Ranger Reata with 175 vs 150

I am looking to buy the Ranger Reata 1850 this spring. I need feed back from owners with the 150hp set up as well as the 175hp motor. Is is worth the extra $$$’s to go to the 175? Speed is definitely the number one factor?

welcome to IDA poker

One thing that I have heard from many new boat owners who underpowered there boat is ” I wish I would have maxed out the horsepower”

I don’t own one of these but I have to ask what is the primary use of the motor. Fishing or recreation? Fishing the 175 will get to your spots quicker, may be more of a gas hog, might not troll down as good if your a troller.
Recreation will pull the kids faster, may use more gas. Can get to a good spot quicker.
The 150 will not go as fast, will get better fuel economy, should troll down better.

Another question are both motors 4 stroke??
if you can get either one of these motors in a 4 stroke then I think you need to flip a coin to see which one to purchase.
Just my 2 cents worth!
I know you will enjoy the boat because its a Ranger!!

I have an 1850/F150 and see 52 tops, with an average of 50. The guys that have 175’s are not seeing a whole lot more at wot. Maybe 53-54 average. The F150 is a strong 150, it’s closer to 160 hp.

BIRDDOG

BIRDDOG

My buddy Dave just got one last fall with the 175 Opti on the back. I’ll see what he was getting for top end with 3 guys and trolling gear, but I thought he said around 54ish…

I ran the Reatta with a 150 Evinrude on it for Demo Days and I was impressed with the performance of the boat. With that said, I am one to always max out the HP on the boat. Just personal preference more than anything usually. Depending on how you prop the motor you won’t get a lot more top end usually, but you will get more power in general.

Great point Scott. I just heard back from Dave. He is running right at 49 with a 5 blade prop, but the hole shot is amazing. His friend is running the F150 who is getting faster speeds, but struggles popping skier’s up with only a 3 blade prop.

I have the same set up as Birddog. I am very happy with the F150. I read reports that the F150 has actual HP of 162. This is within the 10% tolerance that outboards need to have. It has a very large displacement (actually more than the Yamaha HPDI 200) and thusly provides good low end torque. I have pulled a skiier a few times and it works fine, but would probably test the new 175’s out there (Suzuki, Verado and Etec) if I was to use the boat more for skiing. I’d just as soon never pull one. There are enough of these boats out ther now that you should be able to test various motors out. I love the F150 and would be happy to give you a test ride. With this weather it may not be long!

EJ