187 / 150 four stroke

[mha]

I think I'm finally ready to talk about my boat.

It's a 2005 187 w/ 150 Yamaha four stroke.

Everybody asks about the four stroke and I'm just now thinking I know enough to talk about it. Last year I bought an aluminum rig with a 30 4 stroke and really enjoyed it. When I heard about this rig I was intrigued. When I learned it had 16 hours on it I was in. It's amazing how many things need to be done to a rig with no hours on it. It's been a longer road than I was guessing but I'm just about there.

Short answer: It's a very sweet 60 mph rig

The engine weighs 476 lbs. The 187 carries it with no problem. It has a 2.0 to 1 lower unit ratio. With a 23 Tempest the tach and the GPS are almost identical. 40mph @ 4000, 50 @ 5000, etc. Fortunately it has a happy speedo so it looks more impressive to the casual observer. Evidently I could only turn 5970 RPMs because I couldn't hit 60 mph to save my life. If I had removed the front pedestal and moved some tackle I'm sure it would have been there with ease. As it was, I think I could have run 59.7 from here to the gulf of Mexico but it wasn't giving up 60. The four stroke is incredibly user friendly. Bump the key and it's running. You can tell because it's peeing. Only way you'd ever know! Holeshot is more "gradual" than a 2 stroke. I wouldn't say it's slow, just different. I'm well pleased with it. The punch isn't what I'm used to but it feels real strong. It purrs where ever you put it but it much prefers running over 5000 rpms. It really seems to enjoy doing what it can do. Cruising at 55 the best comparison I can make is to my wife's Buick Enclave. It just effortlessly does its thing.

Those who know me know I come from a long line of ProMaxes so this is a real change for me but one I'm really enjoying. Dumping regular 87 gas into the tank is a real treat for me. No oil is very nice. I ran her long and hard today and burned around 7 gallons. That 48 gallon tank is just taking up space!

I like the hull too. It performs better than I expected. I like what it does and how it does it.

I know my rig ain't for everyone but it's a pleasing change for me.
It just does what it's supposed to do.
I know everybody's not about to go out and buy a 4 stroke, but if you should get the itch in the future, don't be afraid to scratch it.

[Royjulius]

Awesome post POP. My Dad has one on his boat and you're right, you can't even tell it's running. I think you're speed sounds better than I would have guessed with that motor, but I'm no expert. Sounds like you got a great rig. Thanks for posting the pics, it is a beautiful boat and still looks new!

And if your transom can support that weight at 475lbs., mine can support a 225 at 479lbs....

[bigfish1259]

Sweet Little Rig There...

[ReelBigJ]

Very Nice looking rig! Those numbers are way better than what I would have guess with a 4-stroke. Enjoy that boat.

[MMosher]

I like it.

[Steve 187]

Nice looking rig. I,also am surprised at the numbers you are turning. Almost as good as mine.

[mha]

I guess I'm surprised y'all are surprised but then again, maybe I am too.
The pleasant surprise for me was how easy the 23 came out.
Then the question was would it turn it up and it did with ease.
As soon as I was on plane I felt like that's about where it would be.

For the record you have to remember I'm a Bullet guy so if there's a drop of water in the livewell I'll get a straw and suck it out and 15 gallons of gas is a full tank.


I did have the front pedestal in and I did have way too much stuff up front in the center box.

I didn't by this boat to go fast. I bought it to do just what it's doing and today I was very pleased.

[bassin butch]

Nice boat! A four stroke engine is un-common, but I think within a few short years it may be more common than not.

To me: The Champ ride is far more important than blazing speed..

[axis]

Nice looking rig! My next boat will have a 4 stroke also. I am soooo ready to be done with putting oil in.

Congrats!

[Royjulius]

Hey POP, can you post a pic of your boat at rest in the water? I'd like to see how low the extra weight of the 4 stroke makes the transom sit.

[mha]

Don't have one in stock, but I'll get you one

[Royjulius]

Thanks!!

[Wags]

Nice 187

[mha]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Royjulius &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Hey POP, can you post a pic of your boat at rest in the water? I'd like to see how low the extra weight of the 4 stroke makes the transom sit. </td></tr></table>

I'll do better when I have more time, but here's a quickie if it helps any

[Steve 187]

I think mine sits lower than that in the water! Wow. Looks like the extra weight barely makes a difference.

[Royjulius]

Yep, that seems to hold the weight well. Do the 05s have underseat tanks? cuz that boat really sits level. Looks great in the water, and that looks like a fun bass hole that it's sitting in! Thanks for posting the pic.

[Wags]

My Old girl sits a lot lower than that, looks good

[mha]

Rear tank but only 9 gallons in it, empty livewell

[JohnM]

Great looking combo!

[rude150]

Good thing you put that champ on a leash, its liable to run off. lol
If, I buy a 4 stroke, it'll be a honda.