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my boat has a mercury 200 hp with some yet to be determined problem. The place doing the work is trying to first repair the top bearings (or something like that, I am not wise on motors), but if it doesn't fix it, he says a new motor may be a better option than a more extensive repair of the original mercury. He sells mercury and yamaha, and says they are fairly comparable, and all things being equal, the mercury is made in wisconsin so he prefers it. He also believes a 150 will do. I'm curious if 150 is the right hp, or if it should be greater (and would that then be too heavy), and if there is much difference between a new mercury or yamaha. Any advice is welcomed. Thanks, Jay

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I assume that your talking about a 1999 21 Outrage? If that is the case, the power requirements are Min-135HP and Max- 250HP. You currently have a 200HP and I am not sure I would go lower than that, depending on how you run the boat, the number of friends along and the gear your carrying. If you run fully loaded including 125Gal of fuel your going to want all the HP you can get. The 150HP might push the boat, but will work really hard doing it.

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Remember, this about you and not about the dealer.

I would get a full and detailed quote from two separate dealers for each motor you are considering.

The bid should include a list of every item, gauge, harness etc with individual prices. Labor for install should be broken out to.

I would consider all brands.

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Thanks, all good advice. It's a 20' "limited edition" that is a left over 1998 model. Not sure if that changes the hp range.

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Whatever you do, don't go smaller with the HP.

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One of my concerns with keeping it 200hp (I thought that was the limit on the 20') was the extra weight of a four stroke 200 vs a two stroke. Engine weight seemed to be a big deal when I was looking into repowering an older 17' montauk, but I instead bought this boat and apparently will get the pleasure of repowering it a bit sooner than expected. Sounds like the weight difference may not be much of an issue with a boat of this size? Thanks

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1998 20' Outrage has a motor rating of:
Max = 225hp
Min = 130hp

I wouldn't go any less than 200hp like you have now....

See this Current Engine Choice and Weight for 22' models we have in our "Articles" section. This list shows the weights of the 200 and 225hp motors you can choose from...
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=30

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The Outrage is an entirely different hull style than the Montauk. The weight difference will not be that big of a deal between the two and four stroke. In other words, you won't notice that it is stern heavy. Where do you use the boat mostly?

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Bay St Louis, a few rivers nearby, and the Gulf. It's new to me so that's my best guess!

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If you are going out of Fourchon or Grand Isle mostly you might not be as concerned about fuel consumption. If you are primarily going out of Venice (making offshore runs after the river) more often than not than you might be better off with the 4 strokes or an E-tec for the better economy.

I have a 1999 Optimax 200 that I am currently changing the plugs on for the first time. Granted it only has 350 hrs on it. Gas doesn't seem to be getting much cheaper. When (hopefully not too soon) I do repower it will be a 4 stroke or 2.

P.S. I grew up in Baton Rouge

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Thanks Chris. I'm not going to be doing much serious fishing, at least I don't think so. This boat will live in Bay St Louis and be mostly used there and to get out to a few closer islands (Cat and Ship). Our young kids will be in it sometimes too, thus the interest in are liable motor. I just bought it and hope it can be repaired, but I plan to repower in the next few years if not now. BR is nice, we need expats to move back!

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Does anyone have any ideas on what you are saying here????????

I sure don't..............

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I don't agree..........
That would depend heavily on which 4 stroke a person chooses......

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Sorry, Chris said he grew up in Baton Rouge ("BR"), thus the comment on moving back (I live in BR). As to weight, I need to go visit my boat to see the hp range and figure out how much of a weight increase a 4 stroke would cause. I trust the guy working on it, but it isn't something I want to get wrong, as I only want to repower this thing one time. Thanks

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As I mentioned in post #7, 200hp is the minimum anyone should choose....

Unless you want a dog....... and spend more money on fuel trying to keep it up to speed.....

A smaller engine does not give better fuel milage.........

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Thanks Joe. I somehow missed your post #7 (a good reason to not use my phone to do this) and it answered my questions. I also just found the disable smiley button, which I will keep on, as I somehow kept putting them in by mistake.

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I have the same hull as your except mine is a Justice so its heavier. I have a 225 optimax that feels like it fits the boat just right. Cruises at 27knts at 3.8mpg and tops out at 47knts.
There is one for sale in Houston that has a 175 etec on it. He says it tops out around 42mph. So 36knts or so. That's way to slow in my opinion.
I think jo is right on. Don't go under 200hp.

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I have been to Cat and ship many times. I agree with you on doing it right one time. Wonderful times! I am very happy with my current Mercury. Extremely reliable so far. I also have to remember to be very specific on here. I always stick with Whaler's recommendation.

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I have a 1998 outrage 20. I believe max HP is 200 on this hull. My boat has a 200 Yamaha and I agree put another 200 on it. Shop around for best price.