CONTINUOUSWAVE

Give me advice input on re-powering my slightly waterlogged 1983 OUTRAGE V-20, choosing between a Suzuki DF150 and DF140.

Two people say I’d be perfectly fine with a 140. Another guy say that 140-HP won’t be enough.

I’m NOT a speed demon. I just want to fish in my local bay and take family and friends to the flats. When the boats loaded up with people I’d ideally like to be able to get on a plane but I don’t need to go fast.

I like the weight and price of the DF140, but if I’m paying all this money want to get it right.

Thank you.

The owners I know who have this model run 175 or 200's.

The max hp rating for this hull is 200hp.

With 3-4 people aboard a 140/150 hp engine will struggle.

The DF150-200 are the same weight at 518lbs.

Why do you say "slightly waterlogged?"

What is your typical load (70%) of the time?

70% of the time I’ll have 4 adults on the boat. The boat has Smart Tabs which could assist with planing.

“Slightly waterlogged” = Two years ago I drilled a few holes in the bow where a keel guard had been. Water slowly dripped out for a few days. I reglassed the area and have seen no water weeping out of any other parts of the hull since. I just assume there’s more water though.

On the whole I love this boat but it’s in fair/good condition. I’ll be chipping away at a new project each winter. (For example I have soft spots on aft starboard and port deck.)

I’m really motivated to cut costs to the max…hence trying to justify the 140. I have also been looking at the used outboard market and it’s a quagmire. Brand new engine with a warranty seems the way to go.

Few things in boating are more disappointing than lacking the engine power to enjoy your experiences. Carefully examine the cost differences between buying a 150 or 200 HP engine. Installation costs should be virtually the identical.

A used engine may be an option, especially if it has some kind of reasonable warranty from a reputable dealer. It would seem unreasonable to buy a new engine and install it on a boat you plan to replace soon.

Purchasing a new outboard is like shopping a for a new car. Prices are all over the place and install quality is hit or missed.

I researched for my repower for over a year (just before Covid) I visited (in person) a dozen dealers of all the major brands within 75 miles of me. Got detailed written quotes. It was not easy.

I ended up going with a highly respected dealer who was great to work, great prices and no stress. They are 340 miles north of me. Very pleased. I made a weekend of it and saw whaler friends along the way.

The point is, shop multiple dealers. Get price detailed on each and every item.

Engine
Network harness/backbone
Shift/throttle harness(s)
Binnacle
Key switch
Gauge(s)
Prop (stainless)
Removal of existing
Installation of new
Sales Tax

In talking to owners I am hearing the out the door price can range by as much as $4,000 for the exact same engine/installation.

I think a 175hp is a good compromise.

hunterd8109 wrote:The boat has Smart Tabs which could assist with planing.

The only “smart” element of a Smart Tab was coining the name of the product to include “Smart.”

As far as I can see they are a spring-loaded trim tab where the force applied comes from a spring that is resisting a force trying to compress it created by the flow of water off the hull bottom trying to lift the tab.