone]

Planning on ordering new Ranger 1860 this winter and want to stick with max HP. Merc Verado 175 has 2.08:1 gear ratio & Suzuki 175 has 2.50:1 gear ratio...can a person actually draw any conclusion about performance?

[yarcraft91]

The only conclusion you can draw from gear ratio data is that the optimum props for these two motor will have very different pitches, around 20% different. Gear ratios should be the least of your concerns.

Originally Posted by hambone

Planning on ordering new Ranger 1860 this winter and want to stick with max HP. Merc Verado 175 has 2.08:1 gear ratio & Suzuki 175 has 2.50:1 gear ratio...can a person actually draw any conclusion about performance?

I'm running the 175 suzuki on my 2008 1860. VERY happy with its overall performance. Feel free to drop me a line with any questions you may have: jason@jasonhalfenoutdoors.com

[T Mac]

Originally Posted by hambone

Planning on ordering new Ranger 1860 this winter and want to stick with max HP. Merc Verado 175 has 2.08:1 gear ratio & Suzuki 175 has 2.50:1 gear ratio...can a person actually draw any conclusion about performance?

No...but the fact that the Verado is super-charged should give some indication as to performance .

[brycer]

Originally Posted by T Mac

No...but the fact that the Verado is super-charged should give some indication as to performance .

I see your point but isn't 175 hp a 175hp? super-charged or not? The only thing i can see is the verado should be way less displacement to make the 175hp, which in turn should be lighter?

[yarcraft91]

The Verado is about 30 pounds heavier than the Suzuki.

I've own 2 stroke Mercs before this engine. The Verado has a reputation as a fast outboard but 4 factors influenced my decision.

1 - Sukuki's reputation on reliability (brand)
2 - Questions on Verado's fuel efficiency (sounds like they are improving since 2006)
3 - Fewer moving parts for long term reliability (design)
4 - Ok this will open a can worms but I not a fan of limiting choice as Merc is doing so I voted with my dollars.

Hate to have a counter comment to the TMac as he is well respected and an important site contributor but to his comment “No...But the fact that the Verado is super-charged should give some indication as to performance” one could state

No ... but the fact that the Sukuzi has 70% more displacement should give some indication as to performance

I’d be suprised if there not with 1 MPH top end properly set up.

I'm not disappointed with my hole shot or top end

[K Gonefishin]

Have you considered a Opti Pro XS 175? They truly are an awesome motor, if you haven't ran one yet, I would drive one then make your decision. the only factor that some guys don't like is the noise.

[eye4aneye]

The Verado will outperform any other 4 stroke every day of the week. Drive one and you'll buy it.

You'll have many different opinions based on whatever, but as an expert in 4-stroke irrigation engines (not outboards of course, however some of my customers run as many as 85 engines 1,000+ hours per year each) I would consider the dealer first. If you have both equally available, I'd go with the one that has fewer moving parts...thus the non-supercharged one. One of the most disappointing facts I have to deal with is the fact that GM is discontinuing their 8.1Liter big-block industrial engine. They are going to replace it with a 6.0 liter supercharged powerplant, which in my and my customer's opinions will create more problems and certainly less longvity of the powerlant.

If, however, you are considering replacing the boat+motor on a regular basis (under warranty), then I wouldn't worry about it. Both should do a perfectly fine job of satisfying your needs.

hathead