Hi BBCers
First time post here, was told about these boards and what a huge supply of information it is! I post from Australia and I'm in the process of updating my boat. My current package is a 2005 Nitro NX750 with a 150hp Optimax saltwater series. She hums along at around 56-58mph in most conditions in the salt and a nice first time bass boat.

I'm now looking at a 2006 Skeeter ZX190.
The speed bug has hit and I want to go faster!

In Australia there isn't a huge choice of bass boats and Skeeter's, Nitro's, Tritons and Stratos are the only real ones to look at. The importers here except Nitro(Merc's) let you put what ever motor you like. This time I would like to steer away from Mercury because of the oil consumption my current one uses. I have noticed most of you guys run Yammies, is that because of package deals?

One of my friends has just taken delivery of a 2006 SX190 with a Evinrude ETEC 150HO and has clocked speeds of 68mph in the fresh with some prop swapping.

I was looking at a ZX190 with a ETEC 200HO.
Here in Australia the importers have agree'd to warrant the boat with the larger motor, so why not?

In Sydney where I live we fish for Bream on waterways like Sydney Harbor, with a little wind we get some nice chop mixed in with boat and ferry wash. I want to go bigger to handle the chop and to run the distances to get away from the crowds in tournements. Most people still run locally made tin, bone jarring boats so it's nice having glass under my ass!
A couple of hours drive see's you fishing in stocked dams for Australian Bass and Yellow belly then it's just a race to your fishing spots so fast and smooth is why I'm looking at a Skeeter.

Questions.
1) Anyone got a ZX190 with 200hp of any brand?
2) What sot of speeds do you think the combo will run at?
3) Anyone running a ETEC on their Skeeter?
4) Is there a better choice of motor and why?

Cheers
Greg