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Long time listener first time caller.

I'm refurbishing a 1981 18 Outrage this winter. New fuel tank is installed, new plywood floor is complete, bought a new leaning post/livewell from an 18 Parker, bought the mahogany for the gunwells, and am close to painting and assembly.

I don't want to get into an engine debate. I know the Etec is probably a better option for weight purposes but I'm going to use a dealer who I've used for years and is a Yamaha dealer. Going to put either a leftover F150XA or maybe I wait for the new F150XB. Ran a 33 Grady with the new electronic controls and they are great. Just don't know if they justify the price but am still undecided.

As the 4 stroke is pretty heavy at around 490 lbs I will move the batteries to the console and have no plans for a kicker motor.

While this thread has probably be posted before any information would be helpful on prop pitch for a 150 hp on an 18 Outrage. My current thoughts are between 18-19" pitch. I would like to reach 50 mph purely from an ego standpoint but don't want to sacrifice too much on the low end as I may occasionally use it for skiing/tubing.

I did see someone had a V-Max with an 19" pitch prop. Not sure how much of a difference in power between the VMax and the standard 150.

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The shop hanging the motor should put the correct prop on it using a couple of test runs to make sure the engine runs at the correct RPM at full throttle. Ask your shop about this.

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There are several factors for propeller advice:

Hull factor (model of whaler)
Engine hp and WOT RPM
Engine gear ratio
Mounting height
Typical load and activity.

There is no standard prop with outboard motors.

Dealers almost always mount the motor too low and do not give the best prop advice. Often customers remount the engine themselves and purchase a new prop a year later.

What is the typical use for the boat?
Need high speed?
Ocean or lake/river?
Typical load of gear and passengers?

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X2

At the price you'll pay that engine, you could require a clause of prop exchange until you find the right setup.

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This would primarily be a fishing boat. However, the ego would like to hit 50 mph. Occasional use as the ski/tubing boat, maybe 3-4 times a season. As I'm completely redoing the boat my first thought it get a dry weight prior to engine install. This might help provide some insight. Seems that most 18/19 Outrages are running 18"-19" props.

I'm also going back and forth between dealer install and installing myself. Thankfully I have a friend who has the shop equipment necessary to hang a motor. While the dealership I deal with does great work they are charging $2k for motor install and personally I think I can do a better job myself.

Thanks for all the input. Next step is creating a personal page to show the build!

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I know you have mentioned Yamaha preference, but if you are going to install yourself, you REALLY should look at the more powerful Mercury 3.0 liter 150 4-stroke. These guys will ship you one for $10,070, sales tax free and for about $250 in shipping costs. You won't beat the total cost to you anywhere.

Recently someone here reported over 50 MPH with one of these engines on an Outrage 18.

And if you want an all out screamer, look at the 150 PRO XS Optimax (about 175HP at the [prop), for only $10,223.

http://www.jacosmarine.com/mercuryeng.../index.cfm

Someone here recently repowered an Outrage 25 with a pair of these 150's from this place.

I have bought both an engine and several Mercury props from them. I have no interest in the operation whatsoever, just a previous customer who appreciates their low pricing.

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Please be careful with generalized statements. Something a bit more specific would be more accurate.

Typically Boston Whaler Outrage 18 and Outrage 19 models have 150 hp Mercury and Evinrude motors that with a gear ratios of (XX?) results in a 18 or 19 pitch prop from (ZZZ company) being appropriate.

FWIW - I recall Honda 150 and Suzuki 150 4 stroke outboards on Outrage 18/19 prefer 20-24 pitch OEM props.