New member looking at a new Competitor 205

Hi All,

Let me start by thanking everyone for all the great information on the forum!

I am extremely close to closing the deal on a 2018 Competitor 205 Tiller (Shadow Series) and am just crossing some t’s and dotting some i’s.

Hoping for a bit of input from the peanut gallery as I know there are many folks full of knowledge here.

1. Yamaha SHO VMax 115hp – Although I hear people always pushing to max out the hp, I have noticed this boat often has a 115hp on it. I know that going above 115 on a tiller adds additional cost, weight, and manufacturer limitations on this rig, however was wondering if anyone has any feedback? I am looking at the SHO just so I can top out a bit more grunt without jumping to a 140 Zuke, and I have been told by a few people that a 115 SHO vs a 140 Zuke are pretty much the same output. Jumping to a 150 Merc adds 100lbs, plus a battery for the hydraulic steering making it a near wash as well. Getting up to the 175 snd 200 Mercs can add a ridiculous amount of cost and weight… so many thoughts! Any feedback from the good folks here?

2. Taking delivery in the winter – I live in the cold… Toronto area, and winter is just around the corner. Assuming the boat would arrive mid winter, do they ship motors in a winterized state, or would I have to have the dealer winterize it upon delivery? Would love to hit Bay of Quinte for some mid winter Walleye!

3. 205 Tiller General Feedback – I have read a ton of posts, but if anyone can give me some general feedback on the 205 Tiller I’d be very grateful. What do you like, what don’t you like, what would you change?

Thanks again all, and looking forward to some input!

Regards!

Welcome to IDO. I don’t know anything about the boat you are looking at, but since no one else has replied yet, I do have one comment. I see that boat is around 1600 pounds. I have a Lund Tyee 1850 that weighs around a hundred pounds less. I have a Mercury 150 2-stroke V-6 and I think you may be underpowered with a 115 horse. it’s probably doable if you’re usually by yourself, but if you take others with you and just in general I would seriously consider at least a 150. I think your boat’s max hp is 200. The 150 would get you on plane a lot faster and that’s what I’d recommend. It will give you a better ride overall. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I have a 2016 Competitor 175 Sport that weighs 1,375 LB with a zuke 140HP and a zuke 9.9 kicker on the back and i struggle to get up on plane at times. Different boat i know but something to consider with the motors you are looking at. My issue could be related to prop though too.

I agree with the others, unless you test that boat with that motor combination I have a feeling you will be disappointed in a 115. Even a 140 might be a little on the light side.
The increase in HP brings additional cost and weight, but I think you will be much happier with it in the long run.

I have a 20′ skeeter tiller with the yamaha 115. It handles the boat well. But, if i could get a 150hp motor with power steering without being married to Mercury i would.
Last summer i let a buddy of mine who was going to order the alumacraft use my skeeter for two days to see how he liked the motor combo. He ended up getting the 150hp merc and is happy with the combo.

In comment section has driver and one passenger with no TM or batteries doing 40mph.

Not everyone needs to do 50mph, that SHO would seem to be a nice fit on that boat if your goal is low 30s when fully geared.

I fished out of 20′ proguide with 115 Merc and it cruised just fine with bunch of dudes on there. Nothing fast and furious but it worked well enough.

Thanks for the input everyone. Some great points to consider.

I am struggling with the thought of getting a Merc… nothing against them, just have always been a Yamaha, Nissan, Johnson guy.

Once you pass the 140 Suzuki it’s all Merc. On the other hand, I have read and heard that the newer Mercs are far better than they were in years past.

I will have to come to a decision sooner than later!

JonnyMo,
I’ve driven the 205/115 in that YouTube video, and honestly, that dealer, Rock River Marine in WI has another currently in stock.

Buy yourself a plane ticket, fly to O’Hare, rent a car and go test drive that combination before the river freezes,,,,,,,

http://www.rockrivermarina.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?veh=5040687&pov=4949004

At least you’ll know how a 115 feels on that hull, then you can decide if you want the Yammi.

HRG

JonnyMo wrote:

Thanks for the input everyone. Some great points to consider.

I am struggling with the thought of getting a Merc… nothing against them, just have always been a Yamaha, Nissan, Johnson guy.

Once you pass the 140 Suzuki it’s all Merc. On the other hand, I have read and heard that the newer Mercs are far better than they were in years past.

I will have to come to a decision sooner than later!

Mercury has the corner on the market for the tiller assist system. I am guessing that anything 150 or higher is too much torque not to use their system. Too bad you cannot get a 150 Suzuki on there. Amazing motor.
Specs-wise the 150 merc looks very good, but like you, I haven’t been a fan of Mercury ever.
My 1 and 2 outboards would be Suzuki, then Yamaha. I have the 150 Suzuki on my 185 Tournament Sport and it is incredible.
If they can get 40 out of that boat with a 115 I am impressed. Make sure that if you go that route you pay attention to what prop and hole the motor is setup in that makes a huge difference.

Thanks for the input all!

Well, I have my order in for a 2018 Competitor 205 -Tiller (Shadow Series)…
Motor selection? 115 Yamaha SHO!

Could not come to terms with any other brand, and seems like plenty unless I wanted to set the water on fire! Lol

I will post up some stats when I take possession in April/May so if someone else is running into the same question, it may be helpful.

Thanks again for the responses, and I will be sure to link up my walk through YouTube video as soon as it gets shot.

Cheers, and happy/safe holidays to all!

Santa came early! Nice! That is a beautiful boat and Yamaha makes great motors. You should have many years of smiles in that rig.

Max out the horse power and put a merc on it. Especially if you are going to put a trolling motor, plus batteries, three guys plus, a live well full, tackle and gear, etc, you’ll be pulling your hair out taking a mile and a half trying to get that front end down and plowing water like snow putting a mountain of stress on that motor trying to get up on plane.

Wish I had seen this earlier before you ordered. I have run a tiller for about 17 years and the last 12 have been with steering assist. The steering assist is absolutely incredible. I have zero faith in Merc above a 9.9hp, but might even take the risk to get steering assist.

I hope you like the boat and it works out well for you. Good luck and happy fishing.

I hear what you’re saying. My other issue outside of being a Yamaha guy is the additional cost to max out at 200hp with Merc… extra cost about 23k.

I really do like the looks of the big Tiller and the troll control system that Merc has, but the extra parts and add ons are just too much.

I really do appreciate the response though and will report back with an honest opinion of how I feel the 115 SHO is doing with this boat.

That motor will handle the boat just fine. The only place it might lack would be if you fished tournaments every weekend. Otherwise it will do everything you ask of it at a reduced cost. Congrats!

Well, I have my boat finally! I am thrilled with the look and in my first day of break in can already tell… the 115 SHO is plenty of kick.

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Wow, nice boat. Those Shadow editions sure are nice. More pics please!

Yeah, I don’t quite get the need for big motors on tillers. I personally wouldn’t feel safe in a tiller going over a certain speed anyway. You have plenty of motor with that SHO. Congrats.

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Congrats on your new boat!! Looks great!

Congrats on the new ride! It looks pretty sweet!

Wow beautiful boat! Great truck also! I’m very jealous.