150 replacement - recommendations from experts here please!

[brucehawsker]

Hi guys,

I am in the market for a new or secondhand 150 to replace my optimax which has blown up!

I am considering 4 stroke offerings from Mercury/Mariner, Suzuki, Yamaha.

I don't tow but I do go out in the rough in the winter and I love wave hopping or just blasting out over the Solent chop at 42kn.

I sometimes have six people on board, but no heavy diving kit.

6.5M Solent Ribs.

Thank you so much.

Bruce

[Xk59D]

Mercury 150, end of discussion, next!

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

Mercury 150, end of discussion, next!

Out of interest why is it better than the other big brands?

[Callum Stewart]

Not the best looking engine but Spec looks good Merc 175 V6

Engine Information and Specifications
Select Horsepower

175

175
Engine Details
Available with mechanical or digital controls, providing more options in new-boat and repower applications. Great for aluminum console, deck, fish & ski, inflatable rigid hull, inshore fishing, and runabout bow boats and pontoons.
Specifications - 175
HP / kW
175 / 130
Engine type
V-6
MidSection
Conventional MidSection
Displacement (CID/CC)
209 CID
Displacement (L)
3.4L
Cylinder Configuration
V-6 [64 degree] with Dual Overhead Cam [DOHC] and 24-valves
Full throttle RPM
5000-5800
Air induction
Performance-Tuned Long-Runner Intake Manifold
Fuel induction system
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Computer Controlled with Advanced Range Optimization
Alternator amp / Watt
85-amp (1071 Watt) with Idle Charge
Recommended fuel
Unleaded Regular 87 Octane Minimum (R+M/2) or 90 RON 10% Ethanol Maximum
Recommended oil
NMMA Certified FCW SAE 10W-30
Engine protection operator warning system
SmartCraft Engine Guardian
Compatible with SmartCraft digital technology
Yes
Starting
Electric Start with SmartStart Protection
Controls
Remote Mechanical or Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS)
Steering
Big Tiller (optional)
Hydraulic (standard)
Power (optional)
Shaft length
20" / 508 mm
25" / 635 mm
Gearcase ratio
1.85:1
Dry weight *Lightest model available
475 lbs / 216 kgs
CARB star rating
3
Bore and stroke
3.6 in x 3.4 in / 92 mm x 86 mm
Ignition
SmartCraft PCM 112 Digital Inductive
Cooling system
Water-cooled with thermostat
Gear shift
F-N-R
Gearcase options
4.8"
Trim system
Power trim and tilt
Exhaust system
Through prop
Color
Phantom Black
Lubrication system
Integrated wet sump
Oil Capacity
7.0 Quarts / 6.6 Liters
Maximum Trim Range
20° (-6° to 14°)
Maximum Tilt Range
73° (-6° to 67°)

[Callum Stewart]

Merc V 6 175 L (+£18,845.00)

F 150 L EFI Mercury / Mariner (+£12,417.00)

Mariner - F150L EFI long shaft 4 stroke, light weight, best uk price!!
£11,718 - BHM

Suz DF 150 APL Long Shaft, RC, PT FLY BY WIRE (+£11,261.00)

Yam F 150 DETL Long, RC. Electric, PT (+£12,792.00)

honda built tohatsu BF150XRTU 4 cylinder 4 stroke, £9999.00 ex vat

Or if you’re on a budget:

TOHATSU 140HP - fully serviced and ready for action! The most economical in it's class. 2-stroke (CE marked), available in L, or XL shafts, Oil Automix, power trim, RC box and cables included. We could arrange matched pair of such units. We could ship in a week to any airport of the Globe, airfreight to be determined. Additional accessories available at extra costs.
SKU: TO-11590480
€3500.00 (excl. VAT)

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by Callum Stewart

Merc V 6 175 L (+£18,845.00)

Expensive [emoji15][emoji15][emoji15]

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by Callum Stewart

Not the best looking engine but Spec looks good Merc 175 V6

Engine Information and Specifications
Select Horsepower

175

175
Engine Details
Available with mechanical or digital controls, providing more options in new-boat and repower applications. Great for aluminum console, deck, fish & ski, inflatable rigid hull, inshore fishing, and runabout bow boats and pontoons.
Specifications - 175
HP / kW
175 / 130
Engine type
V-6
................
Steering
Big Tiller (optional)

Hydraulic (standard)

Power (optional)
..................

73° (-6° to 67°)

That has to be the biggest understatement on the whole engine description
Steering
"Big Tiller"
I wonder just how big a tiller you need to control a 175hp v6 outboard
Presumably pretty long and some big thick arms to hang on with
[emoji6]

[Poly]

Originally Posted by beamishken

That has to be the biggest understatement on the whole engine description
Steering
"Big Tiller"
I wonder just how big a tiller you need to control a 175hp v6 outboard
Presumably pretty long and some big thick arms to hang on with
[emoji6]

It’s got some sort of hydraulic assistance.

[Xk59D]

Originally Posted by Poly

Out of interest why is it better than the other big brands?

Bigger engine than the competition (cubes), lighter and you don't see many issues with them. Pricing is pretty decent in comparison to the rest. Assuming you have a good merc dealer then I wouldn't even contemplate anything else personally.....unless the boat takes the new 175 Callum mentions.

I have seen tiller steering on 300hp verados, must be reasonably popular somewhere.

[Last Tango]

150 Merc

Oban to Coll & Tiree on Tuesday....124 miles (108nm), 81ltr fuel with a 6.5mtr Coastline.

Video to follow.

[brucehawsker]

Thanks for input. It came down to price!

Had some good quotes. But at this point am going locally with a Suzi at very good prices and quick delivery, rigging.

Anyone know whether I should up the budget to a 175 or will i not really notice the difference. WOT?

200 is out of budget? Sadly.

[Pikey Dave]

Is there a difference mechanically between the 150 & 175 or is it just mapping?

[brucehawsker]

identical weight, looks except for a different number on the back....

[Pikey Dave]

Put the 175 on then[emoji6]

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Put the 175 on then[emoji6]

[emoji106]

[Last Tango]

Have you asked about the ongoing servicing costs of the different engines?

Replacing internal anodes, adjusting valve lifters...etc.


Xk59D has a Suzuki and he's telling you to buy Mercury, Think about it.

[brucehawsker]

Thanks Last Tango. Yes I have talked extensively to Suzi, Yam and Mercury owners. The cost of a service pack varies widely between them, and the problems they all seem to have vary upon usage, hours etc etc. The consensus is that any of the big three will serve me well, and capital cost is a big item for me as i did not budget on the Opti dying without warning!

I don't doubt Xk59D's experience, but I have had a checkered experience with my Mercury. And I know those who have also had mixed experiences recently with the latest generations of Mercury's.

It comes down to the following:

• I cannot get anyone in local dealers to put a Merc on quickly and the summer is running on with good weather.
  
• The local Suzi dealer has bent over backwards to help and has given good advice - even suggesting given my usage and boat I don't need the 175. And given me firm worst case dates
  
• Price on the Suzi is significantly lower that Mercury quotes, which in turn are less than Yam.
  
• The Suzi is fly by wire which is attractive given my cable history over the past 14 years doing 50 hours a year on average

I recognise I am not an expert and may live to regret the decision but ultimately I am keen to enjoy my long awaited schedule of trips planned for later this month and next month. This was to be the big summer we did not travel and I got to do loads of boating.

And I am probably a less aggressive user than some of those posting....

But I am willing to pony up for the 175 if someone gives me a really good reason. I am of course a bit worried I wont get my 42 knots back which my Opti 150 gave me.... But ultimately, that is about bragging rights!!!

I don't ever tow, or carry dive kit, and never have a problem getting out of the hole with six adults on board.

[Last Tango]

I never use the 150hp that I've got. 175hp would be pointless, I'm with the dealer on that and it was "straight up" of him to tell you.

All sound reasoning.....go for it. Get oot tae play.

[Pikey Dave]

Don't forget you're going from 2stroke to 4stroke, you won't have the same grunt. Neil McCrirrick has a Solent with a 225 Opti in the back, but I think it's 7m

[Callum Stewart]

Brusehawsker

I don’t think you will be disappointed with the Suk 150hp. My bother has run 3 of them, running commercially with high hours & no problems to date. I have used his Redbay 6.5 rib C/W single Suk 150hp & it is a fantastic combination & power to equal any 2 stroke.

As for the Suk 175, I think the extra 25hp only kicks in at high revs! Keep the extra monies for beer tokens