posted 10-14-2011 07:46 PM ET (US)        

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Hey gents. It seems most 1998-2001 21 Conquests come rigged with 200hp, and few out there sport a 225hp. I haven't come across any with a 250hp.

Where can I find performance stats for all three hp offerings?

Thanks!

posted 10-15-2011 06:39 AM ET (US)            

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I have a 2000 21 Conquest with a 200hp Optimax. The 200 is more than enough power for this boat. It does high 30's low 40's.

Paul

posted 10-16-2011 08:16 AM ET (US)            

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I have the optional Bennett trim tabs. I use the tabs the most at initial holeshot to get up on plane quickly and to keep the bow down while cruising into head sea.

I have also found trimming the outboard motor underway at various speeds makes a big difference with this hull. I trim it up quite a few degrees to achieve WOT highest speed.

I trim this boat bore than I have had to do on my other boats. Every Whaler hull has it's quirks. My Dauntless 15 would porpoise at a certain rpm range.

posted 10-22-2011 11:28 AM ET (US)            

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1998 with same year 225 Mercury EFI. Four blade 17" Solas in good condition. 2800 rpm minimum plane in calm seas at 19 mph. WOT 5200 -5400 depending on air temperature. With bimini completely off the boat and fairly light on fuel saw 47 mph once. More commonly see 45-46 mph. Boat has several years of bottom pain on it but in decent shape.

To get mid 40s, I need to be very aggressive with the trim angle. The four blade prop really bites well and when I come off plane the engine looks like its at a 45 degree angle to the transom. Trim tabs a must and can slow boat down to 15-17mph.

I would estimate that in light wind you will see a 2 mph penalty with the hard top. You probably have a 2 mph penalty with bottom paint. I think the 250 hp engine would be at best give you 2 mph. You have to remember that the extra 25 hours beyond the 225 come at the upper end and you will not perceive any difference short of the extra 200 rpm you might pick up at WOT. I do not believe, you will see a considerable torque or mid range difference between the two motors. Personally, 200 hp is minimum, prefer 250. But I wouldn't avoid one with a 225.

posted 10-23-2011 01:37 AM ET (US)            

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Mustang-good point. I noticed a slight drop in top end after I put my radar arch on. With the bimini and full enclosure up, I can really notice a different.

With a 225 hp I can say that I am quite happy with my boats' speed and acceleration. Don't get me wrong though, a few MPH faster could definitely increase the thrill of the ride though. A few MPH slower wouldn't necessarily be bad either. I would definitely buy one with a 200 hp. I love the boat for many reasons well beyond it's speed. It's versatility is the main reason I like it so much.

posted 10-23-2011 08:14 AM ET (US)            

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You can find quite a range of motors hanging on the transom of Conquest 21. 1998-2000 was the timeframe of the transition from conventional two stroke to Direct Fuel Injection.

I have seen the following motors on boats listings over the years: Evinrude 225, Mercury 225 EFI, Yamaha Offshore series 225, Mercury Optimax 200, 225,
I have not seen one with the max rating 250 HP installed.

Good luck with your search!