NX750 HP 150?

[WillyHicks]

I recently came across a deal on a fairly clean 2002 NX750 so I bought it. It has a 75 hp tracker and tops out at 40 mph solo and 35 w two people. I Just sold my big tourney rig and instead of buying another 20 footer I thought I'd repower the NX750. I found a good 2012 150 Opti for a fair price. Question is, the max hp rating is 135 so do you think the 150 is too much? The Merc web site says the weight is the same on the 135 vs 150 so what would be the difference? Am I throwing good money after bad?

[Ellissox12]

Mine was a 2005 and I think I recall it only bring rated for a 115. I had a 90 on mine.

[Fishysam]

Hard to insure, and after paying for a year and you need to file a claim they may not pay cause your over. It sure would be fun to have to much power tho

[ECobb91]

I have a 2003 nx 750 with a 115. Top speed solo is 52, and with two people, full livewells/tournament load can get it up around 46-48 just to give you an idea of speed. It's my first boat and it's perfect for the waters I fish. Mines a dual console which is nice for Co anglers but man it sucks putting rods on the deck. Otherwise I have absolutely no complains about the boat at all. It's stable in rough waters (Oneida gets mean quickly), very forgiving steering and relatively smooth ride.

If you want insurance, it doesn't matter if a 200 weighs as much as a 135, if that's what is recommended then that's the max limit. If you don't want insurance, shouldn't be a problem.

[06 SB]

The NX750 is indeed rated for a 135. I bought a 2004 with an inline 4cyl 115 and it was OK. I hated the hole shot with the 2+2 motor. I sold the 115 and picked up a 135 Optimax. The boat really came alive but chine walked like crazy. It would do 62 with a worked Tempest. I added a 6" JP when I swapped and while it worked well, I had to modify a few things. With the heavier motor, set back 6" more, the tongue weight was about 25 pounds. I slid the boat up on the trailer more but that did not help. I ended up having to move the trolling motor batteries up to the forward center compartment. I was an easy mod though.

Personally if I had to do it all over again, I would get a 115 with a Command Thrust lower unit. The 150 will be a beast on that boat. Will it be too much, NO in my opinion but it will be a hand full.