Ranger 1850 Reata 150 or 175?

[scaup]

I am giving the 1850 Reata a hard look and hoping to get some feedback. I read the previous Reata thread but that seemed to be more about layout and T8 options. I will be getting a T8 or ProKicker with the boat. I am wondering if I will really regret not going with the 175. I know I should go with the max hp if I can but this boat is already costing me way more than I ever thought I would spend on a boat and if there is not a big defference in performance I will pocket the money. Either way I would like a four stroke. If any one can give me some top end and hole shot info that would be great.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I think quite a few of these boats came/come with a Yamaha 150 4 stroke and most everyone I have heard of has been happy with that. There is a family on a lake we annually rent on that has one with the 150 4 stroke and they regularily slalom ski behind it, so it must have pretty decent power.

What would you go with for a 175 4 stroke? Verado?

If it were me, I would get a 175 Optimax, but I do not know how much that would affect the price. I can't imagine the fuel efficency being all that much different and I would appreciate the extra low-end grunt (I'm a big dude and I like to ski).

Also, factor in what you will mainly use the boat for. Mostly fishing and cruising, the 150 4 stroke would probably be great. If you plan on doing a lot of skiing, though, I would go with the biggest you can get.

[eyepatrol]

The difference in top end speed between a 150 and 175 isn't going to be much.....maybe a couple mph. The difference in hole shot I believe will be a little bit better with a 2-stroke than a 4-stroke. The difference in hole shot when comparing 150hp to 175hp probably isn't going to be very noticeable. My opinion - save yourself some dough and go with the 150. It'll treat you just fine.

[radm]

I've got the 1850 w/ a 150 Suzuki 4 strk. It's got all the power, speed, hole shot I ever look for. I'm not a speed demon but she gets me moving +/- 45-48 mph which is plenty for me. Can troll w/ it down to 1.6-1.8 mph. Super quiet & never a burp as far as starting or smooth running. Had a Suzuki 140 on previous boat - loved it so much that's why I stuck with brand on this boat. I kind o' laugh at comments re is 150 enough to ski behind. Maybe I'm just an old fart but grew up around boats back in the day when a 75 was huge & 35 - 50 the norm. Pulled skiers just fine with those, mounted on big heavy tubs. I think on the larger motors (150+) the correct prop is as important as H.P. when considering performance.

[PerchJerker]

I have an 1850 with a 175 Opti and Pro Kicker. When I bought in '05 the pricing was such that it didn't cost me that much more money than going with the F150. But if you buy today you should be able to get the F150 and T8 for $2,000 less than you could get my motors for. I would be tempted to go that route and save the $2,000 if I was buying today. But ....... I am really happy with my motors and you probably aren't going to find anything that will outperform the 175 Opti on that boat.

But with that said, top speed will be close between the 150s and 175s, 2-3 mph at the most. Holeshot will be better with the 175, especially with a DFI vs. a 4-stroke, and there will be a more noticable difference as the load in the boat increases. You can prop the boat to improve holeshot or speed, whichever is more important to you.

The boat is not underpowered with a 150 or a 175, but it is a wide, heavy hull and Ranger is conservative with their HP ratings. A 200 HP motor on this boat would be ideal for performance ..... just like it is on the Skeeter 1880.

[eyepatrol]

Quote:

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A 200 HP motor on this boat would be ideal for performance

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Now THAT would be fun to see!

[PerchJerker]

A good buddy of mine got the Skeeter 1880 with 200 HPDI this spring, I haven't been in it yet but will soon. And I think we're using it in a tournament in June

The benefit to the 200 on that boat (essentially identical dimensions and weight to the Ranger) is you can prop it with a lower pitch prop, so you turn higher rpms and get the benefits of better holeshot and better handling (and speed) with a heavily loaded boat. And the 200 is much faster than the 175s/150s, nearly 10 mph, so there's not much need to prop them for top speed. Overall, much better performance with a 200 (sigh).

[eyepatrol]

This is getting a little off topic, but it seems like the Yamaha boats are designed to handle "bigger than normal" motors. When looking around at boats, the G3 has a 16'-8" boat (V165F) that'll handle a 150hp motor. That is A LOT of motor for that size of boat!

[PerchJerker]

Quote:

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it seems like the Yamaha boats are designed to handle "bigger than normal" motors

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I guess they do whatever it takes to get them to sell

[scaup]

Thanks for the info guys... I will get the numbers today on the boat and will probably go with the 150 4 stroke. Thanks again....

[Superduty]

If I was going with a kicker motor I would not put a 4 stroke main engine on the boat. Regardless of what anybody says, they are heavier and slower than a 2 stroke. The new DFI 2 stroke motors actually get better fuel economy than the 4 strokes and are faster on both top end and hole shot. If you don't need the main engine for trolling go with a 2 stroke. Just my .02.

[PerchJerker]

I agree 100% with Superduty. A big DFI should troll down slower than a big 4-stroke too, 4-strokes idle great but they idle faster than big DFIs.

The only reason I occasionally wish I had a 4-stroke for my big motor is when cruising with the family, sometimes then a quieter motor would be nice.

Scaup, be sure to let us know what you end up with. Good luck!

[LMITOUT]

The other side to the 4/2 stroke debate would be that I bet more people would prefer a 4-stroke when it comes to resale. Just seems to be the way things are going. Those who know the difference probably won't care, but the rest will think that if it says 2-stroke it means smoke and oil.

[scaup]

I don't want to get into 4 stroke vs. HPDI debate. I have heard and read really good things about the F150. No motor or boat for that matter will do everything. There are pro's and con's both ways. What I was really looking for was the top end info and it was really helpful. I am going over the numbers now with the dealer I still don't know if I will pull the trigger but will let you know what I come up with. Thanks Again

[Ralph Wiggum]

We want pictures when you get it

[scaup]

Well the jury finally came in. 1860 Angler instead of the Reata rigged with a Yamaha F150 and a T-8 kicker. Should be delivered in the next few days. Now I just have to pay for it.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Congrats. It should be a very good boat for you!