2018 bayliner with a 4.5 200hp vs 4.5 250hp

[huck1545]

Just looking for input regarding 200hp vs 250hp.Kind of not sure if its a hugh difference.I know its less 50hp but would you go with the extra horse or not.The boat will be made mainly for water sports and travelling. Second has anyone try to to increase the HP on the 200.

Thank you
Shane

 

[tpenfield]

Go with the 250 hp if you plan on water sports.

 

[Cortes100]

What size Bayliner is this motor for???
From what I have learned, the engines are the same except for computer and misc internal parts (seems to be a secret). Have read articles on people trying to figure out where the extra 50 HP comes from but no answers yet. I do know the 200 has a max rpm of 4800 and the 250 is at 5200 rpm.
I have an 18.5' bow rider with the 200 HP version. Engine runs great, very smooth, good power all the way through the range, and it's great on fuel. It pulls real hard on the bottom end. The 250 was an option and never a bad thing to have more HP, but on this size boat, I'm happy I have the 200 HP.

 

[jkust]

I'd opt for the 250. I'm not getting a hint that budget is a concern in your post but the need for low end grunt is.