Tomcat 255 repower

J

joechiro30

New member
My tomcat is a 2006. I am currently repowering and would like some input. I am repowering with new Suzuki outboards with new fly by wire controls. I am deciding whether to repower with the Suzuki DF150ap or the DF175ap.
The DF150ap’s are Back ordered so I considered the 175’s to see if they have them anywhere. They have some 175 twins available. Should I go with the 175’s? Are they better or the 150’s better for the tomcat 255.
They say it is only 8 pounds heavier and already with the older df150’s they seem to be maxed in weight.
 
If memory serves (often it don’t), the last 3 255’s sold by Three Rivers Marine and Weifings were all Suz twin 175’s, so it’s a popular choice these days. If the price delta is under 5-8 Boat Units, I’d take the 175 twins. You’ll get some of it back when you sell.

Often larger engines turn out to be more economical to run in a heavily loaded boat (which the TC255 usually turns out to be in Heavy Cruise or Expedition Mode). No one races these big girls (I did not say ‘fat’, I said ‘big-boned’).
We are very happy with our 2010/2011 Yamaha 150’s…super reliable, bullet-proof, easy to get parts and service (even in Canada) and won’t change until/unless an engine blows up. We don’t run over 25-30MPH on the water even in ideal conditions.

Happy choosing Power Options!
John
 
The 150s and 175s are on the same block. Just a bit more HP at the top end. They are an excellent choice, and If I was powering a Tom cat 255 today, I would buy the 175's.
 
Thanks for the input. I decided to buy the 175’s. They didn’t even have the 150’s available in the USA. Good to know that I am getting a better option.
Getting them in white!!
 
Would you mind sharing approximate cost of your re-power? May have a 255 in my future and would love to know the cost of that upgrade in round numbers. Thanks so much, Mike
 
Just a side-thought:

Thataway Bob has mentioned before that the best set-up on the Tomcat 255 is to mount the twin counter-rotating engines in the reverse positions they are usually mounted. Are you aware of this?

Also, will you have PermaTrims on the engines for trim control and to lift the stern?

As long as you're spending that much money, might as well get it right from the get-go!

Good Luck!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
I had cable controls and I am switching to fly by wire controls. The engines are for fly by wire and a bit more than the cable controlled motors.

The total cost for fly by wire controls and the engines are around 36k. Also I ordered the white colored motors which are a bit more expensive.

I will put perma trims on the motors if I need them. I will try them without first. Don't want to put holes on my new motors unless I need to.

The dealer said that I could use the same props as I used for the 150's. Any particular prop that is optimal for these motors on the tomcat?

I do a lot of offshore fishing in the chop and I cruise at low RPM for long periods to get through them.
 
Be sure to wait for answers with all our TC-255 crew, and especially Thataway Bob, our guru extrodiniare around here! :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
I miss my permatrim on my CD-25. I was going to install it on my new 200 hp 4 stroke. I had one on the 200 hp 2 stroke that it replaced. But the Yamaha dealer told me that the warranty would be voided if I did that. I get by without it but will install it in two years when the engine comes off warranty. Don’t know how Suzuki would deal with it. But I’d check before I drill holes.

Enjoy your new boat....Tom
 
Joe, I would not put Permatrims on. I did it as an experiment to see if I could get the planing speed lower--boat up on a step--more tunnel clearance at the lower speed. It sort of worked...but there was a large stern wave, and not desirable at those low speeds. Top speed a little lower....the planing speed was lower, but with the larger stern wave right off the hull, I didn't really think it was worth the effort. On the 22 and 25, the Permatrims are almost essential, if you run a heavy boat.

Your engines are set up correctly. The same props, 4 blade--somewhere in the 20" to 22" pitch are going to be best--cup to get stern lift. I don't remember, the exact model number of the props I had. The Solas Titan series in 4 blade goes up one inch pitch at a time, but only 14" diameter; the Luxor goes up 2" pitch at a time and are available in the 15 1/4" diameter--which should work better for the cat. Both series have counter rotating props available in the size you need.

The price for the White," Fly by wire" 175's is good, especially with rigging. When you see some internet prices there are at times out of the US, no rigging, etc...

What was the WOT boat speed and RPM with the 150's?
 
Thanks Dr. Bob,

I have a three blade prop that I used for the 150's
WOT on them I got about 42 mph at about 5000-5500 rpm

Do you recommend a 4 blade prop? and what size?
 
We had a 4 blade prop--and I run a 4 blade prop on my smaller cat. The cats seem to do better with them. My Tom Cat 255 when new would hit in the high 40's--over 48 several times, and once right at 50 mph. (Statute)

I believe we had the 4 blade at about 21" pitch--I am sorry that I cannot remember the exact model number. That is probably somewhere in the posts.

The Suzuki should get up to 6,000 WOT ideally.

If you have the 3 blades--give them a try on the new motors. That will give you a good reference point. Get new SS props, and keep the 3 blades for spares.
 
Dr Bob,

The prop size that I’ve been using is the 3X 16 by 21.5
I had that in my 150’s. I should try those out?
The 4 blade 16 by 21 is what you recommend in SS?
 
Back
Top