Originally Posted by
LongShot
4 stroke Hartley. Might as well push the entire effort three decades into the future. The way I see it power should be the very last consideration. Test the hull and driver with the most available power. Whether that be Merc, OMC, Yamaha or Scott-Atwater. Doesn't matter. You will not get corporate help from motor manufacturers. If you want help look at accessory builders. Props, clothing, oil, etc. they have nothing to lose if it all goes tits up. When all is good, the boat handles well at 160-170 or whatever the power you choose allows, then go after the power you need. The learning curve will be steep but you will know more about what you need after testing than you do now. My $.02.