STRIKE ZONE,
The 175 Sportjet is a 200 horse Merc. powerhead, it pushes my 19' Thunderjet around quite well; out of the hole pretty quick, 48-50 mph top speed, handles well at high speed and especially maneuvering at low (off plane) speed such as loading and around the dock. It will bury the bow if needs be to emergency stop. I had a 16' Wooldridge Alaskan with a Merc. 55hp jet outboard, it is hard to compare the two, obviously quite different boats. The SJ is quieter than my old outboard but that outboard was 12 years old. Compared to my partners 2000 Merc. 80 Jet outboard the SJ is a little quieter (that is my partner's comment and I agree). Good luck on your choice. If you would like to go for a ride and check it out, e-mail me and we will get together. Just have to plan around work. Hope this helps. Good luck

Doubletake