I am underpowered on my 1989 184DCB running a 1985 115hp Merc. The boat is rated for a 175HP and I was not sure I was going to be happy with the 115hp on it.
I know I gave up alot of speed but the gas mileage has been impressive. I only cruise around 32mph and top out at 45mph. I have to be getting 5-6miles per gallon. I only have a 24 gallon tank. I have run a couple of different merc 150's on some 18' hulls and the best I ever got was about 4 miles to the gallon.
I am not sure if it is hull design or the smaller motor or what but I am most impressed with the gas mileage on this boatThe ride and handling are just big plus'.
I will be hanging on to this one as it will be my son's knock around and learning boat. He is not going to get into trouble with it and I am gaining more confidence in it everytime I take it out. He is only 12 so we got some time.![]()