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engine type for sun deck sport 188

bahtendah
bahtendah Member Posts: 0
I am looking at buying a 2014 sun deck sport 188 and would like some help figuring out the engine type that would work out best for me.  The outboard options are a Yamaha 115 or 150.  The i/o is a 225 merc.  Just came back from a boat show and they had both i/o and outboard there and the set up is a lot different for both boats.  I will be using it on a lake for the usual stuff and towing watersports like skiing and wake boarding.  Any help would be appreciated!

Comments

  • bshippjr
    bshippjr Member Posts: 116 ✭✭✭
    I would google outboard vs. I/O and begin reading.  Many on either side.  A lot will depend on your location, and if saltwater.  It is really an individual decision based on your circumstances.

    I had an I/O, now have OB.  In TN there are times during the winter where it is warm enough to boat.  My boat stays on a lift so with an OB I can just drop it and go.  With an I/O I would have to re-winterize if I did this.  One thing to look at is usable space difference in the boat.  In my case I had a 24 ft GS 248 I/O and went to a 21 ft SD 217 OB with very little loss in usable space.

    If it were my situation, I would favor the 150hp OB.  You may be in a situation where you would trailer, and could never boat during the winter and the I/O will be just fine (and possibly more powerful).
    2000 Hurricane SD 217 OB
  • cjjjdeck
    cjjjdeck Member, Moderator Posts: 1,872 ✭✭✭✭
    I can tell you what I like on my I/O setup.  When it comes to watersports, the full length swim platform on an I/O setup is a big convenience.  It's also convenient for ingress/egress and comfortably accessing the battery compartment and engine compartment.  The SS188 OB has a maximum HP rating of 200, so you would gain power with the I/O.  You would also have the option of getting a Bravo 3 drive (unless you're looking at a in-stock boat) which has a number of performance advantages (I'm very glad I made that drive choice with my boat).

    Click on the link below to read son additional comments on the subject, if you haven't already read this thread:


    2012 SD237 I/O Mercruiser 5.0L MPI ECT/ Bravo 3
    2012 Load Rite Elite Tandem axle trailer

  • aaa1950
    aaa1950 Member Posts: 19
    I have the 115 OB and it works fine. But it's slow to plane either pulling a tube with extra people on board. I suggest looking at the 150 OB. I think I would have gone that route if I had been able to at the time. If you do go with the 115 I would suggest a prop other than the stock 13 1/4 x 17. I'm looking at changing out my prop before this spring if I can determine which replacement is best. I would suggest also upgrading the stock steering and throttle. You may have to do that with a 150, I'm not sure about that. Stock steering is a little hard at low speeds and the stock throttle will have issues if it's like mine and others I've read about.  With that being said, I still think my Hurricane is one heck of a boat. Just needs a few little tweaks. 
  • TNriver
    TNriver Member Posts: 15 ✭✭

    I have a SS188 with a 150 Yamaha and absolutely love it. It has plenty of power for the boat. I have even heard the Yamaha 150 4-stroke is closer to 163 instead of 150. Even loaded down and the performance is still great. My old boat that was about the same size and had a 4.3L 4barrel I/O that was great and had nice power. I did love my 4.3L and never had a problem with it.  So it is a matter of choice. Either are great options

    Another thing to consider is the HP on a outboard is rated at the prop shaft and a I/O is rated at the crankshaft instead.

    There are several reasons I opted for the 4-stroke 150 versus the 4.3L I/O this time.  I am a taller larger guy and it is harder for me to get down in the bilge to service an I/O. On my OB I can pop off the cowl and change oil and service everything while I am standing there and not have to get in the boat. I use my boat on the TN river during the winter months sometimes and I don't have to worry about taking everything loose and winterizing it when I am done. The OB has a shallower draft when I go fishing or access a boat slip in the small tight creeks off the main body of water. The OB seems significantly quitter than my 4.3 I/O as well.

    The one thing  I don't have is a larger swim platform. but I have the deck in front and plenty of room on the back for my needs.

    2013 SS188 OB

    Yamaha F150

    Heritage Single Axle Trailer

  • aaa1950
    aaa1950 Member Posts: 19
    Just curious, what prop would everyone recommend for bahtendar regardless of the engine he selects?
  • TNriver
    TNriver Member Posts: 15 ✭✭

    Hey aaa1950, it depends on the boat size, motor, brand of propeller, load, and use. There are so many factors involved. I have the Reliance SS 14-1/4" x17" for a 4-stroke Yamaha150.  I am looking into a 4blade for better hold in the corners and more bite out of the hole.

    aaa1950, I think you would do better with a 13-1/4" x15 to get more low end for pulling tubes or skis.  In a similar size boat with a I/O 4.3L, a Turbo prop 21" pitch worked great for water skiers.

     

    Hope this helps!

    2013 SS188 OB

    Yamaha F150

    Heritage Single Axle Trailer

  • aaa1950
    aaa1950 Member Posts: 19
    Thanks for the feedback.
  • jerry226
    jerry226 Member Posts: 15
    I just bought a 2006 Fundeck 188. It has a 130 hp Yamaha . There is still ice on the water so cant try it out. I hope the 130 is enough motor. The boat  is quite heavy.

    2006 Hurricane 188

    2003 Yamaha 130 hp

    2004 Trailmaster tandom axle with surge brakes

  • nquirk
    nquirk Member, Moderator Posts: 672 ✭✭✭✭
    @jerry226, many folks have those boats (FD 188 or the current SS188) with 115HP so 130 will move the boat nicely.  a fully loaded boat combined with watersports may be a bit much, but for most purposes, it'll get the job done.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2010 Hurricane SS 188 OB
    2010 Mercury Optimax 200HP / Mercury SS High Five 19P
    2010 Trailmaster SC trailer
  • jerry226
    jerry226 Member Posts: 15
    We went boating this weekend with max compacity 1400 lb. The 130 Yamaha did a great job. I have the stock prop and if I got a 4 blade I believe it would be even better. The motor is so quiet it is hard to tell if its running at idle. I am very pleased with the Hurricane.

    2006 Hurricane 188

    2003 Yamaha 130 hp

    2004 Trailmaster tandom axle with surge brakes

  • nquirk
    nquirk Member, Moderator Posts: 672 ✭✭✭✭
    @jerry226.... that's awesome to hear.  The 4 blade will get you on plane quicker but will compromise your top end speed by a few MPH but the pros outweight that con in my opinion.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2010 Hurricane SS 188 OB
    2010 Mercury Optimax 200HP / Mercury SS High Five 19P
    2010 Trailmaster SC trailer
  • JOSHDOLPHINS1
    JOSHDOLPHINS1 Member Posts: 15
    No question go with the 150.
    I have the 188 with an evinrude 150 and love it. We tube all the time.