150 vrs 175

[MATTY J]

I have a Searay Laguna 20 that has a 89 Merc 175 on the back. The 175 runs like a top, but gets really bad mileage, 1.25-1.5. the hull with gas and t top comes in around 3,200 lbs. I have an option to swap motors with a 95 Yamaha 150 saltwater. The guy claims that the Yamaha is way more efficient in both mileage and horse power compared to the 89 Merc 175. I do not want to be under powered, my boat currently runs 35 mph wide open. I really do not want to drop too much under at wide open. I do really want better mileage, and the guy claims I should see 2+ miles a gallon with the Yamaha. Any thoughts on this? The Yamaha has solid 125lbs on all cylinders and rebuilt. A repower with a four stroke is out of the question due to funds available, and my Merc runs great. Is it worth making the change? I also hear that I should not have to change the controls and gauges since Yamaha makes most of the parts for Merc., not sure if this is true. At gas @ $3.30 it's going to be tough to go long this season with shitty gas mileage. Thanks for the opinions!

[fish doctor]

new 2007mercury 175 optimaxi listed in won 1-714-393-5656
or a 150 from same dealer new in box
175 10k 150 7 k either would be a great improvement in proformance and milage. both weight a lot less than your old 89 also. i sould do the same thing but my 23 laguna has twin 135s really want to upgrade to twin 175 but its just to much at this time.
also there is a great deal on a yamaha in the classifieds

[la vida]

THE 2000 135 MERC OPTIMAX IS THE MOST GAS SAVING MOTOR I'VE EVER HAD.

[Bigpondonly]

150 Merc Optimax on my 22CC gets great fuel economy and hauls ass too!

[sixty]

I'm not familiar with the Merc 175, but experience dictates that a 150 Carbed OB probably would not make much of a difference in mileage. In my opinion the Yamaha is probably a better motor, but I only have experience with the smaller and larger Yamahas. If your going to change your motor your probably better off selling yours and looking for something EFI, HPDI or four stroke.

[MATTY J]

Thanks guys for the input. I wish I could afford a new four stroke, but not now.
I am looking for answers on the efficency and power of the 95 Yamaha 150 vrs the 89 175 Merc. Is the guy selling the 150 Yamaha full of shit when he says the 150 will beat my old 175 in mileage and still retain it's top end?

[fish doctor]

fuel injected motors will be 98 and newer. the yamaha may weigh less but its still a old motor. if your going to repower get something with a warranty . trade your old one in and look for a dealer with a factory second or repair. optimax get great milage for a 2 cycle.

[Double Z]

Don't waste your time for the "possibility" of .5mpg improvement. Save your pennys for a Etec or other fuel mizer. Until then, fish what you have.

Just my opinion and probably worth what you paid for it.