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Author Topic:   OUTRAGE 18, E-TEC 130-HP

18AGAIN posted 11-28-2010 03:41 PM ET (US)
[The author begins by telling use that he] had a good first summer with [his recently purchased used Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 18--at least that is what I think he meant, as he invented some sort of acronym for the model], putting on some 400 miles. [The author says he has] decided to re-power with the E-TEC 130-HP. [The author is] looking for any comments from those that have [re-powered a Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 18 with an E-TEC 130-HP engine]. [What] could have been done differently? [What] propeller you are using? [What] mounting hole [was] used? I have a little time to prepare as [the Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 18] is in the barn until March. Thanks Ted
Buckda posted 11-30-2010 10:03 AM ET (US)
I don't own a 130 HP E-TEC or an 18' Outrage anymore, but I've ridden aboard an 18' Outrage with a classic 130 HP Yamaha.
I'd consider the 130 HP to be the minimum satisfactory power for this hull.
On the plus side, it gives you economical operation and moderate speed, which is fine if you boat in the ocean or typically troll, etc.
However, it will be marginal power when you're fully loaded with passengers or gear, and it may affect resale at a time when there are many, many boats on the market competing with yours for sale. 18's with 150's fetch more money, all else being equal.
I recommend that you make satisfactory propeller selection (and the loaner props with which to make that selection) a condition of your purchase with the engine dealer. Most dealers will be happy to allow you to test several props during the proofing/test phase after the install. Be sure you have a full tank of gas and at least three props to try.
Good luck - sounds like it will be a nice rig when you're done.
Dave
18AGAIN posted 11-30-2010 10:18 AM ET (US)
Thanks for the comments Dave. We have talked before as I used to post under "gyzmo47", that was when I had the 15 and was looking for direction while hunting for the 18. I trolled a lot of hours on Lake Huron this summer using a kicker as the 1998 115 Evinrude could not go slow enough. I am with the coast guard auxilary here and used the boat on a couple occasions and found the 115 to be adequate for towing but I would like to run with one engine so hoping the ETEC will fill the bill. I thought there might be more members that had the 130 mounted on 18 outrages.
prj posted 11-30-2010 10:47 AM ET (US)
No one on this website has reported repowering an Outrage-18 with an ETEC 130 and provided any sort of analysis or performance data.
I have an Outrage-18 with a 1989 Yamaha 130 HP. This engine has nearly identical specifications to the ETEC 130 and comparisons between the two may be helpful. My performance report can be found here:
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/004843.html
Note that this 130 seems to achieve the same WOT speed as most 150 HP engines as reported here, about 45 MPH. I'm chiseled and aerodynamic, perhaps this narrow windage boosts my top end : )
I mainly travel lean with one or two passengers/fellow fishermen and seldom with a full 63 gallons of gas (200 mile range or so?). Once a year, when island boat camping with my family for several days, I feel like an additional 20 HP and 2 cylinders would be beneficial. Once a year is all though.
Were I to repower today, I'd look at the ETEC 130 and 150, comparing price out the door, before making a decision. My guess is, I'd select the 130 due to my complete and thorough satisfaction with the current engine's performance.
elaelap posted 11-30-2010 11:22 AM ET (US)
I've got to disagree with Dave/buckda's comments regarding resale with a motor less than 150 hp on a classic Outrage 18.
I sold my 1988 Outrage 18 about five years ago with a Yamaha F115 (four cycle EFI), boat probably in '8+' condition, no canvas and very sketchy electronics, good dual axel galvanized trailer (without brakes), for $15K essentially the first day I advertised it on the CW Marketplace forum. My motor was in great shape but had a substantial number of hours for a 2 1/2 year old outboard -- 760 -- and I still got half-a-dozen serious calls and emails the day I posted the ad. One guy asked to be placed on the waiting list and said if the first potential buyer didn't grab old 'Cetaceous,' he'd fly down from Canada in his private plane to check her out. The first potential buyer to contact me got her, BTW.
Different economy back then, I realize, but I'm convinced that many potential buyers realize that classic Whalers don't necessarily need to have maximum power -- or, as in Dave's case, overpowered by 30 horses ;-)
Tony
P.S. I still miss that boat, and while I love my current Montauk, I believe that the 'eighties Outrage 18s are the finest skiffs ever made. Enjoy yours, Ted!
Peter posted 11-30-2010 11:22 AM ET (US)
An E-TEC 130 will use the same propeller pitch that an E-TEC 150 uses. The reason is that the 130 turns the propeller through a 2.25:1 gear ratio whereas the 150 turns the propeller through a 1.86:1 ratio. Typically, the ideal propeller pitch will fall in the range of 17 to 19 inches depending on the maker.
Peter posted 11-30-2010 11:36 AM ET (US)
Yeah Tony, except that if it had a 150 on the transom, it would have fetched $18K. ;) My experience has been that if the Whaler is priced right for the market, the first person to come see it will usually buy it.
Other than the top speed, the significant differences between running a 115 or 130 and a 150 on an Outrage 18 will be throttle responsiveness and noise at cruise. A 115 will typically turn at least 500 RPM higher than a comparable 150 at the same typical cruise speed, say 25 to 30 MPH. The higher RPM at cruise translates into higher engine noise. Fuel burn differences at cruise are minimal, maybe 1/2 GPH with today's modern fuel efficient motors.
For me, as an owner of two Outrage 18s over the last 18 years, the first powered by a V6 150 and the second powered by V4 140 and then repowered with V6 150, I prefer going with the maximum HP which means that the engine will turn slower at cruise and that translates to an engine that is running quieter. I find that an engine that doesn't sound stressed out while running at cruise makes for a more relaxing cruise.
prj posted 11-30-2010 09:05 PM ET (US)
If you're repowering a 25 year old boat with $10-14,000 worth of engine and gear, I don't think you should put resale high on your priority list. That might be considered penny wise and pound foolish.
I've got to assume use and enjoyment top the list and you don't intend to sell the boat in the foreseeable future. Additionally, boat condition will always be the determining factor in the resale of our favorite vessels from that era.
I think you should repower with that lovely ETEC 130 in white and post detailed cost and performance reports, as well as photos, for my consideration : )
jimh posted 12-01-2010 09:13 AM ET (US)
The initial article framed a question with restrictions on reply that were too limited. As pointed out, and to the best of my recollection, no one appears to have set up an OUTRAGE 18 with the precise E-TEC 130-HP motor, leaving no one to be able to reply with first-hand information.
I would approach the decision about 130-HP versus 150-HP this way: compare the cost of using the V4 E-TEC 130-HP motor to the cost of using the V6 E-TEC 150-HP motor. The only difference should be in the price of the motor. The other accessories, rigging, oil tanks, gauges, and so on, should be identical. The difference in MSRP between the motors is
E130DPXIS = $10,835
E150DPXIS = $12,710
Difference = $1,875
Just working with the MSRP figures, the increment in cost for the larger motor is a 17-percent increase. This is a significant bump in price. One would have to consider what benefit there is in the larger motor.
Having driven an Outrage 18 with a 135-HP Yamaha V6, I recall the boat seemed very responsive. I don't think you'd be lacking too much with 130-HP, unless, as Dave comments, you load the boat down with a ton of gear and people.
Peter posted 12-01-2010 09:28 AM ET (US)
The advantage of the 150 over the 130 is the 150 E-TEC pulls 150 HP out of a 2.6L displacement whereas the 130 squeezes 130 HP out of a 1.7L displacement.
A 130 E-TEC versus 150 E-TEC decision is analogus to the decision whether to buy the same SUV with the standard V6 or the V8 option. The V8 powered SUV will be far more pleasing to drive. Fuel economy will only be marginally worse. It will have greater load carrying capacity.
If the boat is used 90 percent of the time to troll for fish, then the 130 would be preferred. If the boat is intended to have all around versatility (fish, pull water toys, cruise) then the 150 is the better way to go. As far as resale, the 150 is the better way to go because the boat will be appealing to a wider group of potential buyers due to the expanded versatility.
Tohsgib posted 12-01-2010 11:55 AM ET (US)
I get this BS all the time on this site about underpowering. Actually it is ually only a few members who talk it up all the time yet everyone who has ACTUALLY ridden in my boat says my 115 Suzuki is perfect and all the boat needs although rated for 175hp. I was interested in the 130 E-Tec but unfortunately it took a few years for it to be manufactured after the release date. At the time it was $8300 vs $10,400 for the 150 by me.
Keeper posted 12-01-2010 12:27 PM ET (US)
I agree w/ tohsgib. We have a 115 E-Tec on our 1988 18 Outrage and love it. We live in Southern California (don't hate me) and often travel 60 miles offshore to San Clemente Island. I have made that trek dozens of times in my friends 18 Outrage powered by a 2006 Yamaha 150 4-stroke, with an 8 hp kicker. Without a doubt our boats handles SIGNIFICANTLY better due to the reduced weight. His bow rises high in the air more often than not, where ours rides with a much better, and more comfortable attitude.(A big factor when you log 150 miles in a day)
I can count the number of times on 3 fingers we would have been able to use the extra 35 hp to make that channel crossing quicker due to calm seas. That being said, if top-end speed is important to you, and you live in a place where you can achieve it, then by all means hang a 150 on it. If you load heavily, or pull skiers, tubers, wakeboarders, etc. w/ several people on board, then yes, a 150 may be the call. But our 115 works killer, and I can only imagine a 130 E-tec in the same weight would be awesome!
Peter posted 12-01-2010 02:28 PM ET (US)
There is no BS. As I previously stated, the HP difference here is not just about potential top end. The difference is analogous the V6 or V8 option in a midsize SUV. If you don't mind the smaller motor reving higher and being noisier while cruising the highway, the lower towing capacity and a reduced responsiveness in 'round town driving, the V6 model will be a fine. It's ultimately a personal choice. Having driven both and knowing what the boat/car is capable of with the larger motor, I would always choose the V8 option.
You can never go wrong with having the maximum HP on the transom. You don't have to use it but its nice to know its there when you need it.
Buckda posted 12-01-2010 03:04 PM ET (US)
perhaps this should be a new thread, however, I have owned a 15' Sport GLS with 70 HP, and an 18' Outrage with 150, and then 180 HP on the transom.
I currently own a 25' Outrage Cuddy that has only 260 HP on the transom.
I can tell you that I was much happier with the rated max HP than I am with the current, marginal power situation.
However, I often load my boat very heavily for extended cruising - with extra fuel, etc.
On the 25, the hull is happy when the engines are not (working too hard)...and vice versa. That was never a problem on any of my other Boston Whalers.
However, as I said above, the 130 HP seems to be adequate power for the 18' Outrage Hull. I've driven and ridden aboard one with a 130 HP Yamaha, and it seemed to operate just fine.
I also ran nearly 600 miles in the North Channel alongside that same boat in 2004, when I had a 150 HP Black Max on the back of my 18, and the two boats showed very similar fuel economy figures, if I recall correctly.
18AGAIN - I think you'll be happy with the 130 ETEC on Lake Michigan. I hope we get a chance to connect and do some Whalering next summer.
Dave
contender posted 12-01-2010 03:17 PM ET (US)
What is the price difference for a 150/175/200 Evinrude? If they all weight the same. I like to have the power, does not mean I drive wide open all the time, but I have it if need it. The v-6 on the back of your boat would not have to work as hard as the v-4. And it is true about the cruising, you would throttle way back on a v-6 and the ride would be a lot more pleasurable.
The problem on this site is that everyone has their own reasons/opinions for either underpowering the boat or overpowering the boat, so what is the correct answer. The correct answer is what you are happy with, because every time you get in that boat you will look at the engine and ask yourself why.
One thing I can tell you, If you have the power you do not have to use it, but if you do not have the power you are SOL....Think about it...Good luck to you
18AGAIN posted 12-01-2010 04:13 PM ET (US)
Thanks for all the opinions and the personal experiences with various power setups on your 18 outrages. I have been boating for 20 years, except for the past two, on a 30 Sea Ray with a cruise speed of 25 so I am very happy to be slipping along at 30. I will instal the 130 in the spring and do a performance writeup about the installation. My current 115 is mounted as low as it will go so I will start the new instal higher up and will go from there, thanks again and have a good winter.
Dave I boat on Lake Huron directly across from Tawas but some day I will try to make one of the trips or rendezvous.
prj posted 12-02-2010 11:05 AM ET (US)
Awww shucks 18, you prematurely ended what is always a lengthy and spirited discussion with your announcement.
Tohsgib posted 12-02-2010 11:38 AM ET (US)
Contender that is why it is BS. Nobody askes what hp he's replacing, people just jump in saying you'll hate it, it's underpowered, resale will suffer, noise will be higher, etc. with no info under their belt. It depends on what the person wants and needs and can afford. Personally I do not think any boat with a 115 that hits 40 is underpowered when a 150 only fetches 46. If you were to repower and top end was 30 then I would say go for more hp. If everyone wants a V8 and the V8 is better choice all around then why does the V6 Mustang outsell the V8 about 3-4:1? Why does the V6 Tacoma outsell the V8? Why does mercedes sell more V6's than V8's? If it is so inadequate, why did they offer a 300ci inline 6 in the F350 dually and not just make everyone pick the 460?
contender posted 12-02-2010 01:43 PM ET (US)
Some people just want the looks and not the real thing... One of the statements that I think is total stupidity is: "Resale value" I never, never buy something because of resale value. When I purchase something I purchase it for me, and when I sell it if the person does not like it to bad. One statement I came up with when I sold cars (there is an a$$ for every seat) it will sell so I purchase something that I want not something for someone else.... I guess my happiness is more important to me than to worry about the BS....You take care and to each his own...
PS Tohsgib, the Tacoma everyone was looking for a truck with good mileage, The v-8 Mercedes not many people can afford the big benz's, 300 Ford in line one of the best engines made more torque than some v-8's. But to counter your statements you do not see v-6's in the big Ferrari's nor a 4 cylinder in the Turbo Porsche and you see more big Harley's than their small one's. So what is your point? To each their own....take care
Peter posted 12-02-2010 02:37 PM ET (US)
"Why does the V6 Tacoma outsell the V8?" Lower price wouldn't have anything to do with it, would it? Why do they charge more for the V8 than the V6? Because they can, its more desirable. If they offered the V6 and V8 versions for the same price, guaranteed the V8 versions would outsell the V6 versions.
"with no info under their belt" Huh? Whatta ya talking about?
Nobody said the 130 was inadequate. But since the money for a new motor hasn't yet seen daylight, it's a good time to weigh the pros/cons. If you've only run an Outrage 18 with a V4 115/130 it will seem perfect because you have no other basis upon which to judge it. If you've run the boat with a much larger 150, you may still decide the 115/130 is perfect for what you need but at least you have something other than itself to judge that.
If you are only focused on top speed as the difference between two motors of different HP and configurations, then you are looking at the situation with tunnel vision. The recommendations to go with the max HP and a larger engine displacement is not just about top speed.
Like Contender, I never, ever buy anything based on what its resale value might be when I'm done with it. People who paid the high price for the early Yamaha F225s on the basis of resale value are probably regretting that now.
Tadpole posted 12-02-2010 04:43 PM ET (US)
There are a lot of good points here, and I think 18AGAIN has made a thoroughly informed decision. Go for it.
Regarding resale, more than a few of my co-workers – not me – do make purchases of boats/cars/trucks/motorcycles fully intending to trade them for the newest/latest in just a few years; this in itself is not economical, and while resale probably shouldn’t be a key driver in how a new vehicle is equipped, completely ignoring resale would likely be unwise economically too – especially for these people.
Again regarding resale, when I buy used I put condition and maintenance ahead of (boats in this case), maximum allowable power, and with my purchases I’m thoroughly pleased; both my boats are 25% below their maximum hp: the 13’ whaler does just fine with a 30hp Yami – planes 4 adults, and my 21’ Proline walkaround with a 150 Yami has never left me wanting more.
The gas mileage in my v6 Tacoma is not much better than a v8, but the initial cost sure was – “everybody” didn’t buy for mpg. MB v6s make 300 hp these days; any more hp for a street car is really just about bragging rights - unless you’re scofflaw. The inline 6 300 CI ford was torquey, reliable and cheap to build; many loved it so it stayed until technology passed it by. Ferraris are meant to do ONE thing, go fast; of course they all have serious engines. Porsche did make a turbo 4 that is still highly revered, and get ready to see a LOT more 4 cylinders in all states of tune, and making surprising hp. Yes, you see big Harleys on the highway sure, but you see a LOT of entry level 883s and 1200s in more urban areas......The point is, as the saying goes, sometimes, less is more.

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Author	Topic: OUTRAGE 18, E-TEC 130-HP
18AGAIN	posted 11-28-2010 03:41 PM ET (US) [The author begins by telling use that he] had a good first summer with [his recently purchased used Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 18--at least that is what I think he meant, as he invented some sort of acronym for the model], putting on some 400 miles. [The author says he has] decided to re-power with the E-TEC 130-HP. [The author is] looking for any comments from those that have [re-powered a Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 18 with an E-TEC 130-HP engine]. [What] could have been done differently? [What] propeller you are using? [What] mounting hole [was] used? I have a little time to prepare as [the Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 18] is in the barn until March. Thanks Ted
Buckda	posted 11-30-2010 10:03 AM ET (US) I don't own a 130 HP E-TEC or an 18' Outrage anymore, but I've ridden aboard an 18' Outrage with a classic 130 HP Yamaha. I'd consider the 130 HP to be the minimum satisfactory power for this hull. On the plus side, it gives you economical operation and moderate speed, which is fine if you boat in the ocean or typically troll, etc. However, it will be marginal power when you're fully loaded with passengers or gear, and it may affect resale at a time when there are many, many boats on the market competing with yours for sale. 18's with 150's fetch more money, all else being equal. I recommend that you make satisfactory propeller selection (and the loaner props with which to make that selection) a condition of your purchase with the engine dealer. Most dealers will be happy to allow you to test several props during the proofing/test phase after the install. Be sure you have a full tank of gas and at least three props to try. Good luck - sounds like it will be a nice rig when you're done. Dave
18AGAIN	posted 11-30-2010 10:18 AM ET (US) Thanks for the comments Dave. We have talked before as I used to post under "gyzmo47", that was when I had the 15 and was looking for direction while hunting for the 18. I trolled a lot of hours on Lake Huron this summer using a kicker as the 1998 115 Evinrude could not go slow enough. I am with the coast guard auxilary here and used the boat on a couple occasions and found the 115 to be adequate for towing but I would like to run with one engine so hoping the ETEC will fill the bill. I thought there might be more members that had the 130 mounted on 18 outrages.
prj	posted 11-30-2010 10:47 AM ET (US) No one on this website has reported repowering an Outrage-18 with an ETEC 130 and provided any sort of analysis or performance data. I have an Outrage-18 with a 1989 Yamaha 130 HP. This engine has nearly identical specifications to the ETEC 130 and comparisons between the two may be helpful. My performance report can be found here: http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/004843.html Note that this 130 seems to achieve the same WOT speed as most 150 HP engines as reported here, about 45 MPH. I'm chiseled and aerodynamic, perhaps this narrow windage boosts my top end : ) I mainly travel lean with one or two passengers/fellow fishermen and seldom with a full 63 gallons of gas (200 mile range or so?). Once a year, when island boat camping with my family for several days, I feel like an additional 20 HP and 2 cylinders would be beneficial. Once a year is all though. Were I to repower today, I'd look at the ETEC 130 and 150, comparing price out the door, before making a decision. My guess is, I'd select the 130 due to my complete and thorough satisfaction with the current engine's performance.
elaelap	posted 11-30-2010 11:22 AM ET (US) I've got to disagree with Dave/buckda's comments regarding resale with a motor less than 150 hp on a classic Outrage 18. I sold my 1988 Outrage 18 about five years ago with a Yamaha F115 (four cycle EFI), boat probably in '8+' condition, no canvas and very sketchy electronics, good dual axel galvanized trailer (without brakes), for $15K essentially the first day I advertised it on the CW Marketplace forum. My motor was in great shape but had a substantial number of hours for a 2 1/2 year old outboard -- 760 -- and I still got half-a-dozen serious calls and emails the day I posted the ad. One guy asked to be placed on the waiting list and said if the first potential buyer didn't grab old 'Cetaceous,' he'd fly down from Canada in his private plane to check her out. The first potential buyer to contact me got her, BTW. Different economy back then, I realize, but I'm convinced that many potential buyers realize that classic Whalers don't necessarily need to have maximum power -- or, as in Dave's case, overpowered by 30 horses ;-) Tony P.S. I still miss that boat, and while I love my current Montauk, I believe that the 'eighties Outrage 18s are the finest skiffs ever made. Enjoy yours, Ted!
Peter	posted 11-30-2010 11:22 AM ET (US) An E-TEC 130 will use the same propeller pitch that an E-TEC 150 uses. The reason is that the 130 turns the propeller through a 2.25:1 gear ratio whereas the 150 turns the propeller through a 1.86:1 ratio. Typically, the ideal propeller pitch will fall in the range of 17 to 19 inches depending on the maker.
Peter	posted 11-30-2010 11:36 AM ET (US) Yeah Tony, except that if it had a 150 on the transom, it would have fetched $18K. ;) My experience has been that if the Whaler is priced right for the market, the first person to come see it will usually buy it. Other than the top speed, the significant differences between running a 115 or 130 and a 150 on an Outrage 18 will be throttle responsiveness and noise at cruise. A 115 will typically turn at least 500 RPM higher than a comparable 150 at the same typical cruise speed, say 25 to 30 MPH. The higher RPM at cruise translates into higher engine noise. Fuel burn differences at cruise are minimal, maybe 1/2 GPH with today's modern fuel efficient motors. For me, as an owner of two Outrage 18s over the last 18 years, the first powered by a V6 150 and the second powered by V4 140 and then repowered with V6 150, I prefer going with the maximum HP which means that the engine will turn slower at cruise and that translates to an engine that is running quieter. I find that an engine that doesn't sound stressed out while running at cruise makes for a more relaxing cruise.
prj	posted 11-30-2010 09:05 PM ET (US) If you're repowering a 25 year old boat with $10-14,000 worth of engine and gear, I don't think you should put resale high on your priority list. That might be considered penny wise and pound foolish. I've got to assume use and enjoyment top the list and you don't intend to sell the boat in the foreseeable future. Additionally, boat condition will always be the determining factor in the resale of our favorite vessels from that era. I think you should repower with that lovely ETEC 130 in white and post detailed cost and performance reports, as well as photos, for my consideration : )
jimh	posted 12-01-2010 09:13 AM ET (US) The initial article framed a question with restrictions on reply that were too limited. As pointed out, and to the best of my recollection, no one appears to have set up an OUTRAGE 18 with the precise E-TEC 130-HP motor, leaving no one to be able to reply with first-hand information. I would approach the decision about 130-HP versus 150-HP this way: compare the cost of using the V4 E-TEC 130-HP motor to the cost of using the V6 E-TEC 150-HP motor. The only difference should be in the price of the motor. The other accessories, rigging, oil tanks, gauges, and so on, should be identical. The difference in MSRP between the motors is E130DPXIS = $10,835 E150DPXIS = $12,710 Difference = $1,875 Just working with the MSRP figures, the increment in cost for the larger motor is a 17-percent increase. This is a significant bump in price. One would have to consider what benefit there is in the larger motor. Having driven an Outrage 18 with a 135-HP Yamaha V6, I recall the boat seemed very responsive. I don't think you'd be lacking too much with 130-HP, unless, as Dave comments, you load the boat down with a ton of gear and people.
Peter	posted 12-01-2010 09:28 AM ET (US) The advantage of the 150 over the 130 is the 150 E-TEC pulls 150 HP out of a 2.6L displacement whereas the 130 squeezes 130 HP out of a 1.7L displacement. A 130 E-TEC versus 150 E-TEC decision is analogus to the decision whether to buy the same SUV with the standard V6 or the V8 option. The V8 powered SUV will be far more pleasing to drive. Fuel economy will only be marginally worse. It will have greater load carrying capacity. If the boat is used 90 percent of the time to troll for fish, then the 130 would be preferred. If the boat is intended to have all around versatility (fish, pull water toys, cruise) then the 150 is the better way to go. As far as resale, the 150 is the better way to go because the boat will be appealing to a wider group of potential buyers due to the expanded versatility.
Tohsgib	posted 12-01-2010 11:55 AM ET (US) I get this BS all the time on this site about underpowering. Actually it is ually only a few members who talk it up all the time yet everyone who has ACTUALLY ridden in my boat says my 115 Suzuki is perfect and all the boat needs although rated for 175hp. I was interested in the 130 E-Tec but unfortunately it took a few years for it to be manufactured after the release date. At the time it was $8300 vs $10,400 for the 150 by me.
Keeper	posted 12-01-2010 12:27 PM ET (US) I agree w/ tohsgib. We have a 115 E-Tec on our 1988 18 Outrage and love it. We live in Southern California (don't hate me) and often travel 60 miles offshore to San Clemente Island. I have made that trek dozens of times in my friends 18 Outrage powered by a 2006 Yamaha 150 4-stroke, with an 8 hp kicker. Without a doubt our boats handles SIGNIFICANTLY better due to the reduced weight. His bow rises high in the air more often than not, where ours rides with a much better, and more comfortable attitude.(A big factor when you log 150 miles in a day) I can count the number of times on 3 fingers we would have been able to use the extra 35 hp to make that channel crossing quicker due to calm seas. That being said, if top-end speed is important to you, and you live in a place where you can achieve it, then by all means hang a 150 on it. If you load heavily, or pull skiers, tubers, wakeboarders, etc. w/ several people on board, then yes, a 150 may be the call. But our 115 works killer, and I can only imagine a 130 E-tec in the same weight would be awesome!
Peter	posted 12-01-2010 02:28 PM ET (US) There is no BS. As I previously stated, the HP difference here is not just about potential top end. The difference is analogous the V6 or V8 option in a midsize SUV. If you don't mind the smaller motor reving higher and being noisier while cruising the highway, the lower towing capacity and a reduced responsiveness in 'round town driving, the V6 model will be a fine. It's ultimately a personal choice. Having driven both and knowing what the boat/car is capable of with the larger motor, I would always choose the V8 option. You can never go wrong with having the maximum HP on the transom. You don't have to use it but its nice to know its there when you need it.
Buckda	posted 12-01-2010 03:04 PM ET (US) perhaps this should be a new thread, however, I have owned a 15' Sport GLS with 70 HP, and an 18' Outrage with 150, and then 180 HP on the transom. I currently own a 25' Outrage Cuddy that has only 260 HP on the transom. I can tell you that I was much happier with the rated max HP than I am with the current, marginal power situation. However, I often load my boat very heavily for extended cruising - with extra fuel, etc. On the 25, the hull is happy when the engines are not (working too hard)...and vice versa. That was never a problem on any of my other Boston Whalers. However, as I said above, the 130 HP seems to be adequate power for the 18' Outrage Hull. I've driven and ridden aboard one with a 130 HP Yamaha, and it seemed to operate just fine. I also ran nearly 600 miles in the North Channel alongside that same boat in 2004, when I had a 150 HP Black Max on the back of my 18, and the two boats showed very similar fuel economy figures, if I recall correctly. 18AGAIN - I think you'll be happy with the 130 ETEC on Lake Michigan. I hope we get a chance to connect and do some Whalering next summer. Dave
contender	posted 12-01-2010 03:17 PM ET (US) What is the price difference for a 150/175/200 Evinrude? If they all weight the same. I like to have the power, does not mean I drive wide open all the time, but I have it if need it. The v-6 on the back of your boat would not have to work as hard as the v-4. And it is true about the cruising, you would throttle way back on a v-6 and the ride would be a lot more pleasurable. The problem on this site is that everyone has their own reasons/opinions for either underpowering the boat or overpowering the boat, so what is the correct answer. The correct answer is what you are happy with, because every time you get in that boat you will look at the engine and ask yourself why. One thing I can tell you, If you have the power you do not have to use it, but if you do not have the power you are SOL....Think about it...Good luck to you
18AGAIN	posted 12-01-2010 04:13 PM ET (US) Thanks for all the opinions and the personal experiences with various power setups on your 18 outrages. I have been boating for 20 years, except for the past two, on a 30 Sea Ray with a cruise speed of 25 so I am very happy to be slipping along at 30. I will instal the 130 in the spring and do a performance writeup about the installation. My current 115 is mounted as low as it will go so I will start the new instal higher up and will go from there, thanks again and have a good winter. Dave I boat on Lake Huron directly across from Tawas but some day I will try to make one of the trips or rendezvous.
prj	posted 12-02-2010 11:05 AM ET (US) Awww shucks 18, you prematurely ended what is always a lengthy and spirited discussion with your announcement.
Tohsgib	posted 12-02-2010 11:38 AM ET (US) Contender that is why it is BS. Nobody askes what hp he's replacing, people just jump in saying you'll hate it, it's underpowered, resale will suffer, noise will be higher, etc. with no info under their belt. It depends on what the person wants and needs and can afford. Personally I do not think any boat with a 115 that hits 40 is underpowered when a 150 only fetches 46. If you were to repower and top end was 30 then I would say go for more hp. If everyone wants a V8 and the V8 is better choice all around then why does the V6 Mustang outsell the V8 about 3-4:1? Why does the V6 Tacoma outsell the V8? Why does mercedes sell more V6's than V8's? If it is so inadequate, why did they offer a 300ci inline 6 in the F350 dually and not just make everyone pick the 460?
contender	posted 12-02-2010 01:43 PM ET (US) Some people just want the looks and not the real thing... One of the statements that I think is total stupidity is: "Resale value" I never, never buy something because of resale value. When I purchase something I purchase it for me, and when I sell it if the person does not like it to bad. One statement I came up with when I sold cars (there is an a$$ for every seat) it will sell so I purchase something that I want not something for someone else.... I guess my happiness is more important to me than to worry about the BS....You take care and to each his own... PS Tohsgib, the Tacoma everyone was looking for a truck with good mileage, The v-8 Mercedes not many people can afford the big benz's, 300 Ford in line one of the best engines made more torque than some v-8's. But to counter your statements you do not see v-6's in the big Ferrari's nor a 4 cylinder in the Turbo Porsche and you see more big Harley's than their small one's. So what is your point? To each their own....take care
Peter	posted 12-02-2010 02:37 PM ET (US) "Why does the V6 Tacoma outsell the V8?" Lower price wouldn't have anything to do with it, would it? Why do they charge more for the V8 than the V6? Because they can, its more desirable. If they offered the V6 and V8 versions for the same price, guaranteed the V8 versions would outsell the V6 versions. "with no info under their belt" Huh? Whatta ya talking about? Nobody said the 130 was inadequate. But since the money for a new motor hasn't yet seen daylight, it's a good time to weigh the pros/cons. If you've only run an Outrage 18 with a V4 115/130 it will seem perfect because you have no other basis upon which to judge it. If you've run the boat with a much larger 150, you may still decide the 115/130 is perfect for what you need but at least you have something other than itself to judge that. If you are only focused on top speed as the difference between two motors of different HP and configurations, then you are looking at the situation with tunnel vision. The recommendations to go with the max HP and a larger engine displacement is not just about top speed. Like Contender, I never, ever buy anything based on what its resale value might be when I'm done with it. People who paid the high price for the early Yamaha F225s on the basis of resale value are probably regretting that now.
Tadpole	posted 12-02-2010 04:43 PM ET (US) There are a lot of good points here, and I think 18AGAIN has made a thoroughly informed decision. Go for it. Regarding resale, more than a few of my co-workers – not me – do make purchases of boats/cars/trucks/motorcycles fully intending to trade them for the newest/latest in just a few years; this in itself is not economical, and while resale probably shouldn’t be a key driver in how a new vehicle is equipped, completely ignoring resale would likely be unwise economically too – especially for these people. Again regarding resale, when I buy used I put condition and maintenance ahead of (boats in this case), maximum allowable power, and with my purchases I’m thoroughly pleased; both my boats are 25% below their maximum hp: the 13’ whaler does just fine with a 30hp Yami – planes 4 adults, and my 21’ Proline walkaround with a 150 Yami has never left me wanting more. The gas mileage in my v6 Tacoma is not much better than a v8, but the initial cost sure was – “everybody” didn’t buy for mpg. MB v6s make 300 hp these days; any more hp for a street car is really just about bragging rights - unless you’re scofflaw. The inline 6 300 CI ford was torquey, reliable and cheap to build; many loved it so it stayed until technology passed it by. Ferraris are meant to do ONE thing, go fast; of course they all have serious engines. Porsche did make a turbo 4 that is still highly revered, and get ready to see a LOT more 4 cylinders in all states of tune, and making surprising hp. Yes, you see big Harleys on the highway sure, but you see a LOT of entry level 883s and 1200s in more urban areas......The point is, as the saying goes, sometimes, less is more.