I just priced out a 150 Mercury 25" four stroke . . . Just the motor is 10,400 and you can use old analog gauges if you want too.

Not too many out there but I think they are turning out to be pretty good motors. Another 20 years and they'll be as good as a Black Max. I still think he needs a 2.5 L F.I. Bridgeport to get up to north of 50. I think you know how to build one for him that will "yodel"

one of my coworkers just replaced his 200hpdi's with a set of these. He claims to get exactly the same performance with the new Merc 150's as he did with the 200 hpdi's (using the same props)

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-...a-150-sho.html

Another report here.

"We repowered a Conch27 with the Merc 150s. Original engines were 200HPDIs. Practically zero loss in performance and better than other Conchs with the Yamaha 150s. Torque is an important factor, especially in larger boats and larger seas. The Merc has plenty of it with the large 3 liter block."

"Locally, the Merc 150 has become the repower of choice for many charter guides on boats ranging from Conch27s, Whitewater 28s, and there's even a 31 yellowfin that has them and the captain loves the performance."

Verch, Circling back, we might have given you "too much chewing gum to chew". You've had excellent service from your Yamaha 115. They are great little, reliable "Sewing machines". The only downside Yamahas have is that they might be a little light on rated horsepower, but manufacturers are allowed a 15% swing in rated HP and the fact that they seem to have a corrision issue on certain motors, but you are running in fresh water most the time. I think you are probably going to be just fine with a 175 or 200 Yamaha (or a Suzuki). Just find a nearby dealer who will look out for your interests and will keep you going for years past the warrenty period. Nobody makes a "bad" motor these days, just bolt one on and go boat'in Bro'.

Mercury never built a 2.5 "Bridgeport" they were all 2.4's

Bored 2.4 Bridgeport -
 

Frizz, All I know is the 'ol Merc Bridgeports "yodel".

I think in his heart of hearts, Verch would really like to be a River Racer and I'm not sure if he can get to 50 MPH with a Yamaha that doesn't weigh too much for his 20.

(Next your going to tell me there is no such thing as a "302" Chevy!)

Yodel they do, 240ish hp normal out of a Bridgeport. People turning them north of 10,000 rpm making more power than that. Bridgeport's were made from 87-91 as 2.4 liter motors. The 2.5 came out in 1991 and some of the first ones had 2.4 parts in them called "fat blocks". Mercury never made a bridged ported 2.5 but they should of. Mercury racing dumped the chrome bore 2.4 motors and started building the 260 2.5 nikasil blocks for race applications.

Now far as "No such thing" you are right there Terry, there were some 2.5 bridgeported blocks made, just not by mercury. An F1 racer named John Marles (owner or US 1 racing motors) actually took a steel bore 2.5 block and welded in an "Bridge" in the exhaust ports copying the 2.4 mercury factory build motor. He created a couple of these that were strong motors that made north of 350 hp!

So it may be an option, just a call to California, ask for John. Im sure he can get verch's boat to 50 mph plus and with the motor under 400lbs. Just not in a four stroke with good fuel mileage. lol

The optimax 200 xs is under 400 lbs and puts out a actual 240 hp and gets great fuel mileage as it is an opti! You can get one of them off the shelf new today for a meer $17,000!
If I had an extra $17k laying around that's what I would put on my 20' seacraft hull. Hey Dave, I have seen a few Hews hulls with the 200 xs optis mounted on the back and they fly!

Terry, you speak the truth... If there was a four stroke motor to fill this order it would be a top seller for sure! Sought by many found by few.