200hp outboard jet vs 175 sportjet

[FEAR NO FISH!]

I am about to buy a new motor for my sled. I own a 20ft. Harbercraft landing craft. I am trying to choose between these two power plants. If I go with the 175, it will be the outback design by Motion Marine with tiller control. My hull is light at 1200 pounds. If I go with the 200 with tiller control, I spend $1500.00 more. I don't take but one or two people at any given time. What to do? I am leaning towards the outback as the retrofit on my boat will make it even more of a fishing machine.

[ 06-10-2002, 09:59 PM: Message edited by: FEAR NO FISH! ]

[Dr Strangelove]

The 200 w/ lower jet unit will only get ~135hp at the pump - the SJ gets ~170hp. If you're running a flat hull, don't waste your time/$ with the prop/pump, you'd just get beaten up on water worthy of prop fishing anyway.

[cannonball]

Dude, in the long run $1500 isnt that much dough. As much as you use your boat it is a small amount. I also realize the 175 might actually preform great but the 200 is probably about the same weight and it would make you just a blur passing me on the river.

I also realize you arent made of money. graemlins/idea.gif

Ok Ill shut up now.

[Small Fry]

How much to retro the outback? :whazzup: I kinda like the idea. From what i've seen it's the way to go. Clean and fast graemlins/hearton.gif

[Backlash2]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!! FEAR......you are an outboard man through and through....don't give in to the dark side, Luke..... You run your boat way to much to deal with the unknown that is the life span of sportjet(sorry fellas, had to say it).

If you really think this boat is the hull you want to stay with, bite the bullet and buy the Honda 225hp. In all reality, if it's only 2 to 3 people in your boat most days, I have a buddy that just built a '21 sled and put a tillered Honda 130hp on it. We put the gas tank in the nose instead of the floor to help balance out the 500 lbs. on the tail end of the boat. It is definitely enough power for four people in the boat, and adequate for 5. You can get into one for a little over $10k, but it'll last forever, and you're done buying oil.

Give me a shout if you want to talk it over, we've put enough hours on his sled to give you an honest opinion that it is not underpowered.

[Trollin]

Go with the sport jet more power, and burns less fuel. Ive had my outback going on two years and love it. Mark will do you right. :grin:

[FEAR NO FISH!]

I am taking my boat to Motion Marine on Friday morning. Approx $9995 for the retrofit.
I only have to hold out till 2006, then I get to buy a new boat! Fish Beware! :cheers: