New (used) Boat

[UNIT]

I am looking to buy a boat in the 18 foot range and have seen many options. The boats I have seen have varied in the motors that power them. Would a boat that size be under powered with a 115 or a 125 or should I keep looking for one that has a 150. Advice from current and previous owners would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

UNIT

[CAMAN]

Many factors including, weight, hull shape, Fiberglass or Aluminum, # of passengers, amount of gear, # of trolling motor batteries, etc. will determine if you can "get by" with a smaller motor. But you can never go wrong maxing out the HP.

[hhguide]

The one thing to consider is the step up to a 150 is the fuel economy. A 115 should be plenty of power for a 18 footer ( I have a 620 tiller with a 115 yamaha.) I would take a look at the fuel economy though because when you step up they really start sucking down the gas even if your not on the throttle! Thats my advice!

[CoorsCaptain]

Try to stay within 80% of max hp. You will never be disapointed going with max hp but you will be disapointed if you don't get enough hp. Been there done that.

[Northlander]

You are better off with a 150 than a 115 on a 18' boat. Running a 150 at lets say 60% is better than running a 115 at full throttle all the time getting from spot to spot. I have a 17' Lund Explorer with a 115 4 stroke and get top end of around 40mph on average and I have a friend with a 18' Explorer with a 150 and that seems to be the perfect match for his boat.

[shamrock7]

And if you stay within the 80%-100% rule, you should see better resale value.

[PerchJerker]

I would definately go the max hp rating for the boat you get, or close to it.

Underpowered boats under-perform ---- you won't notice it as much with a light load in the boat, but you'll really notice it with a heavy load in the boat, and in bigger waves. Your fuel economy will suffer too in an under-powered boat.

And there's not that good of a used market for underpowered boats. If you're looking at buying a boat that's rating for a 150, and has a 115 on it, use that as a negotiating point and adjust your offer down accordingly.