Repowering a Valero YT

Randy

I have had my 18ft Valero Bowrider YT hull since about 1991.  I am interested in putting a new motor on my boat.  I am looking for reliability #1, user friendly #2, top speed #3. I have the opportunity to buy a New leftover Johnson 225 HO, but I am thinking that the new Mercurys might be faster and equally reliable.  I started out with a 25" Johnson 200, then bought a Mercury 2.5, and finally have a Johnson 225 with Bob's machine shop sportmaster lower unit and a land and sea transom lift.  The boat is rated for 175 hp but as you can see, every motor I have had on the boat was over that.  I have a lot of experience driving this boat with all kinds of motors on it.   I can't get over the thrill of that mercury but it was with problems ( ecu unit ), ( changing the spark plugs every time I took it out, probably because I like to cruise around slow too ).  What is the motor or best 2 new choices you would recommend repowering it with?  Also, what kind of new transom lift would you recommend and should there be a set back?

Thank you,
Frank

The 225 HO would be a nice project. The set up is a little pickier but overall it fits the bill pretty good. One of the new E-Tecs would be more user friendly. Due to the weight of the new engines and the fact the transom height is 24” to begin with; I would probably bolt it to the transom.

Randy

Please submit whatever questions you have to IHRTechTalk@yahoo.com.  All questions and answers selected will be displayed on this page as they come in.  Note: though all boaters are welcome, priority may be given to I.H.R. members.  Randy can not be held responsible for any advice given.  Though his information and expertise is second to none, he has no control over what you do with your boat.  It is up to you to boat safely and act responsibly, and his advice is only to be used as a guidance for your high performance boat/motor of which you are the one responsible for the risks involved.

Thanks,
Mark C.

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