Got a buddy that's trying to decide if it's worth it to upgrade to the 175 or just stick with the 150. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Got a buddy that's trying to decide if it's worth it to upgrade to the 175 or just stick with the 150. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
2004 Bullet 20XRD
2008 Mercury 300XS
SN: 1E003611
I've read on here a few times NO, but that was when it was pretty new, someone may have figured it out more since then
Mercury 250 proxs 2B115089
BoatTest.com has both Z18 with 150 (all 3 150 proxs 2s, 150 proxs 4s & 150 4s all run about 57-61 gps. The 175 both proxs 2&4s are getting numbers around 61-65. These are on there test boats so others may have different results. I personally would get the max rated for the boat as it will be your best performance.
Phil 4:19 2018 Nitro Z19, 200Pro Xs, Lowrance, Minnkota
Get the 175
I have new 2019 Z18 with 175. Top speed so far @64mph GPS. Livewells full 2 guys. Boat does start to get some chine walk at that speed. 3 blade 23 pitch prop. If you can get the 175, I would. I was told by my dealer he tried to order some more Nitro Z18's with the 175 and he couldn't get them. He could only order with 150. Not sure if production demand issue or if they are only making limited 175's on purpose.
I’m right there as well with mine. Also, my boat is fully loaded down with probably way too much gear to do a top speed run but I’m very happy with how she handles with the load I put on her. Would not hesitate in the least to order the 175 again even if it meant waiting for it instead of just settling for the 150.
Craig
USMC Retired
2019 Nitro Z18 w/Dual Consoles
2019 Mercury 175 Pro XS
Psalm 29:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.
In general, always good to go with as much boat/motor as you can afford. If he can afford the 175 he should go with that. He'll enjoy the extra power and the resale will be higher.
I'm in the same boat. Cant decide between a 150 or 175. My biggest thing is that is the 5 mph gain worth $2640?
Displacement, 209 Cubic Inches vs 183 Cubic Inches. Gearcase ratio, 1.85:1 vs 2.08:1. V6 vs Inline 4. Fuel Induction System, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Computer Controlled with Advanced Range Optimization vs Computer Controlled Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Starting, Electric Start with SmartStart Protection vs Electric (turn-key). Amp Battery Charger (idle charge), yes vs no. Adaptive Speed Control, yes vs no. There are many other differences as well, only highlighted a few here. Worth the additional $2640, absolutely! It is so much more than the additional MPH. It is your money, spend it wisely.
Craig
USMC Retired
2019 Nitro Z18 w/Dual Consoles
2019 Mercury 175 Pro XS
Psalm 29:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.
My 2009 Z7 (18’ 8”) is rated for a 200, and it came with and most were sold with 150s. I have wished time and again that I had upgraded to at least a 175. Hole shot was horrible until I got a 6” jackplate and better prop. Top speed is around 59 mph gps, with it once or twice hitting 60 mph. Please don’t make the mistake that I did, by going with the 150. I’ve been living with my mistake for 10 years.
Let me add one more comment: I realize that my old 150 is a 2 stroke, but it is one STRONG 150! I think it will perform really comparable to the current 150 4 stroke. A 150 is not enough motor for a Z18, in my opinion.
Last edited by deadwood; 04-19-2019 at 09:52 PM.
Running loaded my customer's best speed has been 67. He has hit 68 light. GPS speeds. The load carrying ability is much better than the 150 as is acceleration. We only stock the Z18 with the 175. 175 production is on hold until further notice to allow increased production of the V8s. Once we sell our remaining Z18/175 PXS we will not order another one until the 175 is available. It isn't worth stocking with the 150.
Get the biggest , baddest motor the boat is rated for!
Extra 5? who cares, but better outboard hands down yes get the 175. Better HS loaded down, better resale as there will be 1000's of em with 150's to choose from.
Phil 4:19 2018 Nitro Z19, 200Pro Xs, Lowrance, Minnkota