Motor choice for 18' Intruder

SandyRiverRon · 03-08-2004, 08:07 PM

My Evinrude is shot and I'm looking for a replacement, hit NR today shopping and I'm a little stumped. Don't really need a 115 again and the pump doesn't really get used enuff to warrant the extra expense. Any sled owners can answer this...is a 60 prop big enuff..last thing I want to do is underpower my boat but costs are a consideration. The 60 is a Yami 4 stroke so at least it would be dependable....thoughts?

Fish Hawg · 03-08-2004, 08:17 PM

I would get a 90 hp yamaha. Or a 115; if you ever get you baot loaded, it's sure nice to have the extra HP. :smile:

.....Ross

blacktail519 · 03-08-2004, 08:20 PM

115 Merc..... :grin:

Pickles · 03-09-2004, 12:20 AM

A 90 hp prop should push that boat in the upper 30's. Probably between 36 and 38 mph.

WaterDog · 03-09-2004, 05:07 AM

90hp minumum and make sure they match the prop to the boat via a water test. I had a 18' Motion with a 90hp and it would do 42mph with 2 people and gear. When loaded with 4 people it was a bit slow out of the hole and a 115hp would have been better.

Pounddown · 03-09-2004, 05:07 AM

there standard package is a 75 merc and a 8 horse honda trolling motor.... thats plenty

03-09-2004, 07:05 AM

A 4 stroke 90 would work well but if you can get a 115 that weighs about the same it would give you a bit better performance, with a load.
I use a 18' Intruder with a 90 and it is as small as you should go. With a smaller motor you will be running wide open often and your fuel use will be higher than with a bigger motor running at 3/4 throttle.

[ 03-09-2004, 08:08 AM: Message edited by: Keta ]

Lured In · 03-09-2004, 07:50 AM

I have a friend with a 19' super vee with a 115hp 2 stroke prop. It will do about 50mph+ with two guys and gear. Personally I think it is overpowered as most of the time the water conditions won't permit that kind of speed.

Given that you are talking about an Intruder, I would assume it probably weighs about the same or a little more (windshiled, gunwhales, etc.). I would think 90hp would be plenty. Keep in mind the power to weight ratio. My buddies motor is a 2 stroke so probably on the order of 100#'s less than an equivalent 4 stoke.

That said, only you know what you need and what you would like to have. Personally, I like to have that 'extra' power when needed. The reality is that I haven't needed it yet.

I hope that helps. :smile:

snit · 03-09-2004, 08:09 AM

"There's no replacement for displacement"! I think the 60 is way to small, and a 90hp would be a minimum. Check out Suzuki though. I was going to re-power my old sled (18' Fishrite w/150 pump) and I had settled on a 115 Suzuki 4-stroke prop. There's lots of info on the web as well as in the archives here. Several ifishers have "Zukes", and they love them. They're a really good motor, and the price is very attractive. I ended up selling the whole boat, and just upgrading though.

cheeseburger · 03-09-2004, 09:44 AM

I just purchased a '04 alumaweld stryker 19 ft. After some consideration i opted for the 115 opti-max. I was thinking about a smaller motor but after full tank of gas and a few fishing buddies, you dont want to be under powered. And a 60 is was to low to go. I would get at least a 90, but if you can afford a few extra dollars get the 115. You will be happy you did and its not much more money. Its better to have the power to spare than to be underpowered!!

slugbait · 03-09-2004, 03:53 PM

I have an 18 ft Hewes Sea Runner with a 115 Yamaha I am glad I didn't go smaller especially when it gets rough.

Small Fry · 03-09-2004, 11:12 PM

I've got a 200 on the back end of my 18 footer never at a loss for power. Although mine is an older boat and weighs 3500 pound as she sits today. When I get ready to re power I'm looking at a 150 4 stroke. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.