
(A few years ago now)
I spent many happy hours fishing out of my Uncles V198. It started with 1986 235hp Evinrude and later
re-powered with a 225hp Yamaha – I saw it on TM last year with a 200Hp Yamaha
on the back now.
My guess is that a 150hp would be the minimum for your V198 with the added weight / windage of the hardtop. But you don't need 225hp - his boat was a rocket ship with the 225hp Yamaha!
Also, more importantly I found the V198 did not like weight at the back - we tried a couple of ideas for game fishing, firstly a 15hp 4/stroke Aux to troll with and then replaced it with a Live Bait tank in place of the Aux bracket. The weight down the back drastically changed the handling of the boat. Being a deep Vee the V198 needs a bit of power to get up on the plane, and with the extra weight we added at the back, you really had to lean on the throttle, trolling it was horrible – bow in the air and wallowing around and any extra weight (people) to the back, waves were slopping up the motor and filling the outboard well. Needless to say both ideas were aborted after a couple of weeks.
If it was me – I reckon a 175hp Optimax
or maybe a 200hp (2.6) Etec would work well for you.

FizFisho wrote:150 seems a bit light Coro. Id go a 200 min. Nice hulls mate, nice hulls. :-) |


Motorhead wrote:The rear of the boat is subjected to less impact which can have an adverse effect on battery life, which is generally why batteries are placed in the stern.. Newer battery technology may have superior construction methods to offset/mitigate possible damage from impacts. Also as mentioned above cable lengths can be shorter if battery is located closer to the engine. |


Walu wrote:My viscount was professionally done and I have many photos that I can e-mail direct if you wish. l'm not a boat builder however retired tech/composite advisor for Nuplex Resins and can advise on suitable lamination regarding the transom....... ![]() |

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