Sweetwater 24’ 150 HP Question

[Ddancers]

I’m upgrading from a 115 HP to 150 HP Yamaha, but for cost reason at this time not going with hydraulic steering.
Maybe will do so at later date. Dealer said same work/cost involved if done now or later.
So for now motor cost is all I can persuade the Admiral to go with.
Anyone have a 150 without hydraulic steering? How bad is it?
Thks

[Bamaman]

I would think the steering into tight corners might get 2 handed above 30 mph. Most people don't run that fast all the time.

The thing is that to hook up your current rack steering system from one Yamaha to another Yamaha should be about zero cost to you. If you later decide to spend the $1K (after labor) for SeaStar, it's not a very difficult install.

What's the big hit is when you go to the SeaStar power steering assist at about $2.3K plus installation. That's a serious investment that's usually reserved for over 150 hp motors.

See how your steering works with the new engine. You can always install SeaStar later, if required.

[Ddancers]

I would think the steering into tight corners might get 2 handed above 30 mph. Most people don't run that fast all the time.

The thing is that to hook up your current rack steering system from one Yamaha to another Yamaha should be about zero cost to you. If you later decide to spend the $1K (after labor) for SeaStar, it's not a very difficult install.

What's the big hit is when you go to the SeaStar power steering assist at about $2.3K plus installation. That's a serious investment that's usually reserved for over 150 hp motors.

See how your steering works with the new engine. You can always install SeaStar later, if required.

-2 handed above 30 mph- ?

I have a 24' pontoon 2 tubes & lifting strakes what should I expect for speed?

[ron nh]

Whats your speed with the 115?

[Ddancers]

Whats your speed with the 115?

When I first got it, was just under 28 mph.
After changing to long shaft to stop cavitation it dropped to 21.
Play around with height got 24. However now it's back to 21 for some reason (not dirty tubes).

I'm assured the short shaft 150 HP will eliminate the cavitation issue. I don't know what to expect on speed, but guessing it should hit 32 maybe even 34 mph.
Hoping gas consumption isn't a lot more, then again might be about the same as the inefficient 115.

[Bamaman]

My Express package with strakes on the center toon only runs 40 mph @ 6000 rpms with a 15 pitch Reliance. And at that, the nose is running pretty high catching wind under the boat.

With two 25" tubes and factory lifting strakes, I would expect at least 37 mph in a straight line--properly propped and setup. Most engine pods are setup for 25 inch long shaft motors, so you've got the right motor. I would start with a 15 pitch prop and see what rpm's you can pull trimmed up.

Bennington makes a 2 toon elliptical package with strakes, and they're running 42-43 mph in a straight line. They don't handle quite as well as 3 toons, and they're more expensive than my Express toons. 3 toons are also heavier and they do produce some drag.

[mpilot]

Is it the 25" toons or the variant with the 27" toons? The 27" with a 150 should be running in the 40's. They played around with some high end props and high motor setups and were able to get mid 40's out of one here (via my GPS not the dealers). As the previous guy said won't turn quite like a tritoon or handle like it but should scoot. I'd expect even the 25" toons with the strakes, assuming it's the big ones, should still run out in the high 30's with that setup.

[Ddancers]

Thanks all for the feedback.
I do have two 27" tubes and lifting strakes. I don't think that my dealer will play around for best results.
I'm told my problem has been the layout . All the weight is mid ship and forward.
Even the two forward chairs are the custom captain style.
Sweetwater did not realize they had a problem with the first roll off of 27" tubes, and I've been stuck waiting for solution.
I'm told upgrading will do it. Getting full credit for my motor, but still it's costly, and unfair.
I just want to get her running right and reliable. I'm tire of cursing every time I exceed 3900 rpms.

If I get 36 mph I'll be happy, and 38 I'll be super happy.
Hope Steering won't be too rough without hyd.

[Bamaman]

I don't understand the long shaft, short shaft issue. Every pontoon I know of uses the long shaft motors.

Bennington and other manufacturers used to modify the motor mounts when the Yamaha SHO was mounted from the factory, however that's because the SHO's only came in the short shaft (as used on bass boats) at the time. And I promise you SHO motors get a serious dousing of water everytime they go out.

Short shaft motors on pontoons will always have ventilation problems, especially when 3-4 people sit in the front end--thus lifting the engine and the rear end a few inches. (I'm a victim of this problem on my old boat.)

Another thing i don't understand is the dealer not wanting to optimize performance on your boat. That's his job. An unhappy owner results in many friends that won't buy from that dealer.

Why don't you call customer service at the boat manufacturer to see which motor and propeller they spec. for your specific hull?

[ron nh]

Yea, weight distribution sounds like more BS to cover for there lack of ability.

[Ddancers]

Yea, weight distribution sounds like more BS to cover for there lack of ability.

Hope it's not BS.
I had a short shaft 115 hp , but for all I know they may put a long shaft unit 150 hp on. I have their assurance that it will make it right. As far as the layout I tend to agree, but I’m no expert. When you look at my rig it doesn't angle up nearly as much as others.
I've read about a half dozen complaints of other owners of Sweetwater 24' 27" tubes with the 115 hp.
None of which have stated yet problem resolved yet.
I could write a chapter on the issue and attempted fixes.
Anyway the 150 is ordered, and if it solves the issue I'll happily move on, and share the outcome with the other owners.
If Not - that will be a whole new chapter.
Thanks Again Guys - I hope to be doing 36+ mpg soon.

[ron nh]

I think it will make a big difference, the 27"ers must be heavy so maybe the extra (200LBS?) of the 150hp will help lift the bow along with the added power.

[Ddancers]

I think it will make a big difference, the 27"ers must be heavy so maybe the extra (200LBS?) of the 150hp will help lift the bow along with the added power.

That's exactly what they said - fingers crossed.

[Lt. Dan]

[/quote]
I'm assured the short shaft 150 HP will eliminate the cavitation issue.[/quote]


If you had cavitation problems with a short shaft 115, why would a short shaft 150 solve that??
Sounds like you need a long shaft that is mounted and propped correctly. Those large diameter tubes have you sitting higher on the water.

[Ddancers]

I'm assured the short shaft 150 HP will eliminate the cavitation issue.[/quote]


If you had cavitation problems with a short shaft 115, why would a short shaft 150 solve that??
Sounds like you need a long shaft that is mounted and propped correctly. Those large diameter tubes have you sitting higher on the water.[/quote]

I tend to agree, I’m not sure if they're going long, or short, and I’m not positioning myself to make that decision.
When I first got the boat it would hit 28 mph, and if there was
another hole to lower it to, it might have corrected the problem.

Once the 150 is installed based on dealer's assurance the responsibility shifts from Sweetwater.
So I have to believe whichever they install they must feel confident in their choice.
I'm told the new motor will be in by 7/16 and installed sometime the following week.
Even though I’m not happy about the cost, I'm excited about the fact it might finally be resolved.