How much HP is enough?

[King Fish Head]

I'm purchasing a 21' NorthRiver Seahawk with a Yamaha 150HP outboard. I understand in calm conditions with a few people in the boat it should get into the low to mid 40's. Should I spend the extra $2,000 to $3,000 and go to a 200HP or a 225HP? Does anyone have any experience with the 150HP Yamaha?
Thanks for any input,
King Fish Head

[OregonSportsman]

I don't have much experience with boats at all, just when I go out with my uncle or cousin. But I think one of the best motors out there, for an outboard, is that Honda 225, it will get up and go, dont know if its the best for what you need, just my $0.02....

[Little Dipper]

I have a 18ft koffler jet sled with a 150hp pump.I wouldn't want any less motor than that if you can afford it jump up to the bigger motor.my 2 cents

[The Bad Fish]

you ain't gonna go 40 kts in the ocean. so if you plan to do most of your stuff in the rivers i would think a 150 would be good. just dont go any lower. you will have crappy fuel usage with an underpowered boat, some of the boats we looked at were powered with 120 hp 2 strokes and that just ain't enough. imho.

[skein]

I agree with Bugflicker, 40kts in the ocean isn't going to happen very often no matter what kind of power you have on board.

If I were you I would be thinking weight and fuel consumption rather than raw horsepower. I agree with those who say don't underpower your boat, but think about that extra 100-150 lbs hanging off the stern and the range you lose feeding those ponies before you make your final decision.

Skein

[Redbeard13]

I guess I have always been of the opinion that a man can't have too much horsepower in a boat.You can always throttle back, but when the day comes that you hit WOT (wide-open throttle) and you need more, it's a pretty poor feeling.

[Bendman]

If your not too worried about the extra 2000.00 bucks go for it. A 150 PROP! Will do good on that boat. If your wanting a jet, you had better get the biggest one they will let you put on. If it were me I would go for the 200 Prop Bendman

[ 03-15-2004, 07:40 AM: Message edited by: Bendman ]

Look at the weight difference and deduct that from the carrying capacity of the boat. If the bigger motor isn't that much heavier and money not a problem, I’d go with the larger one.
A 150hp should push this boat ok.