2002 210 Outrage Re-power

[Sailor Whaler]

[A 2002 Boston Whaler 210 OUTRAGE boat] has its original 2002 150-HP outboard engine. It's time for re-power. [I] would like to know what others have chosen as a replacement engine, especially the horsepower. The original maximum power rating [for a 2002 Boston Whaler 210 OUTRAGE boat] was 200-HP, but have others gone with higher? Has anyone re-powered an 2002 Outrage 210 with more than the originally tagged 200-HP maximum? If so, with what? How does the boat ride and perform? I can also use feedback from those who've gone with a 200-HP re-power on performance.

I am not looking to kill the boat or go racing, but I know [the 2002 Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 21 boat] will be happier with more power. The current 220 Outrage model has options offered for very large V6 high-horsepower engines. Perhaps there's a huge difference in the current model and the 2002.

[fno]

Sailor, mine is a 2005 model. At the dealer the boat had an Optimax 175 and was underpowered in my opinion. I asked about a larger engine and a 225 hp Fourstroke Mercury was suggested. I went ahead with it and have not looked back even though the engine only really produces 208 hp. A wiser friend than I suggested when I questioned what he would repower my boat with suggested a 300 hp Optimax XS with 100 more hp and 100 less pounds. I have yet to do that as the Mercury Fourstroke is still performing admirably.

[mkelly]

I have heard exceptional things about these 21-foot Outrage models, mostly their performance in seas. As for the horsepower, I don't know why Whaler can not figure out that [200-HP] is not enough horsepower (or perhaps the Coast Guard), nor why the 21' Outrage predecessor to this model (say from 1992-1996, admirable boat) was rated at 300-HP. Makes no sense, therefore I would go you own route. The decision is too big to be forced into by bad calculations. Go with a 250 E-TEC or Yamaha. Plenty of horsepower, and either engine will take care of you at the pump. The Yamaha weighs about 30-lbs more which is completely negligible, and can even be offset a bit by no oil reservoir in the back with the Yamaha. I personally really the want the 1992 to 1996 21 Outrage model with a 250 or 300 Yamaha. That would make my day.

[Jefecinco]

I would not let a horsepower rating hold me back from re-powering a Boston Whaler with the engine I wanted. I do think the maximum rated engine weight should be followed, plus perhaps ten percent.

Classic Whalers were probably rated for a weight that met the designer's criteria. The engines meeting that maximum criteria were probably the maximum rated horsepower for the hull. Current era maximum horsepower ratings are mostly derived from what is available from Mercury Marine during the boat production year. We know that as Verado power ratings increased the maximum power rating increased to match. This tells me that Brunswick uses maximum power ratings as marketing tools rather than basing the rating on USCG criteria.

[jimh]

I don't believe there is any federal requirement for a rating for horsepower for hulls over 20-feet. See

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ratedHP.html

Just because Boston Whaler as a manufacturer rated a hull longer than 20-feet at a particular horsepower does not mean there is any federal regulation preventing you from using more. There may be a state law about it, so check your state boating laws. If they don't demand compliance with the a factory rating on boats longer than 20-feet, you may have nothing to worry about.

[Sailor Whaler]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my inquires. I truly appreciate the good information, especially in CFR info and their formula. At this point I'm leaning toward a 250 Yamaha four stroke. Still researching the overall aspects of what the boat with carry without trouble and whether to go with the older, heavier, proven 3.3 liter or the newer, lighter sleeveless 4.2 throwaway model. One trusted mech says 3.3 and one says 4.2. The latter says bump the warranty to six years, enjoy and just save money along the way in case there's a problem beyond the warranty period. Then there's the question of their bass boat targeted V-Max line which are, by a few pounds, lighter than the standard 4.2 family (25" shaft). Decisions, decisions.

[flymo]

Sailor, I own a 3.3L F200 and we've had 10 great years with it. Despite that experience, I would not even think about getting one today - 4.2L all the way. There is no substitute for cubic inches, which is especially important if you want a 250 - do you really want a smaller displacement motor, tuned to its maximum output? Do you really want a 15-year-old design? Do you really want a motor where you have to pull the exhaust manifold to change the thermostats?

I like my F200, and expect it to run many more years, but I'd never buy a new one today.

Tim

[Dutchman]

Based on capacity plates, weight is/should be the law and HP or persons are a guideline. Base your OB on what motor weight your boat can handle on the transom.
If my little boat says it can handle 6 persons and 300lbs OB & equipment it could feasibly see 2,000 to 2,200 lbs (based on my weight) Of coarse my whaler can handle that, because it is a Boston Whaler but my capacity plate says different.
But I do believe they meant 6 x 150 lbs + 300 + 200 (persons, motor, equipment) = 1,400 lbs. which is a hell of a difference, hence get the max HP based on acceptable engine weight to push the boat and that possible heavier load.