---

So I finally did it, bought a 1988 Boston Whaler outrage 18'. Needs work, bow eye needs some tweaking, new port and starboard navigation lights, needs a new engine.

The engine is where I am a bit concerned. Wondering if any one had some input on size and weight of a engine, that works well for this vessel. I was thinking of a 115 4 stroke, maybe Yamaha, but some people have suggested maybe stepping up to a 150.

---

where are you located?

---

Tampa Florida

---

I just bought a 1989 Outrage 18 this year an plan on putting either a Etec 115 or a Tohatsu 115 on it this spring. Un less you intend on bringing 4-6 people with you all the time I think the 115 will be fine. Some on this site report speeds of around 38 mph with a 115. Let us know what you buy and what performance you get and let see some photo's. Mine is all covered for the winter. Wish I was in Florida.

---

I'm in Jacksonville, Fl. I put a 140 Suzuki 4 stroke on my 1986 18 Outrage.

---

I have a 115 4 stroke Yamaha on my 1985 18 Outrage. It is model year 2000 and was installed as a new motor in 2004. I am very satisfied with the boat and motor. I took off the 13 1/4 x 17 alum prop. that came with the motor, and installed 13 1/2 x 17 Ballistic stainless, made by Michigan wheel #335931.

Two comments about the overall set up. I have never felt the need for more HP motor.
I would not want any more weight than what I have on the transom. The motor starts like a car, and I change lower fluid, oil and filter, plugs annually. Probably would need to increase that service schedule if I lived South like you.

---

I have a Suzuki DF140A on mine and am super happy with it. It replaced an old 150 V6.

I'm a fan of "lighter is better", particularly for open water use.

This is always a passionate discussion around here, so the best advice I can suggest, would be to try to get a ride in one with a 150 2-stroke, as well as one with a 115 four stroke, to get an idea of how much power will make you happy.

---

I am of the "more power is better" school - you don't always have to go flat out, but it's there when you need it! And with a modern motor you give up almost nothing in fuel consumption.

With that, if it were me, I'd be going with the eTec 150HO. 150+ ponies, only a few pounds more than the 115s.

Tim

---

The weight of the 150 H.O. seems to be wrong on their website.
They show both the 20 inch and 25 inch shaft weighing the same, not possible.

I also see they removed the 115 H.O. and the regular 115 gained a little weight, from 390 to 405 lbs. for the 25 inch shaft model.

http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...ticle_id=6

---

There are plenty of articles and threads to read...all good info....
Choose a horsepower that will satisfy your needs (115-150 HP)....Max HP or as close to it as possible is good advise.
I would be less concerned with weight, but it is something to think about.
If you are considering new motors, all the manufacturers make a good product these days. With that being said, pick a brand that is well represented in your area so that service is not an issue. In Tampa Bay: Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki are well represented. Honda, Evinrude, and Tohatsu appear to be less represented.

My boat is same hull as classic 18....I also decided to go with the Suzuki DF 140. Suzuki makes a good product, very popular in the area for repower, often offer cash rebate, 6 years of warranty, and good price.....I am very happy with my decision.

I also like the new mercury 150 4 stroke....

---

My 1986 Outrage has had three motors on her transom. The first was a 1980's era Merc 150 which was light and powerful. Great motor.

Then I mounted a 2006 Yamaha F150. Nice motor, and the boat performed well with it (50 mph top end), but much too heavy for the boat IMO. It also looked huge on the transom - out of proportion to the boat. It changed the static trim of the boat a lot, which always bothered me.

A few years later I bought a new leftover 2008 Yamaha 150 2 stroke V6 and replaced the F150, which I moved to another boat. Now all is well. Top end around 50, lots of power all through the range, perfect static trim.

So my advice is to stay away from the F150. Go with a lighter motor. It is a light hull, so you probably will be fine with a 115.

Grizzly

---

I have a 2014 Evinrude 150 on my 1983 Outrage 18. It is a great combination across the board in my opinion

I have it mounted all the way up with a 14.75x17 stainless Viper prop. Performance is great across the full operating range with a top speed around 50mph in ideal conditions. The Etec is a powerhouse and pulls strong even with a full load of people on board and 60 gallons of fuel.

We also cruise all day around 2800-3700 RPM with excellent economy. I also enjoy the low speed trolling capabilities of the Etec. Coming from a 1989 100hp V4 on my prior whaler this is a welcome change

Ed

---

I will sometimes be going offshore 15-20+ miles and if I have to come back against a strong offshore wind I want as little weight on the stern as possible to allow a slower planning speed. And I will also have a 8hp Tohatsu trolling motor. The 1989 Outrage 18 with a 405 lb 115 plus a 60lb 8hp kicker will be at least as heavy as any 150.
As reliable as the new motors are there always the possibility of taking out twin engines by hitting a log or other debris. Thats why a good kicker is a good idea for those who venture far away or a night.

---

When I had my old 390# V6, plus 60# battery and oil tank in the splash well, my boat handled wonderfully. When we added a 100# yamaha 9.9 Kicker for fishing trips, handling was noticeably worse, especially in sloppy water. This is why I'm on the lighter is better bandwagon.

---

1987 18!outrage
Bought it motor less
Local boston whaler dealer had just
Taken in two 1999 yamaha 130's
30 yr whaler dealer and said
Perfect engine for the boat-just an
FYI re price for comparison
Paid $3700 installed
Engine like new -serviced annually
And full one yr warranty
Had that same engine on previously owned
18 and was perfect
Had a 150 on 20' outrage and was more
Than adequate
Whlr13