Your old FICHT motor weighs about 405 lbs compared to the 150-200 Suzuki's that are all 531 lbs in the 25" version with the digital controls. If you're considering the 150 then as you mentioned, might as well consider the 175 as well. Any idea how the FICHT sits in the water and where the waterline is on your boat? You can definitely do a few things to offset the weight, like you mentioned with the batteries. $16k seems like a decent price for the 175, the maximum horsepower for your hull should be 200 hp, so you could even go up to that if you wanted, and depending on the year of the boat that you have. I'm guessing if the outboard is 24 years old now that the hull itself is as well? I kind of like the white color of the Suzuki a bit more than the black as well, did they happen to give you any insight as to the pricing or how long it would take to get one in white?
The boat sits pretty well with the FICHT right now. I usually keep the gas tank full and the scuppers stay above the water at rest unless two people are on the stern-then some water will come in through the stern. Getting on plane and attitude while underway is fine even when passengers are in the jump seats - which is rare. Boat runs /rides fine with the old 175 (except the FICHT does not like to run right below 3500 RPMS)
Yep the hull is a 1999 too. It’s still pretty solid- its got some oxidation and some sunblock stains especially in the cockpit) but it shines up nice with some elbow grease.
I did not ask about the lead time on a white motor. They said it just depends on whether any are available in the supply chain-guessing it could be anywhere from days to months. I also like the white ones better, but I’d get used to the black one—I cant see it when I’m driving anyway
For those curious-They quoted~$14k for the 140; $15K for the 150 (with mechanical controls). ~$17k for a 175 (digital) $18k for the 200 (digital). I was told white in any HP is about $300 upgrade.
I checked on a Yamaha F150 at a different local dealer and it was in the $18-19k range. Our Merc dealer is Bass Pro Shop so I passed on the Mercury.
The 175 is the only 25in they have in stock so they’re willing to work with me on that one and offered $16K out the door. Special orders are going to be regular price.
I’m going to make the call next week- right now leaning toward the 175. I can move and remove weight easier than I can try to make more power out of a 140.