motor size

**biskitboy** · 12-06-2016, 07:49 AM

I have bought 88 champion 176 that has merc xr4 on it. am thinking about downsizing to get better fuel mileage am not a speed nut just a fishing nut. what would be minimum hp that y'all would recommend . needs to be 2 stroke for financial reasons.
thanks

**Erin Brewer** · 12-06-2016, 12:21 PM

I would think anything from a 90hp up would push it just fine.

**CrappiePappy** · 12-06-2016, 04:48 PM

I'm no expert, but I'd wonder if a smaller motor would really help with fuel efficiency. If you under-power the boat too much, you'll use more gas getting it on plane than you'd save having a smaller motor push a heavy boat. From what I understand, fuel efficiency from a large motor pushing a heavy boat is gained by "cruising" at moderate speeds (once on plane) rather than running it WOT. Most people will tell you to buy a boat with the max HP motor the boat can handle, so that the weight (boat/people/gear/etc) doesn't bog the motor down.

**Cray** · 12-06-2016, 04:50 PM

90/115. Going to have to be set up just right to get much performance out of it. Right height on transom and right prop. I would go with the 115 unless I found a super deal on a late model 90.

Decent price on this one and probably pushing closer to 100 hp with controls.
1995 Mercury 90 horse for sale

**Erin Brewer** · 12-06-2016, 05:49 PM

If you really want to go for fuel efficiency try and find a 4 stroke.

**biskitboy** · 12-06-2016, 09:17 PM

Thanks, just having gas shock going from 40hp to 150

**Rees Guide** · 12-06-2016, 11:25 PM

Just run the 150 at 4000 rpms, makes one heck of a difference and there is no way I would give up my HP, on a ruff and mean lake having the power can make the difference in life and death.

**Spaceman** · 12-09-2016, 07:01 PM

Recommend not going WOT...just slow it down to the sweet spot (rpm) for cruising. You might be highly disappointed potentially underpowering your boat...and not gain much in fuel savings. Another item is spending money on another motor...that cost alone can probably buy much gas.

**B-52 Guy** · 12-10-2016, 12:35 PM

Stick with the 150!! I have an 18ft with an XR4 and run between 3600 and 4000 and she purrs and much easier on my wallet. You can never put a price on safety either, if you need the ponies to get back to the ramp in an emer or bad weather
you have them. You will drink tons of fuel trying to power that boat with a smaller 90-115hp motor.

**skeetbum** · 12-24-2016, 04:28 AM

I have an 88 178 Bumble Bee and a 2.2 liter 150 on it. 3 carbs do use the fuel and I would like to save operating $ also. Motor runs good and weighs in at 400lbs according to what I can find out. A 115 four stroke will weigh as much or more, and a 150 4 stroke will add 80lbs to the transom. If yours is like mine, everything is in the back like pumps, fuel, batteries, live well. I don't need another 80 lbs as far back on the boat as it can go. Dropping size on a 2 stroke would be counter productive in the long run for reasons already stated by others. Mine runs good and is much better on fuel IF I keep my foot out of it, something I don't normally do. The child in me you see. All things considered, I find that I'm ahead of the game just keeping this one running as it should and running near 4000rpm. All the costs involved offset the gain. I do know what I'll have as the next boat, should that ever happen. It will run on less than half the fuel and be just as comfortable. Retro fitting is always pricey.

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