JoeBoyC

Gave the Evinrude one more chance after going to the shop and it left me stranded on the water once again. Suzuki is my choice. Ive read lots of good things about the fly by wire engines. The local shop quoted me out the door for the fallowing. 250 hp mechanical, 20k, fly by wire $21,800. But here is my problem, I can get there Fly by wire 300hp for $22,100 out the door. This has me seriously considering the 300hp. My boat is a 2003 kencraft Challenger 220 and has the Armstrong bracket. From what I've found, the 250 hp Suzuki is roughly 70 lbs heavier than the Evinrude, and the 300hp Suzuki is roughly 110 lbs heavier. Can my boat safely handle the weight of the 300? Safety is my concern so don't think I'm just trying to throw the biggest engine possible. I know it can handle the 250 but the 300 is roughly 40 lbs heavier than the 250 4 stroke. What advise do you guys have on this please m

redseacraft

250 AP and 300 AP are the same weight. Only ECM difference. 2-3mph for the 300.

DO IT! You'll be at the sandbar and happy your motor says 300 on the sticker. Trust me!!!!!!!

Daretofish

Yes, go with the 300! The boat is built very strong and can handle it if you can!

Timeless

I had the same boat with a Mec 225 EFI and thought it was bow-light. I was always working the tabs and otherwise kept the boat pretty trimmed down to keep the bow from porpoising. I do not know what your experience has been with your setup, but I would put the net weight increase on the bracket (sand bags?) and take the boat out in a few different sea-states to see if the weight will be a deciding factor. Mind you, you can always add wedges if she's too bow-light, but this may negatively affect fuel economy. Then...buy the 300 for $300 more than the 250.

Harp31

FWIW I have a 2001 Challenger 235 with a 2017 fly by wire Zuke 300 and I think it's a perfect combo. No bracket though and I have some big (14x18) tabs that I think help a lot. Don't need to use them much, but the running service alone makes a big difference. I cruise 27-30 at about 4200 rpms getting 2.2 as I increase rpms economy stays pretty flat at 2mpg all the way to 48 top speed if conditions are ideal. I have absolutely no issue keeping the bow down. Bracketed boat is a different animal though. I think a 350 dual prop would be unbelievable on this hull as it is a little...just a little slow getting on plane loaded. Not sure how the extra 150lbs hanging off the back would work though.

Timeless

The 235 is an entirely different hull and unless I am mistaken, not known to be light in the bow like the 220's and 215's.

jdc

For 40 lbs, I'd go the 300. However based on my experience with my 215, you will absolutely want large tabs and will use them all the time. I would also do transom wedges and a stern lifting prop. You'll be better than the 215 because of the cabin weight, and although I loved my 215, the bow light nature of the bracketed boat is a bit annoying.