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

jtnole02 · #1 07-13-2010, 11:22 PM

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 · #2 07-14-2010, 12:39 AM

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 · #3 07-14-2010, 01:02 AM

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

McGillicuddy · #4 07-14-2010, 02:28 AM

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 · #5 07-14-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

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 · #6 07-14-2010, 11:11 AM

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

Bushwacker · #7 07-14-2010, 01:14 PM

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 · #8 07-14-2010, 05:48 PM

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

jtnole02 · #9 07-14-2010, 06:02 PM

Is the Opti a 115hp?

mnwnvc · #10 07-15-2010, 04:56 PM

Salty Dog

Sorry, yes the Opti is a 115.