Too little motor

[stumcfar]

I am considering purchasing a 2002 Alumacraft Trophy 195. The motor is my concern. It is powered with a 2003 Johnson 115 4 stroke. I know nothing about Johnson 4 strokes and it seems way under powered? They tell me it will do 35 mph and they water ski behind it. What do you experts think, will I be disappointed. I do not have a need for speed and spend considerable time pulling crankbaits. Thanks for any input.

[1860Angler]

It's a good motor, it's made by Suzuki. It is very much under powered on that boat, but if propped correctly and if you don't want to go fast it will work. I think that boat is rated for 200 HP, and the general rule of thumb is to power at 75% of max or higher, that would mean you would need at least a 150HP motor on this boat. The other thing to consider is rough water performance, not sure what size water you will be on, but an under powered boat can make handling rough water more difficult, and not as safe.

[PCDOC]

The boat better be priced VERY low to make up for that motor. I have a new trophy 195 with a opti pro 175. It has plenty of power, but I wouldn't want any less.

We were on a canadian fishing trip a few years ago and rented an 18' crestliner with a honda 115 4st. With 4 adults in the rear seats I couldn't get the boat to plane.


Yes, different motors/boats, but you get the idea.

[Box]

I am not an expert, but can guess that you will 99.9% be disappointed. Not enough hp for that boat, IMHO. Keep looking. Good luck.

[vteye]

Yep that Trophy is way under powered. The 115 hp is fine for a 175 class. The 195 Trophy and a 175hp would be realistic. I strongly suggest putting 3 or 4 big adults in that boat an then take her for a ride..

Buddy had a modern 115 on an 18'er. By the time it got on plane, it was time to go home.

[Shellback]

If you already think it's under powered, then I doubt you will ever be satisfied. I had a 96 Starcraft 19 foot Superfisherman with a 90HP Merc 4 stroke. I'm sure 90% of the people here on W/C would say that boat was way under powered, and to stay away from it. Personally, I was satisfied with it's performance. It would do 30MPH, I only fished with one other person, and I'm not a go fast person. I wouldn't have a problem with a 115 on a 19 footer. Sounds like you already have your mind made up though.

[bob1]

I would definitly take it for a test drive first!

Bob

An underpowered rig will put a lot more wear and tear on the motor, plus use a significant amount more of fuel than one with adequate power.

[stumcfar]

Thanks guys for the opinions. I was hesitant and your posts have made me decide to keep looking!