Z118C Owners, Motor of Choice?

[Deadeye]

After several years of looking for the boat that I feel will meet all my needs and requirements, I believe that I have found it in the Z118C. Finally got a chance to look at two yesterday, One had the Pro XS and the Other had the Etec, both 150's.

However the dealer told me that if he was buying one having driven them all he would go with the SHO. Claimed it had better torx, hole shot, and upper end. I don't know much about the Yamaha SHO, so I spent some time last night researching them. SHO will cost about $2,500.00 more than a Pro XS on a rough quote.

Like most things owners of the Pro XS will say it is better, while the SHO owners claim it is the better choice. SHO weighs about 50 lbs more, but requires no external oil tank (not sure what these weigh or how much they hold. If they held 5 gals at 7lb per gal that still makes the Pro XS 15 lbs lighter).

Not looking for a war of words on why brand X is better than brand Y. But I would like feed back from any Z118C owners on what they have, what they get fuel mpg/high end mph/hole shot, ETC. Also do you like what you have or do you regret your choice of motor and why?

Thanks.

[Jared LeBlue]

Glad you posted because I'm looking at the same boat. I had pretty much made up my mind to go with the Etec but I would be interested to see what others have and what their experience have been.

[Polaris425]

Based on what I've read and watched, I wouldn't have think twice about the SHO. It would be on my boat for sure. But that's just me. The new 4strokes are crazy quiet, and smooth, and torquey.

[Deadeye]

I've done some more research and also posted this question on another forum. The SHO series had some issues with blowing before 100 hrs, but that was back a few years. However those were the 250's and the 150 seems to out new this year, or late last year.

I had two other Ranger dealers voice their opinions in this manner Merc #1 either the Pro XS or 4-Stroke, E-tec #2, Sho last.

My research on the SHO on Yamaha site showed the Z118c with a top end speed of 55.7, with 1/2 tank of gas and two guys.

Merc from what I could find is running 60 with the Pro XS and 58 with the 4-Stroke with a full tank of gas and two guys.

Hole shot goes to SHO, but that could also mean a lower pitched prop which would also lower top end.

Same hole shot could probably be done with the merc's by dropping down in pitch and probably close to same top end.

I'm really leaning towards the Merc 4-Stroke.

[Polaris425]

That's a good choice. My friends Z7 has the Merc 150 4stroke on it & the hole shot is nice, and he's seeing low 60's with ease, and now that's it's broke in I think he's seeing 65 pretty easy.

[Donald Garner]

Just checked out a video about the Ranger Z118C and that is one sweet looking rid there. 

[The Bassmeister]

I am a Mercury guy myself but I wouldn't be afraid of the SHO either, just don't think I would want an E-tec. The latter is based on a mechanic's opinion.