115 hp e-tech enough for an 18' SF?

[jtnole02]

Im looking buying an 18' with a 115hp E-Tech. Im a little concerned that this would be under powered. Any feedback would be great.

[Bushwacker]

In a word, YES! (Unless you want to run 50 mph!) Skip & Carla's 19'Bowrider runs 39 mph with a 115 E-Tec with an aluminum prop. A stainless prop would add another 2-3 mph. Check out Fr. Frank's excellent reply to Windrider's engine size question in the performance section. But recognize that the 18 is even more sensitive to engine weight than the 20!

[eggsuckindog]

I had an inline 115 Merc and that sure isn't as strong as that bad boy, it was fine.

[McGillicuddy]

I certainly wouldn't call it under powered. I think its a super combo! Great hole-shot with the right prop and get you probably close to 4 mpg at 27 mph cruise and about 40 mph wot.

[Bushwacker]

and get you probably close to 4 mpg at 27 mph . . . cruise and about 40 mph wot.

Hey Gillie, since I averaged 4.3 mpg on my recent 700 mile trip with my 150 pushing a fairly heavy load and big bimini top, I think a 115 E-Tec on an 18 would easily exceed 5 mpg. Optimum cruise was about 2750/ 27-28 mph at about 37% throttle per the I-Command gage. I easily average 5 mpg on local trips with relatively light loads. With 50% less displacement, I'm thinking 6 mpg average might even be possible with a 115! Denny

[McGillicuddy]

That's great info Denny, I wish they'd make that 115 about 50 lbs lighter.

[Bushwacker]

Amen to that! Too bad it doesn't weigh 325 lbs like the "115" (90 hp @ prop) I bought new in 1975 when I bought the boat! The boat rode great with a motor that light! I think folks today are forgetting that 175+ hp outboards DIDN'T EXIST when these boats were designed! Today, a 20' boat with less than 150 hp is considered to be "underpowered", because most new 20' boats are much heavier and less efficient than an old SeaCraft! Denny

[mnwnvc]

I am currently getting 41 mph from an Opti mounted on a SC 20 cc. You should be fine.

[jtnole02]

Is the Opti a 115hp?

[mnwnvc]

Salty Dog

Sorry, yes the Opti is a 115.