Competitor 175 sport with Suzuki 140

I have been narrowing down my new boat options and am seriously considering this combo; 90% multi-species fishing on small to mid-sized lakes and 10% pulling kids on a tube. Would like to hear from current competitor owners about boat and ride quality. Is it a dry ride in choppy water? I will not be heading out into 3 foot ways. I like the overall layout and while I also like the 1775 Lund impact, I have a very good alumacraft dealer near my residence and they are $1500-2,000 less than the lund with a 115 merc on the back. Also interested to hear from owners of Suzuki 140. Do you think I would hit low 40's MPH with this setup? Top end speed is not my most important priority although I would like to be able to get up on plane quickly and hit low 40's. Long-term reliability and ease of maintenance are top priorities. I have my choice of motors, but the dealer pushes and swears by Suzuki. I prefer to have motor options when spending this kind of money. The 140 is about $1,400 less than a 150HP which is the max. The 140 weighs considerable less since it is uses the 115 HP platform. Please do not start a Lund verses Alumacraft or mercury verses Suzuki. I am simply looking for honest reviews from current or previous competitor and/or Suzuki 140 owners...thanks everyone and safe fishing!

[DW]

Yes, you will hit the low 40s with the df140. Here is a similar Alumacraft test report: http://www.suzukimarine.com/Product%...%20175%20DF140

I’ve run the df140 since 2004, and repowered in 2015. The line was updated in 2012, I think, with a few tweaks including the lean burn technology and a slight bump in power.

I can verify the speed since I have a Crestliner Sportfish 1750 which I suspect is slightly slower than the Competitor model due to a slower 17 deg deadrise. The highest gps speed I ever recorded was 46, but my boat keeps carrying more weight so 42-43 is more typical, and 40 is always there even when overloaded.

You will hear that the df140 I’d weak. It is not. There is a big jump in performance if you go to a 150hp because in that competitive segment they all produce about 160hp. You would see about 4-5 mph top speed increase with a 150, and 2-3 mph increase at typical cruise rpm. Otherwise, you will feel the df140 is strong and has surprisingly good holeshot.

You will need a 14 x 20 prop. Expect to have a new prop worked by a prop guy because you will want to achieve exactly 6200 rpm at wot.

The df140 is in an unique niche without similar competition. The lower weight pays back a lot in overall boat performance and economy. Since I tow a LOT, I really appreciate that I don’t have a heavy tail wagging the dog.

Good luck!

[7 Mag]

My Impact with a Yamaha SHO 115HP will go 45 mph you should be able to reach the 40’s with a Suzuki.

[REW]

Slab,
If you have only $1400 difference between the 140 Suzuki and the 150 suzuki, go with the 150.

The 140 is a wonderful reliable capable engine to run. But, it is based on the 115 hp block.

But, the 150 is based on a larger block.

With the 140 on the back of your suggested boat you will be hitting the low 40's. But, I would expect that with the 150, you will be hitting the low 50s.

For cruising, I would expect that you will be cruising at about 36 at reasonable engine rpm on the 140, but you will be cruising at about 45 with the 150hp engine.

If possible, before buying - take a test drive in the rig of your choice with both the 140 hung on the transom as well as a 150 hung on the transom.

But, you have a rock solid package with the boat your suggested and either the 140 or the 150 Suzuki motor on the back of the rig.

-----------------------------------------------
Bore and Stroke specifications for Suzuki outboard motors from their web site:

70hp -- 3.0x3.3
90hp -- 3/0x3.3

115hp -- 3.4x3.5
140hp --3.4x3.5

150hp -- all three variations
3.81x3.81

So, you learn, the 90 hp engine is a ported 70hp engine. The 70hp measures max hp at 6000 rpm. The 90 measures max hp at 6300 rpm.

The 140hp einge is a ported 115hp engine. The 115hp measures max hp at 6000 rpm. The 115hp measures max hp at 6300 rpm.

The 150hp engine is a larger bore and stroke of any of the smaller engines. The 150 hp measures max hp at 6000 rpm.

-----------------------------------
Performance report of a Suzuki 150 on the back of an Alumacraft Tournament pro 175:
http://www.suzukimarine.com/Product%...5%20CS%20DF150

Basically top speed is about 50 mph.

--------------------------------------
Performance report of a suzuki 140 on the back of an Alumacraft trophy 174.
Basically the top speed is 45 mph.

http://www.suzukimarine.com/Product%...%20175%20DF140

-----------------------------------------
Performance report of a suzuki 115hp on an 18 foot polar craft that weighs - 1120 lbs.

http://www.suzukimarine.com/Product%...86CC%20DF115SS

Basically a 40 mph boat.

-------------------------------------------

Summary, any of the three engines would push the boat over the water.

But, if you choose the 150hp, you will be able to run the same speed as smaller engines that have to run wide open when the 150 hp, is just loafing along at 3/4 throttle for the same speed.
Then, if things get hairy, you will have the extra hp to work the waves and waters and to hustle home in a hurry if the need arises.

Best wishes.

[pan-wall]

For once, I totally agree with REW.
Go with the 150HP Suzuki.
I have had 4 suzuki motors and loved them all (not once did I have to do anything to them other than change oil).
The 150hp with bigger block will be well worth the $1400.

[DW]

I have to clarify some misstatements by REW.

You will get 4 to 5 mph more with a 150 in the 17-18’ range other things equal. You will not realize those optimistic speeds he presented in normal conditions and loads with either, but a 4-5 mph speed differential is accurate. His cruise speeds are overstated for both.

The 140 is not based on the 115 block. In earlier versions, the 115 had less displacement, then was modified with the same displacement as the 140 probably for manufacturing efficiency. The 115 is a detuned version of the 140. That says a lot about the 115, but has no bearing on the 140. Max RPM: 140=6200; 115=6000.

You will see at least 2mph difference between a DC full windshield and single console boats so adjust accordingly when looking at performance reports.

There are differences between a 140 and any 150. Those differences are: 4-5 mph, cost and weight. Plug those variables into the decision process, and it needn’t be more complicated. Either is a good choice depending on priorities.

In my opinion, weight is an especially important consideration in a 17’ boat. If you calculate your total load against rated capacity net of motor, elec, batteries, equipment and passengers , there isn’t much discretionary reserve capacity. Budget your weight compromises accordingly. By the way I am a fan of the 17’ class. They are easier to tow and will fit a lot of storage areas, yet can do the things a bigger boat does.

Thank you all, definitely need to take all your inputs into considerations. Is the competitor 175 a decent riding/handling boat? I like the wide beam, built in cooler and ample amount of storage. While I do agree with the 150 HP benefits, I was wanting to use the extra 1,400-$1,500 saved towards upgraded seats, bimini top and/or fold down rear casting deck for more comfort........The boat I have had for nearly 20 years moves along at about 32 MPH WOT; low to mid 40's will be a noticeable jump and should be plenty for me as I rarely travel more than 3-4 miles maximum based on the lakes I fish. Often times, I may only travel 2-3 miles total during a day of fishing. Thank you all for your help......safe fishing!

[Scott C]

I would get the 140 if it were me. Good luck!

[2catch1]

That competitor is a great boat. I loved my 2 Suzuki's. 140 vs 150 is personal preference. At 1400 I'd probably go 150 but I also pull tubers and skiers. 140 is probably going to be fine and with it being lighter and cheaper more room for accessories.

[Aspencreek]

I will 2nd the motion on the Competitor as a really nice boat. I had one for 2 yrs and wish I had it back. The Suzuki 140 or 150 as far as reliability is as good as it gets, and if the dealer you are buying it from recommends it go for it. An earlier post had that 140 pushing a Trophy to over 45mph, I'm impressed. That 150 would push that competitor to near 50 under the same conditions, unless you are a speed nut, that is way plenty. post your pics when you get it on the water. Color combo???