Well, after 21 years of a Tracker TX17, the bride of some 39 years and I pulled the plug on a RT188! Found a great deal on a carry over 2014 model at a dealer in North Carolina.
All I can say is... "What a difference!" During the past year I had developed a bit of a balance issue and the Tracker was just a bit to narrow for my liking. The deck on that RT188 is like an aircraft carrier in comparison.
Just finishing up the 2 hour break in per the manual I opened her up yesterday. The dealer installed a Solas "New Saturn" 13 1/4 X17. WOT indicated just a hair under 6000 on the Tach and GPS speed was 40-41 range. Boat had full load of fishing gear 3/4 tank of gas and two light weight (230 each) old farts.
One thing I have noticed, it takes very little trim out. Is that normal on this rig? If I get a little aggressive with it, the good old porpoise sets in. Sucking the motor back in takes care of it. This hull does have the tabs.
For you guys with the Merc 90, are those numbers in the ball park. After going from a 40 Johnson, it was a big jump.
We have completed three fishing trips in it here on lake Hartwell and it can be said... We love it!
Mr. Bill