F200/F175 or smaller?

[verch]

Thanks Bushwacker for all of your input. You certainly raise valid points. I've read through several of your posts as well as other postings on the topic of horsepower/weight issues. I know that without a doubt the small engine is the ticket for the east coast where you see blue water often. The truth is though that I may only see blue water in the gulf once or twice a year and that would only to be to run to the rip or the closest oil rig on a super clear day in the summer. I live about 2 hours form the coast and 95% of the use of this boat will be for pleasure ridding in the bayous and lakes and fishing inshore along the coast. My old Yami 115 weighed 140lbs and the scuppers were fine. I see guys with Yami 150's on these all the time and they are constantly posting about "why cant I get over 40 mph". The Yami 150 weighs the same as the new F200 so I was hoping to hear from some folks like Cayaman who have the F200 or similar engines. Trust me, I know what your saying about lighter is better. I grew up ridding the old 2 stroke dirt bikes that you could easily throw around and now I hate the new heavy four strokes. That would be an easy decision for me but I know how to rebuild those and it isn't nearly the investment of a new outboard. I know that if I cant cruise at least 35 mph in the RPM sweet spot "4-6 gph" I wont be happy with the boat for the long haul. I love the Seacrafts and I knew I was going to be challenged to get new boat options in an older boat but her curves were just too sexy to pass up. So here I am. At a fork in the road.