4 stroke 175hp or 200hp

[chris_s]

I've got a 6m platey on order and the time has come to seriously look at the motor side of things. I will be running a 4 stroke (not 2 stroke) but am wondering whether to run 175hp or 200hp. I understand that bigger is better, but with that comes added weight (approx 50kg) not much i know but being a 6 cyl compared to 4 cyl 175hp will there be any real difference in fuel, and or performance. Hull weight is approx 1000kg, i have been told that 175hp is ample and more than enough but also 200hp is ideal. I am not wanting to put a 200 on the back if its an over kill nor am i wanting to go the other way. The main reason for asking is im trying to stay under the 2 tonne BMT limit. Any constructed help would be appreciated.
Cheers Chris.

[shonky1]

I have a 6.2 Sportfish plate boat that weighs around the 2 tonne mark loaded. It has a 175 4 stroke Suzuki on it and I get 35 knots @ 6000 with a consumption of 25 litres per hour. I had a 200 2 stroke on it first of all (new) and I honestly can not see that much difference in preformance. The only difference was in top speed (35 knots is plenty for me) 40 + knots with fuel consumption @ 65 litres / hour. Hope this helps.

[lippa]

consider the differing torque curves, then the weight difference.
try to get actual figures on engine performance, rather than advertised. (if its possible)

[ovakil]

When I was looking at the Honda 4 strokes the 175,200,225 were all the same weight.I would check that with the brand you are looking at.

[mark blackburn]

I've got a 6m platey on order and the time has come to seriously look at the motor side of things. I will be running a 4 stroke (not 2 stroke) but am wondering whether to run 175hp or 200hp. I understand that bigger is better, but with that comes added weight (approx 50kg) not much i know but being a 6 cyl compared to 4 cyl 175hp will there be any real difference in fuel, and or performance. Hull weight is approx 1000kg, i have been told that 175hp is ample and more than enough but also 200hp is ideal. I am not wanting to put a 200 on the back if its an over kill nor am i wanting to go the other way. The main reason for asking is im trying to stay under the 2 tonne BMT limit. Any constructed help would be appreciated.
Cheers Chris.
chris have a look at a yamaha vmax200 hp i have got one on the back of a 6.6m smuggler and it is as good on fuel as a 4 stroke but less weight and more power

[snelly1971]

I am looking myself at going to a suzuki four stroke....they tell me to go to the 200...instead of the 175...175 is a 4 cylinder...200 is 6...simple choice for me bigger block must do it easier than a small one and hopefully last longer....i will be going for the 225 as they are fitted with a few more options the 200 hasnt ....