Jhoover09

Got a question. Im looking at a 2007 Caracal with a Mercury optimax 225 2 stroke on it. I know the boat is only rated for 150. I looked at the transom for issues due to being overpowered but didnt find any. I was seeing in some experiments could chime in here and let me know what you think.

Dacman

I think that is too much Hp for the boat , you may have problems insuring it.
Or ride issues?
But someone I know has a 200 Vmax on the same hull as mine, 180cc rated for 135 and blasts out 67 mph , says its nice. ........
My advise is , don’t buy it without a sea trial!!

Jhoover09

I called about insurance. They asked what the hp was on the motor but didnt say anything else. I agree its definitely over powered but is it something to be concerned with. I know the Coast guard has rules about overpowering. What i read it said Monohull Motorcraft. Which this is a Cat

slickster

That was a slow boat with the standard 140 suzuki, a 225hp would probably work well, what's the weight difference? Insurance a non issue....

Dacman

Drive it before you buy it . Could be good or not....
If it performs good , put 150 stickers on it for fun..

FatKatFishing

Weight difference between 225 and the 150 is only about 65 lbs (496lbs vs 431lbs ish). I don’t believe the CG or police will bother you about the power. I could be wrong. I would go with it, the more the better, doesn’t mean you need to be full throttle which is good. Then evaluate the motor height and propeller specs to optimize performance for that particular hull. Those two factors will cause a poor performance before that extra 60 lbs . That’s only my opinion. Good luck! PS - are. You going off shore? Out/in through inlet? I found coming in with a heavy following sea, as I ride the back of the wave, having that extra HP and throttle is nice. Like I said, you don’t need to use it but it’s nice to have.

Jhoover09

Thanks, im still not 100% on the boat but this helps

Bullshipper

What year, what updates and how many hrs on the optimax would be my 1st questions.

Is the gas tank big enough for a 225, would be my 4th

And do the decks stay dry with 2 guys in the rear would be my last.

slickster

I visited their factory years ago, quality design and build....go with the higher hp....

triguy7

I have owned three. 140-150hp is my recommendation. Boat gets a bit squirrely after 32 or so.
i have a 150 and it’s way enough.

msilva4

I have a 2006 with a Suzuki 140 it's not that fast of a boat but it's plenty for me I'm not sure what the weight difference is between the Suz 140 and the Merc 2S 225 if its significant it might be issue if you think the weight is not a problem go for it as a previous poster said you don't have to go full throtle , if the price is right and it's in good shape grab it , not many outthere and they are sought after because of the quality and good reputation
mine is listed on here on THT

Logan311

interesting read here - I have a 140 zuke - not fast but efficient - think my motor weighs 396 lbs...