Repowering

[Bushwacker]

I've had zero problems with my 150 in over 200 hrs/3 years of service. Just recently bought my 3rd gallon of XD100 full synthetic oil, so I think I've used less oil than if I had a 4 stroke! Local dealer sells it in bulk for 35-40 $/gal. He also sells Yamaha and Honda, and says he's had fewer problems with the E-Tec's than either of the other two.

The 150 has tons of mid-range torque; 175 is same block with a bit more "tuning" so it probably has a little stronger top end. The 2008 brochure showed the 150 HP curve peaking at about 5000 (@ 165 hp!), and mine does seem pretty flat over about 5200; I tried a SS Powertech 4B 15 x 17p prop with heavy load and it only turned 5200. Dropped down to a 15x15 expecting to pick up about 400 rpm but only picked up about 200. I suspect the drag on a large diameter 4B prop goes up pretty fast at higher RPM so that might be part of the problem. I have a 14x18p aluminum 4B Michigan prop that will turn 5600 with no problem, so I should probably try one of the smaller diameter BRP 4B props. Could probably run the 17" prop if I had a 175, but I seldom run over about 4000. I mainly wanted the strong mid-range torque for heavy loads and heavy seas, and the 150 with the 15x15 prop has that in spades!