Re-power: How much HP

[JRJ]

My 18.5' cuddy weighs 1850lbs without motor. Would a Honda 90 be OK? I don't ski. About $2500 to $3000 more for a Honda 130. I now have a 12 year old Johnson 120 on it. My Honda dealer brought up the 90. I was planning on the 130. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[JB]

Re: Re-power: How much HP

Howdy, JRJ.<br /><br />Your first concern is the USCG maximum horsepower rating for your boat. At 18.5' and 1850lb you are probably good for over 150, but you need to check.<br /><br />The Honda BF90 weighs about 378lb, but is not fuel injected. It should give you about 32mph top end.<br /><br />The BF130 weighs about 510lb, is EFI and would give you 38-39mph top end.<br /><br />In your position I would look into the Suzuki DF140. 420lb, EFI, around 40-41mph and less money than the Honda BF130.<br /><br />If you are dead set on Honda, consider either the BF115 or BF130. EFI is worth the extra cost.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Re-power: How much HP

Hi JB, we don't have a Suzuki Marine dealer here even though we're right on the coast. There are only two new boat dealers in town. I have confidance in the mechanic at Honda and the motors seem to have a good rep. Thanks for the MPH numbers, that helps. Very seldom can you run at WOT here. Just for interest, its 68 degrees and partly cloudy at 1616. Great fishing weather!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Re-power: How much HP

Have you considered doing whatever is needed to the 120? That should be plenty of power and there is nothing wrong with a 12 year old engine,

 

[JRJ]

Re: Re-power: How much HP

Hi SoLittle, you are correct. The 120 is plenty of power when it works correctly. Its at the shop now for lower end problems. It depends on the cost of repairs as to what I do. My hull is USCG rated to 175 HP. I just have to deside how much$$ I want spend on 4-stroke economy, clean, and, hopefully, reliability. I know I'll never get my money back if I repower.