200 HP Outboard on a MF 725 - Excessive ?

[Newman]

Afternoon all

Just a quick question. I am continuing my search for a Merry Fisher 645 but a 725 has caught my eye.

Looking at numerous ads for the 725 it would seem that the favoured size of outboard is 150 HP. However, the one I have seen recently has a Honda BF 200 HP outboard fitted.

If anyone can find the time to give their opinion as to whether this size of outboard is excessive for the 725 and if it might be a little bit "juicy", I would much appreciate opinions. I hastened to add that speed is not a major concern of mine, simply to have an engine capable of doing 'a proper job' will suffice.

Many thanks in anticipation for any responses

 

[landlockedpirate]

I think a 200 will be fine, the Honda is a great outboard, quiet smooth and relatively frugal. The extra power will let you get on the plane when heavily loaded and not running it at WOT during normal cruising will be a lot nicer.

I would always go for the bigger engine and then run it as needed rather than smaller options that need to be pushed hard all the time.

 

[maverickofpoole]

I would agree with LLP a larger engine would be my preference. Running it at lower revs to give the speed that suits me which hopefully would mean less stress on the engine with a more frugal outcome

Martin

 

[David2452]

They do normally have 150 but a 200 has to be better for the reasons advised above, I can't believe anybody would over engine a boat of that age but that can be confirmed by the max allowed HP on the CE plate.

 

[Nick_H]

I don't really know these boats too well, but don't they have SD hulls? Maybe at higher speeds you need so much additional power for a tiny increase in speed that you gain nothing with a 200 over a 150?

The size and weight of the boat certainly suggests it could take bigger, and the equivalent size Jeanneau planing hull (the cap camarat) is rated up to 300hp.

 

[maverickofpoole]

Just looked at the Jeanneau website which says the boat is rated for 150hp so although the boat may be ok with 200hp any insurance or warranty may not

Length overall 7.15 m / 23'5"
Hull length 6.97 m / 22'10"
Hull beam 2.75 m / 9'
Light displacement 1850 kg / 4079 lbs
Standard keel draught 0.6 m / 1'11"
Fuel capacity 200 L / 53 GAL
Water capacity 100 L / 26 GAL
Cabins 0
Motor 150 CV / 110 KW
CE Category C8

 

[Newman]

Many thanks

Just looked at the Jeanneau website which says the boat is rated for 150hp so although the boat may be ok with 200hp any insurance or warranty may not

Length overall 7.15 m / 23'5"
Hull length 6.97 m / 22'10"
Hull beam 2.75 m / 9'
Light displacement 1850 kg / 4079 lbs
Standard keel draught 0.6 m / 1'11"
Fuel capacity 200 L / 53 GAL
Water capacity 100 L / 26 GAL
Cabins 0
Motor 150 CV / 110 KW
CE Category C8

Many thanks for the replies received and in particular to maverickofpoole for looking up the details and commenting on the insurance angle.

Great service as usual