115 vs 150 then 150 vs 175 vs 200 - thoughts?

[jrolin1]

Supposedly both the mercury and yamaha 150 make around 165 hp and the yamaha 225 makes around 207hp. You get a lot of bang for the buck on the 150. I really like the new mercury 150.

[Bamaman]

The new Yamaha 4 cylinder 200 hp is going to be another very popular engine, as it's about the same weight as the every popular F150. Actual dealer purchase price on most F150's is about $13K, and the F200's MSRP is about $2,800 more.

The Mercury 150 hp FourStroke can be purchased for repowering for $10K, not including prop, controls or setup. That makes it a price leader special. As far as I can tell, it's on par with my Yamaha F150 on performance.

But I'm very satisfied with my Yamaha motor. It's just a shame that the Power Steering assist for my SeaStar hydraulic steering is $2.3K, not including labor to install it.

[BobL]

An update......

Just spoke with my dealer and am leaning toward an Xcursion 23RF. My dealer sells the Xcursion plus Berkshire plus Southbay (all basically the same boats from Forest River Marine). I have purchased two previous pontoons from them and am very comfortable. The Harris dealer is 1.5 hours further and the Benny dealer even further.

The owner (and sales guys from other dealers) has basically convinced me that all I need (based on how I use the boat) is a 150hp and claims on this boat, the 200hp will only give me 4-6 additional mph. Going to the 200hp would only be a slight ($3k) in the engine price BUT the chassis needs to go to a high performance model (XS model vs. X3). The XS model (3 tube, 150hp, etc. without trailer) is $37K. The X3 model has beefier transom and some other stuff for another $8k (engine being $3k and another $5K for the beefier stuff). Well at $8K, it is not worth another 4-6 mph.

My needs are not big water or a lot of speed. We would tube some, knee board some, wakeboard some, but mostly slow cruise on an 8 mile long (1 mile wide) lake. My current 22' Southbay with 115hp is just a little under powered for what I am wanting to do PLUS I have the itch for another boat!

Thanks again for all your replies and I will let you guys know if I end up pulling the trigger.

[curtiscapk]

[BobL]

Just an update......

Picking up the Xcursion 23RF this afternoon. Opted for the XS model (3 tube, under skinning, strakes), 150 4 stroke Verado, vinyl (faux teak), ski/tow bar. I will update on how she performs.

Here is the link if anyone is curious:

http://www.xcursionpontoon.com/models.asp

Thanks for the help/feeback/opinions!

P.S. Not sure what Forest River is going to do with their 3 models (Southbay, Xcursion, Berkshire) as they are all basically the same exact boats. Don't know if it is a dealer protection thing but does not make much sense to have all 3.

[BobL]

Here is my update....WOW!!!!!

I was very satisfied with my South Bay but this Xcursion is unbelievable. I don't know if it is the 3 toon or the hydraulic steering or if the build is different but this thing is extremely smooth and handles great. Since South Bay and Xcursion are built by the same company, I would not think there is any difference in construction so have to assume there have been some advancements over the past 3 years.

The 150 Verado is much quieter than my 4 stroke Optimax 115 but assume that is just overall improvements with the newer 4 strokes.

[smoker62]

Here is my update....WOW!!!!!

I was very satisfied with my South Bay but this Xcursion is unbelievable. I don't know if it is the 3 toon or the hydraulic steering or if the build is different but this thing is extremely smooth and handles great. Since South Bay and Xcursion are built by the same company, I would not think there is any difference in construction so have to assume there have been some advancements over the past 3 years.

The 150 Verado is much quieter than my 4 stroke Optimax 115 but assume that is just overall improvements with the newer 4 strokes.

Congrats on the new boat. I had a SB I just sold a month or so back. I had a 115 4 stroke. You say 4 stroke optimax. There is a 4 stroke and an Optimax but two different engines ? Optis are two stroke. Anyways , I went with a Crest but stuck with Merc .

[BobL]

....I had a 115 4 stroke. You say 4 stroke optimax. There is a 4 stroke and an Optimax but two different engines ? Optis are two stroke......

Yes, my bad on the Opti comment. I had the 4 stroke EFI....