[bmaj319]

Hey Machetero,

I was seriously leaning towards putting a 115 Yamaha four stroke on my 18, but there weren't any available locally when I was ready, and I wound up with the Suzuki 140 four stroke. 100+ hours and so far I'm happy way beyond my expectations. The extra hp isn't always needed, but when I have a few people and dive/fishing gear onboard, plus a full tank of gas, the boat still jumps right up and goes.

Plus, even with a full load if the weather turns nasty I can put the boat where I want it, when I want it (getting home through inlets, etc.). If I have to come off plane to get positioned, no sweat, I'm right back up when I punch it. So I look at it as a safety thing too. In flat water with just me and my dog I can run just shy of 45mph.

So your boat is about 250 pounds heavier than mine, and you're talking about maybe 18% less power than a 140. The answer probably depends on how you're going to use the boat, and what you expect performance-wise.

A Buddy of mine has a 19' Mako and a 115 Merc that he bought new, and he kicks himself all the time for not bumping up the power when he had the chance...with four people onboard the boat it just takes a long time to get up on plane. Again,you don't need the extra juice all the time, but when you need it/want it, it makes the day that much happier! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Brian