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I am currently looking to repower my dual console Ventura 18' (either 1999 or 2000). It had an Evinrude Ficht 150hp which was more than enough for pulling skiers and getting up on plane with a boat full. I'm looking at a Mercury 125 Optimax. What are your opinions on whether this is enough engine for pulling a 200+ pound slalom skier? Anybody run this engine on an older Ventura or Dauntless? I talked to a BW dealer and he thought a 115 hp 4 stroke would be underpowered for skiing. Thanks in advance for any help.

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Try and go with the rated max. hp if you can swing it. You can always throttle back but, you can't go any more if the throttle is pegged. The E-tec 150 hp is a sweet engine easy on fuel and much lighter than a 4 stroke, IMO.

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Pen -

Welcome to WhalerCentral.

Is there a specific reason why you are considering a 125 hp motor versus a 150?

Is the Optimax a new motor (2nd Generation) or previously owned.

Since you have an Envinrude controls and gauges, have you considered the ETEC?

What brands have good service dealers near you?

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Take a look at this chart for reference of weights.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...ticle_id=6

The Ventura 18' (1999 or 2000) is a heavier hull than the earlier hulls.
I would also suggest staying with the 150hp....

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I have two props for both of my boats. One for cruising and one for skiing. That might help you.

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Thanks for the replies guys-

Whalerman-
My concerns re: the 150 are weight and price (see below). Also, I'm more concerned with getting skiers up (hole shot) rather than top end. The old engine had plenty of top end speed, here on the lake it was rarely needed (but it was used anyway!)

Phil T-
Reason for looking at 125hp? 2 reasons- weight and price. The old engine was (I believe) 405 lbs. and the scuppers were 1/2 underwater, which I was never a fan of since the boat sits at the dock unattended. The 125 Merc is 375 lbs. Both the 150 and 130 'rudes are 405 lbs or more. I am also looking at a Merc 150 but it weighs 431 lbs. Price? The Merc 125 is over 2K cheaper than an evinrude 130, 2.5K to 3.5K cheaper than an evinrude 150.

Yes the Merc engine is new (all I'm looking at)

The local dealer is unsure how much old OMC ficht gear can be used, I know a new shifter is needed.

Here in midcoast Maine I pretty much have all brands within trailering distance, yammy, evinrude, merc, honda, all have reasonable reputations.

Joe- Thanks for the reference material.

How much difference do you think the weight (375 versus 427 for the Etec 150) would make on the stern?

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Pen -

To see what the 427 lbs would feel like, drop 20 lbs of pet food, sand, etc in the stern as far back as possible and look at the trim.

I assume the battery is in the stern? Have you considered moving it forward to offset the stern weight?

Getting back to the amount of hp for skiing, the prop selected will play a part in ability to ski and a full load. I personally don't think 25 hp will make much difference.

In looking at the Mercury site, I note the weight listed is dry. With fluids and a prop, I would expect it to be 400. I also see this is a new model using the 1.5L design.

When comparing prices, include the engine plus the rigging and controls costs.

P.S. I heard the sun will reappear.... someday!

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My 1985 Evinrude 150 weighs in at 386 pounds.
I also have an 8hp kicker that weighs in at 58 pounds.

So I have a total of 444 pounds on my transom and I have the older style hull.

You shouldn't have any problems with the 427 pounds on the back of your transom.
All other new 150 engines weigh more than the E-Tec

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If you are not too concerned about top speed, ask the Merc dealer if he would sell you the 125 Optimax with a 90hp Optimax lower unit.
The gear ratio used in the 90hp is more favorable to low end grunt.
I am also considering re-powering my 1998 Ventura as it doesn't need the weight or power of my current 1997 200 DFI Merc. It is VERY fast....but my lifestyle is changing and I am now more into lazy cruising and the occasional kneeboard run.....and frankly, I think a 125 Optimax would be fine. Also like the idea of not needing the 3 gallon oil tank in the boat.
I might also ditch the dual batteries to save weight.......and, I never put more than about 25 gallons of fuel in the boat because I just don't want the extra weight and I cruise around close to home and rarely need the range of a full tank.
By the way, my max speed on gps has been 57 mph with a 21 pitch Tempest Plus @ 5200 RPM
Currently running a 19 Pitch HighFive @ 53 mph up against the rev limiter. The HighFive is very smooth and comes out of the hole quickly. I'm two holes up on the transom.

Going to be quite a step back in performance if I drop to a 3 cylinder Optimax.....but I will sure save alot on gas!!

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The 125 to 130 hp engine should work fine for you, 2 strokes are alot lighter, by the way Merc. is comming out with two new 2strokes; the 115 and a 150 hp. As Phil said props make a BIG differance in what you're doing. Going smaller engine doesn't always mean that you'll be saving fuel, sometimes quite the differance, more loading of the engine. Keep us posted as to what you decide as it will help others in the future. Going out for a ride, the afternoon is just too nice!!!!!

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I just repowered an 18 Outrage with a 2 stroke 150 from a 2 stroke 115. The difference in hole shot is huge and I don't find myself running at WOT to do 40 on a smooth day any more. Now I'm cruising at 35 to 40 and using less gas at those speeds and not dragging skiers until they are weak.

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Some very valid points regarding fuel consumption and bottom end power.
for example, when I slalom ski, the previous 135hp Optimax generally was at about 3800-4000 RPM. With the 3.0 litre 200 DFI, I can ski at the same speed, but only requires about 3000-3200 rpm.
The fuel economy works out about the same when I am skiing because the 200hp is not working very hard. If you are going to be pulling tubes or slalom skiers frequently then I agree that more displacement and horsepower is important.
But for just slow cruising on plane I think a 125-130 would be adequate, at least with a 2 stroke.

I am anxious to hear about any new Merc 2 strokes other than just dolled up versions of existing engines such as the 115 ProXS and the 125 Optimax.
I'd like to see expansion of the Optimax line in both directions...smaller as well as larger hp. A 40, 50, 60 Optimax would be very nice!
The 3 cylinder Optimax is probably my favorite engine at the moment.

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Well- dropped the dime on the 125 opti. It will take a few weeks for delivery and rigging. I'll get back to you with some impressions after we dump it in the lake. Thanks for the comments.

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Great! Please do keep us posted after you get her broken in!