Outboard Pump Questions, Need Opinions

[tailchaser]

Well, I've done an absolute ton of research on this subject and I seem to be in a gray area with sizing my outboard, so hopefully I can get some questions answered here.

Boats in consideration:
20' NR Scout 72" wide 1250 lbs - current motor on there is a 115/80 yami pump.
19' NR Scout 66" wide 1100 lbs - current motor is also a 115/80 yami pump
18- Willies 72" wide, 1150 lbs - currently looking at a 115 optimax pump
18- Rogue 72" wide, 1200 lbs - looking at the 115 opti also

So here are my questions:
I like the 20 NR the most, but have been warned numerous times the 115 is not enough power, yet most of the dealers are outfitting them with this motor. So first of all, is the 115 enough, should I try the 115 optimax on it?

Secondly, if I choose the 19' model with the narrower width, would that compensate for the low power in a sense?

Third, the 115 seems to be a good fit on the 18' models, however, they're generally the same weight and width, so why would it change from the 20' model?

Finally, what would be the best fit to my problem. The price to jump into the 150's tillers are extrememly expensive compared to the 115's for some reason so I'm trying to avoid that. Anyhow, open to answers and opinions.

tc

[RascallyRabbit]

Are these new or used boats we are talking about??? If they're used you are more than likely stuck with what's on them. If they're new from the dealer, then you should be able to power them with something larger if wanted. In most cases you want to power the boat with as much motor as you can afford, and still be within the hull rating.

I bought my boat at PPM from Scott. It was originally powered with a 90 prop, I wanted a 80 Jet (115 powerhead), and they changed it out. My boat jumps up nicely on plane, and is exactly what I was looking for.

My brother has a NR 20', with 84" bottom, it's powered with a 4-stroke 200hp Yamaha. He complains that he can't get up on plane quick enough in some holes that he fish's.

[#1 Okie]

It depends on what you expect or want for power. On a 20 to me a 150 is not enough to satisfy. On a 20 i wouldn't go any less than a 2 stroke 200 pump. A 115 will do ok with 2 people, 150 ok with 3-5, but if you load all the seats and haul 4-5 people-gear-full tank of gas- etc you'll get by with the smaller ones but never be satisfied. I know the struggle your going through weighing it out, been there. Before you buy anything smaller than a 150 do yourself a favor and do this. Go to a dealer or go with a friend that has a boat like you want with a 115 on it, find one with a 150 on it and one with a 200 on it. Test drive all three of these boats but not by yourself or with just one passanger. Get 5 of you in the boat. Trust me if you buy a 20 you may not plan on it but before long everybody and his brother will end up in your boat. After doing this you will know what you want and what you don't.

[seadog]

I don't think that you will be satisfied with the 115 on those size boats, I've got an 18' Alumaweld with a 150 with a pump, and I would still like to have more power. Those bigger motors probably aren't going to get any cheaper so if you change your mind later your probably going to take a loss. Take it for a ride if you can, be sure to have enough people in it to really test it.:twocents:

[Flatfish]

I have never met anyone who complained about having too much power out of an outboard jet.

On several occasions, I have heard moans about underpowered sleds.

It is very expensive to have too little power in a jet, since your gonna be potentially limiting the number of dudes you can take with you. Pretty tough having a platform that could fish 5 dudes, but you can only take 2 or 3 cause the boat wont plane with a full crew.
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Another point to consider is the hull. Some boats make lots of lift and are very jet friendly. Others, not so much.

Mark and the dog.

[Scout20]

I'll jump in here - not that I have much differerent to say but I do have exactly the boat you are looking at. 20 ft Scout 72" bottom with a 150VMAX. Generally fishing the clack I fish 2 people with me and it jumps up just fine. If fishing bigger water I've fished 4 total and if the tank is full you can definately feel it. Not that it won't go but it does not JUMP ! I do not think the boat is under powered. Would I like a 200 on it ? Sure, I guess so. But for me it's perfect. Have'nt found any situation that I don't absolutely love my boat !!!!!

Scout

[alanmikkelsen]

I have an 18' Alumaweld with a 115/80 on it. Handles three people fine, but I wouldn't want that motor on a 20' boat. I'd go for at least 150/115 at a minimum for a 20' boat.

[Flatfish]

Maybe you could call the makers of each hull, and ask them in their opinion what the best power options would be per given hull.

You may well be fine with some of the power.hull options listed. I know of a couple Tilly guides who are running 150 Honda powerheads with a jet on a 24-26' Raptor, and with a full load of dudes/fish/ice/gear they can plane. I doubt they set any speed records, but it goes to show that you can vary the power to the hull.

I can think of another make of boat that I seriously doubt the hull would plane with that powerplant.

Bottom line, more power is a good thing. But there is no clear line in the sand. Do your homework.

MATD