115 Johnson or 140 Johnson

[anchor man]

We just signed the papers on a Lund 1700 Fisherman, I have a couple days until they mount the motor and need to make a quick decision on which motor size. We bought it with the 115 hp 4 stroke and can still change to a 140 hp by Tuesday. 90% of the time we'll be fishing and crusin' around, but may occasionally do some skiing or tubing. Is the 115 plenty of power to get around with this boat, or is it worth another $800-900 for the 140 hp.

Thanks!!!

[LocalGuide]

I think what you are going to hear is that if you can afford it go up to the 140 4-stoke. It will always leave you wondering why you didnt do that after you ride with the 115 for a bit. For skiing and tubing the 140 will work great.

If it was my boat I would upgrade to the 140, you will never be sorry you did.

[PierBridge]

Get the 140... It's not like I have to pay for it...heck if I were you I would get a 175...

Nothing worse then an under powered boat.

25 extra horses can make a big difference with 4 adults and gear plus a full tank of fuel.

Gitter done...

[Paul Waldowski]

anchor man,

Personally I would never buy a boat and power it under 80% of the recommended horsepower. That boat is rated for a 150. If you can do it, I would do everything in my power to go with the 140. In the end you will be very happy that you did.

[SteveWilson]

The 115 will be plenty for the 17' Fish. Of course more is more I have an 18' Fish with the 140 and it's a great match for the boat. I demo'd a 17' Fish with the 115 and it did not seem to be underpowered. Personally I would take the price difference and spend it on electronics; how about a finder on the bow, or a nice GPS, or marine radio, or some money down on a kicker?

[susi-4man]

I have a fish 1800 w/johnson 140. Underpowered as far a I'm

concerned. 42 about max with one person not very impressive.

Had a 1800 b/4 w/150 2 stroke and 60 was top end so i was

not happy will be trying to trade this month. buy at least the 140. if not the 150 yamaha 4 stroke

[Northlander]

I would go with the 140 for sure! I have a 17' Lund with a 115 and I get about on average 39-43 mph. Your boat will be heavier than my Explorer so I would get the 140. I think you wouldnt be happy with the 115 on a Fisherman.

[fishlakeman]

I just purchased an 18 ft Lund Explorer with a 150 and after doing all the research, I would definately go with the 140 if I were you, if it is really only $800-$900 more, its a no-brainer. Underpowering a boat is the worst mistake a person can make, a 115 would work fine on a fisherman, but it would really be nice to have a 140 when you have a few people in the boat and when that weather turns bad in a hurry. By spending the extra money now, it will more than make up for it when it comes time to sell it. People want power and speed, so you'll get more money and a broader customer base with the larger motor. I was looking at the 18 explorer with a 115 and felt it might be a little underpowered, and after talking to a lot of different people all reccomended going with at least a 125.

[bmc2b]

I bought a 1700 fisherman last fall with a johnson 140 4 stroke. I still wish I had more hp. I would strongly reccommend going with the 140 hp

[anchor man]

Thanks for the input to all who responded. Turns out we had an opportunity to get a 2004 150hp Yamaha 4-stroke on the same boat and took it. Fair amount more $$, but oh well, I'm sure I'll be glad we bit the bullet a bit and powered up...

Thanks again

[hoggs222]

I've got the same boat with a Yamaha 115. The 115 gets going pretty good. Although a 140 would be nice too.