190 NANTUCKET: Performance with 115-HP vs 135-HP

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Author Topic:   190 NANTUCKET: Performance with 115-HP vs 135-HP

mcmahojo posted 06-07-2005 10:00 AM ET (US)
On a 190 NANTUCKET, what is the difference in performance [possibly TOP SPEED] between Mercury engines of 115-HP four-stroke and 135-HP Optimax?
TexasWhaler posted 06-07-2005 10:16 AM ET (US)
I'm not sure of the actual performace numbers, but my guess is the 135 Opti should run circles around that 115 4-stroke. PLUS, the 135 is a true 3-star emissions rated outboard. That's one area I feel that Merc doesn't get enough credit. The 75hp through 135hp Optimax line are all 3-star rated 2-strokes.
Sorry for yammering on.
TRAFFICLAWYER posted 06-07-2005 01:03 PM ET (US)
Why buy a expensive boat with obsolete technology? 2 stroke will bring lower resale,especially with the opti.
There are other folks here who have installed a 150 Yam 4s and rave about performance,[ask SALa] that should be the choice or equivalent.
Sal A posted 06-07-2005 01:14 PM ET (US)
I bought my Nantucket with a Mercury 115 4 stroke (Yamaha powerhead). I did not listen to many here who advised me that the engine would be marginal at best for the heavy Nantucket hull. I have since repowered with a Yamaha F150 at significant expense, and am very happy with my boat now. The repower would have been cheaper if I had negotiated the removal of the Mercury 115 before it left the showroom, and repowered then and there.
The Mercury 115 4stroke EFI is a wonderful engine, but not for this hull (4200 rpm's to plane, 5200 rpm's to cruise in the upper 20mph range, and WOT with light load...6,000 rpm's yields 37mph). This used to be the only 4 stroke option, but I am sure by the end of this summer you may be able to get a Verado of 135-150 HP as an option and you should do that in my opinion.
You can see my Whaler with proper power below, and feel free to email me with any questions (whalersal@aol.com):
http://hometown.aol.com/sarnuk/SalsWhaler.html
jimh posted 06-07-2005 01:25 PM ET (US)
Please use the POST-CLASSIC area to discuss current models of Boston Whaler boats. You will find it filled with articles about the NANTUCKET 190. That's where this should be.
TexasWhaler posted 06-07-2005 02:50 PM ET (US)
TRAFFICLAWYER stated: "Why buy a expensive boat with obsolete technology? 2 stroke will bring lower resale,especially with the opti."
I'm still trying to figure out how a DFI, 3-star rated, 2-stroke is obsolete technology. Same emissions rating as a 4-stroke(actually better in the NOx area), plus much more low end torque in a lighter weight package. Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Optimax is probably the most proven DFI 2-stroke on the market. They have long since fixed the glitches on them.
That said, what is this big advantage in the 4-stroke? Here on the Gulf Coast, the DFI 2-strokes are fetching pretty equal resale values with the exception of the Yamaha HPDIs that have had some recent problems.
ConnorEl posted 06-07-2005 04:05 PM ET (US)
TexasWhaler,
I'm with you on this one. What is the reason for pejoratively characterizing the Optimax technology as obsolete? Merely because it is two-stroke? I suppose the brand new E-TEC would also be obsolete using this rationale.
In any event, the testimony from every Nantucket owner I have seen would indicate that the boat will be too sluggish with 115-HP, probably OK with 135-HP, and great with 150-HP.
And, best wishes mcmahojo as you consider the purchase of your boat. I'd bet that you'd be very happy with a Nantucket as long as you don't underpower her. Brent
LHG posted 06-07-2005 05:21 PM ET (US)
As was suggested, why not wait for the super high tech 135 or 150 Verado? They can't be far away.
Don't get lowballed on HP, a costly mistake. The boat should have a 135 or 150 on it, or you can't afford it and should look smaller.
I think it's too soon to tell whether Optimax, E-TEC and HPDI are obsolete technologies, which seems to be the Japanese marketing thrust, although the engine sales forecasts do not look good. Obsolete is probably the wrong word anyway, as it's pretty high tech stuff. Low selling or less popular technologies might be a better choice.
jimh posted 06-07-2005 09:25 PM ET (US)
The 135-HP goes faster than the 115-HP. This is true for the 190 NANTUCKET and for just about any boat. The more horsepower you have, the faster the top speed, the better the acceleration, and the more reserve power you will have. The only reason all boats don't have more horsepower is that more horsepower costs more money. People make decision based on how much more money it costs to get more horsepower.
The Boston Whaler company has tested these boat and motor combinations and prepared a report showing in detail how they perform including graphs of the boat speed and fuel economy versus engine speed. If you need help in interpreting the data, feel free to ask any questions about it. See:
http://whaler.com/Rec/pdfs/190NantucketEng.pdf
Many people think and some report from first hand experience that the NANTUCKET needs 150-HP to be properly powered. Buying a boat with too little horsepower will save you money initially, but in the long run it is not the least expensive way to go boating.
jimh posted 06-07-2005 09:26 PM ET (US)
[This article was moved from the GENERAL area because it was specifically about a Boston Whaler boat designed after 1990. In the discussion areas the topics are arranged in an organized manner, and we don't just lump all 250,000 articles into a single forum.]
imko posted 07-05-2005 04:25 PM ET (US)
Compare the 135 & 150 optimax at the whaler site.(Nantucket 190)
At 3500 rpm the optimax 135 is faster then the optimax 150
with the same prop.
The optimax 150 has a lower gear ratio then the 135.
The prop on the optimax 150 turns more at 3500 rpm comparing the optimax 135. And it's not faster ???????
bsmotril posted 07-05-2005 05:26 PM ET (US)
One of the differences between the 135 and the 150 is the restrictor plate at the mouth of the air plenum on the 135. When you restrict air flow, it will mainly effect top end horsepower and torque near WOT RPMs. At 3500 rpms, I would bet those two motors put out identical torque and HP. The 2:1 lower end ratio of the 135 (vs 1:1.87 on the 150) is multiplying torque at that high load rpm just as a lower gear in a transmission would.
BillS
Yiddil posted 07-05-2005 08:40 PM ET (US)
HI all, Seems were discussing this again, and I was temped not to add my 2 Cents but........
If you look at the charts here and the documentation posted over a year ago...(they don't show the 115-2 anymore on the WHaler site) You will see that that motor is the "little Motor that could"...Then again, It is correct that the 150 has more power and does a btter job in some areas, but the weight is higher...I agree and disagree that with what you said LHG "Don't get lowballed on HP, a costly mistake. The boat should have a 135 or 150 on it, or you can't afford it and should look smaller."Yes, a larger engine would ahve been nice, but Ive seen quite a few Nantuckets in the last month riding great with the 115-2, not including mine. So I think that it is possible to look at that option also and not low ball yourself on an engine for the Nantucket...
I know the question was...On a 190 NANTUCKET, what is the difference in performance [possibly TOP SPEED] between Mercury engines of 115-HP four-stroke and 135-HP Optimax? No doubt the 135, but I think the 115-2 should be considered as an alternative based on its pretty good performance. I have seen what a 115-4 can do with Nantucket and its not pretty, but on a 16 Daunt...man that boat goes close to 50, been on Marlins BOat...what a rocket! Alas, I only do 38s..maybe 42 with the 18P SS prop..to be determined...But I and others are happy with the "Little engine that could" Might consider it:))))
highanddry posted 07-06-2005 03:55 AM ET (US)
"[This article was moved from the GENERAL area because it was specifically about a Boston Whaler boat designed after 1990. In the discussion areas the topics are arranged in an organized manner, and we don't just lump all 250,000 articles into a single forum.]"
This is a great site, don't misunderstand but the word "general" would lead one to belive that section was inclusive of all Whalers. That section should be remaned "Classic" and there should then be a General site where owners of all types of Whalers, so called classic or Legend or whatever you have. JMO, no big deal but I see how people get confused.
The Opti is not obsolete, some people just like to bash on them and Legend series boats becaue they don't have teak, have better hulls and they tend to be larger in most diemensions that the previous generations--like wider, deeper, more V in the hull etc. The Opti 150 while only (only) a two star sips gas, runs great, hauls the 'tucket 190 along nicely, weighs the same as the 135. The Nantucket really needs a 175 which in the Opti is also the same approx weight as the 135, if I recall correctly.
Whalerider posted 07-06-2005 07:37 AM ET (US)
highanddry has it right.
A Nantucket and most other Whalers NEED the max hp that is allowed. Look at most other brands of boats and you will see that Whaler's max hp rating is very low. I dont understand why they do this. Almost all other boats in the 19 foot range are rated for 200 hp or more! If I had to pick the right engine for a Nantucket, without going overboard, it would be 200hp. That would give a top speed of 50-52 mph...meaning that a nice, easy on the engine, cruise speed of 35 mph. Now if you plan too just putt, putt around then a 115 would work and it does for some people.
Resale?.... it seems that there is no, and I mean NO, market for a 115 hp Nantucket, you will own it for a long, long time.
Just by 2 cents,
Mark
bsmotril posted 07-06-2005 10:32 AM ET (US)
It has been my experience that the big benefit of powering to the top of the rated range on a boat is not for WOT top speed. The benefits come in the ability to maintain a slower planing speed, and much better midrange economy at the motor is working at a more efficient lower RPM range than a lesser HP engine would. BillS
bluewaterpirate posted 07-06-2005 11:11 AM ET (US)
Amen bsmotril. He's right on with that statement .....
Tom
highanddry posted 07-06-2005 01:57 PM ET (US)
I suspect that since it seems confirmed that the Nantucket is being remaned an Outrage and the Eastport becomes a Conquest I bet they raise the "artificial" horsepower limit.

If the Nantucket name goes away, and I prefer Nantucket over Outrage, then I might just pull the vinyl stickers off and rename mine an Outrage as well--lol.
Boston Whaler, question, are you guys siffing to many fumes from the molding process and it is affecting your brain cell count? Leave the stupid names alone and you might try ADVERTIZING and not those stupid weak adds from recently but something showing a Whaler tearing through the water with spray flying and fish jumping and scuba tanks flopping and people holding on for dear life!!!!! Excitment sells boats! I don't putt putt, I put the hammmer down and keep it there! That is why I got a Whaler and not a Bayliner! hmmpppffffff
jimh posted 07-06-2005 02:09 PM ET (US)
highanddry: Please use the META-Area for discussions about how the discussions should be conducted.

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Author	Topic: 190 NANTUCKET: Performance with 115-HP vs 135-HP
mcmahojo	posted 06-07-2005 10:00 AM ET (US) On a 190 NANTUCKET, what is the difference in performance [possibly TOP SPEED] between Mercury engines of 115-HP four-stroke and 135-HP Optimax?
TexasWhaler	posted 06-07-2005 10:16 AM ET (US) I'm not sure of the actual performace numbers, but my guess is the 135 Opti should run circles around that 115 4-stroke. PLUS, the 135 is a true 3-star emissions rated outboard. That's one area I feel that Merc doesn't get enough credit. The 75hp through 135hp Optimax line are all 3-star rated 2-strokes. Sorry for yammering on.
TRAFFICLAWYER	posted 06-07-2005 01:03 PM ET (US) Why buy a expensive boat with obsolete technology? 2 stroke will bring lower resale,especially with the opti. There are other folks here who have installed a 150 Yam 4s and rave about performance,[ask SALa] that should be the choice or equivalent.
Sal A	posted 06-07-2005 01:14 PM ET (US) I bought my Nantucket with a Mercury 115 4 stroke (Yamaha powerhead). I did not listen to many here who advised me that the engine would be marginal at best for the heavy Nantucket hull. I have since repowered with a Yamaha F150 at significant expense, and am very happy with my boat now. The repower would have been cheaper if I had negotiated the removal of the Mercury 115 before it left the showroom, and repowered then and there. The Mercury 115 4stroke EFI is a wonderful engine, but not for this hull (4200 rpm's to plane, 5200 rpm's to cruise in the upper 20mph range, and WOT with light load...6,000 rpm's yields 37mph). This used to be the only 4 stroke option, but I am sure by the end of this summer you may be able to get a Verado of 135-150 HP as an option and you should do that in my opinion. You can see my Whaler with proper power below, and feel free to email me with any questions (whalersal@aol.com): http://hometown.aol.com/sarnuk/SalsWhaler.html
jimh	posted 06-07-2005 01:25 PM ET (US) Please use the POST-CLASSIC area to discuss current models of Boston Whaler boats. You will find it filled with articles about the NANTUCKET 190. That's where this should be.
TexasWhaler	posted 06-07-2005 02:50 PM ET (US) TRAFFICLAWYER stated: "Why buy a expensive boat with obsolete technology? 2 stroke will bring lower resale,especially with the opti." I'm still trying to figure out how a DFI, 3-star rated, 2-stroke is obsolete technology. Same emissions rating as a 4-stroke(actually better in the NOx area), plus much more low end torque in a lighter weight package. Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Optimax is probably the most proven DFI 2-stroke on the market. They have long since fixed the glitches on them. That said, what is this big advantage in the 4-stroke? Here on the Gulf Coast, the DFI 2-strokes are fetching pretty equal resale values with the exception of the Yamaha HPDIs that have had some recent problems.
ConnorEl	posted 06-07-2005 04:05 PM ET (US) TexasWhaler, I'm with you on this one. What is the reason for pejoratively characterizing the Optimax technology as obsolete? Merely because it is two-stroke? I suppose the brand new E-TEC would also be obsolete using this rationale. In any event, the testimony from every Nantucket owner I have seen would indicate that the boat will be too sluggish with 115-HP, probably OK with 135-HP, and great with 150-HP. And, best wishes mcmahojo as you consider the purchase of your boat. I'd bet that you'd be very happy with a Nantucket as long as you don't underpower her. Brent
LHG	posted 06-07-2005 05:21 PM ET (US) As was suggested, why not wait for the super high tech 135 or 150 Verado? They can't be far away. Don't get lowballed on HP, a costly mistake. The boat should have a 135 or 150 on it, or you can't afford it and should look smaller. I think it's too soon to tell whether Optimax, E-TEC and HPDI are obsolete technologies, which seems to be the Japanese marketing thrust, although the engine sales forecasts do not look good. Obsolete is probably the wrong word anyway, as it's pretty high tech stuff. Low selling or less popular technologies might be a better choice.
jimh	posted 06-07-2005 09:25 PM ET (US) The 135-HP goes faster than the 115-HP. This is true for the 190 NANTUCKET and for just about any boat. The more horsepower you have, the faster the top speed, the better the acceleration, and the more reserve power you will have. The only reason all boats don't have more horsepower is that more horsepower costs more money. People make decision based on how much more money it costs to get more horsepower. The Boston Whaler company has tested these boat and motor combinations and prepared a report showing in detail how they perform including graphs of the boat speed and fuel economy versus engine speed. If you need help in interpreting the data, feel free to ask any questions about it. See: http://whaler.com/Rec/pdfs/190NantucketEng.pdf Many people think and some report from first hand experience that the NANTUCKET needs 150-HP to be properly powered. Buying a boat with too little horsepower will save you money initially, but in the long run it is not the least expensive way to go boating.
jimh	posted 06-07-2005 09:26 PM ET (US) [This article was moved from the GENERAL area because it was specifically about a Boston Whaler boat designed after 1990. In the discussion areas the topics are arranged in an organized manner, and we don't just lump all 250,000 articles into a single forum.]
imko	posted 07-05-2005 04:25 PM ET (US) Compare the 135 & 150 optimax at the whaler site.(Nantucket 190) At 3500 rpm the optimax 135 is faster then the optimax 150 with the same prop. The optimax 150 has a lower gear ratio then the 135. The prop on the optimax 150 turns more at 3500 rpm comparing the optimax 135. And it's not faster ???????
bsmotril	posted 07-05-2005 05:26 PM ET (US) One of the differences between the 135 and the 150 is the restrictor plate at the mouth of the air plenum on the 135. When you restrict air flow, it will mainly effect top end horsepower and torque near WOT RPMs. At 3500 rpms, I would bet those two motors put out identical torque and HP. The 2:1 lower end ratio of the 135 (vs 1:1.87 on the 150) is multiplying torque at that high load rpm just as a lower gear in a transmission would. BillS
Yiddil	posted 07-05-2005 08:40 PM ET (US) HI all, Seems were discussing this again, and I was temped not to add my 2 Cents but........ If you look at the charts here and the documentation posted over a year ago...(they don't show the 115-2 anymore on the WHaler site) You will see that that motor is the "little Motor that could"...Then again, It is correct that the 150 has more power and does a btter job in some areas, but the weight is higher...I agree and disagree that with what you said LHG "Don't get lowballed on HP, a costly mistake. The boat should have a 135 or 150 on it, or you can't afford it and should look smaller."Yes, a larger engine would ahve been nice, but Ive seen quite a few Nantuckets in the last month riding great with the 115-2, not including mine. So I think that it is possible to look at that option also and not low ball yourself on an engine for the Nantucket... I know the question was...On a 190 NANTUCKET, what is the difference in performance [possibly TOP SPEED] between Mercury engines of 115-HP four-stroke and 135-HP Optimax? No doubt the 135, but I think the 115-2 should be considered as an alternative based on its pretty good performance. I have seen what a 115-4 can do with Nantucket and its not pretty, but on a 16 Daunt...man that boat goes close to 50, been on Marlins BOat...what a rocket! Alas, I only do 38s..maybe 42 with the 18P SS prop..to be determined...But I and others are happy with the "Little engine that could" Might consider it:))))
highanddry	posted 07-06-2005 03:55 AM ET (US) "[This article was moved from the GENERAL area because it was specifically about a Boston Whaler boat designed after 1990. In the discussion areas the topics are arranged in an organized manner, and we don't just lump all 250,000 articles into a single forum.]" This is a great site, don't misunderstand but the word "general" would lead one to belive that section was inclusive of all Whalers. That section should be remaned "Classic" and there should then be a General site where owners of all types of Whalers, so called classic or Legend or whatever you have. JMO, no big deal but I see how people get confused. The Opti is not obsolete, some people just like to bash on them and Legend series boats becaue they don't have teak, have better hulls and they tend to be larger in most diemensions that the previous generations--like wider, deeper, more V in the hull etc. The Opti 150 while only (only) a two star sips gas, runs great, hauls the 'tucket 190 along nicely, weighs the same as the 135. The Nantucket really needs a 175 which in the Opti is also the same approx weight as the 135, if I recall correctly.
Whalerider	posted 07-06-2005 07:37 AM ET (US) highanddry has it right. A Nantucket and most other Whalers NEED the max hp that is allowed. Look at most other brands of boats and you will see that Whaler's max hp rating is very low. I dont understand why they do this. Almost all other boats in the 19 foot range are rated for 200 hp or more! If I had to pick the right engine for a Nantucket, without going overboard, it would be 200hp. That would give a top speed of 50-52 mph...meaning that a nice, easy on the engine, cruise speed of 35 mph. Now if you plan too just putt, putt around then a 115 would work and it does for some people. Resale?.... it seems that there is no, and I mean NO, market for a 115 hp Nantucket, you will own it for a long, long time. Just by 2 cents, Mark
bsmotril	posted 07-06-2005 10:32 AM ET (US) It has been my experience that the big benefit of powering to the top of the rated range on a boat is not for WOT top speed. The benefits come in the ability to maintain a slower planing speed, and much better midrange economy at the motor is working at a more efficient lower RPM range than a lesser HP engine would. BillS
bluewaterpirate	posted 07-06-2005 11:11 AM ET (US) Amen bsmotril. He's right on with that statement ..... Tom
highanddry	posted 07-06-2005 01:57 PM ET (US) I suspect that since it seems confirmed that the Nantucket is being remaned an Outrage and the Eastport becomes a Conquest I bet they raise the "artificial" horsepower limit. If the Nantucket name goes away, and I prefer Nantucket over Outrage, then I might just pull the vinyl stickers off and rename mine an Outrage as well--lol. Boston Whaler, question, are you guys siffing to many fumes from the molding process and it is affecting your brain cell count? Leave the stupid names alone and you might try ADVERTIZING and not those stupid weak adds from recently but something showing a Whaler tearing through the water with spray flying and fish jumping and scuba tanks flopping and people holding on for dear life!!!!! Excitment sells boats! I don't putt putt, I put the hammmer down and keep it there! That is why I got a Whaler and not a Bayliner! hmmpppffffff
jimh	posted 07-06-2005 02:09 PM ET (US) highanddry: Please use the META-Area for discussions about how the discussions should be conducted.