I'm looking at getting a new SuperVee LS from 3rivers sometime in the not too distant future. Brian down there has been very helpful. He quoted me a price for the boat with a 90/60hp Merc jet. I did a search here for related info and saw a lot of guys recommend the 115/80. Anybody out there own either setup, and are you happy? Most of the time it'll be just me and maybe one other person, but occassionally there may be 4 or 5 total adults in the boat. I plan to use it in larger local rivers as well as the Sound. Thanks.
Matt

I have a 18 foot sup. v lt with a 115 merc on it and it is more than fast enough. But if I was to go to a sled any bigger than that I would go with a 150 merc with a 4 blade stainles inpler.

I currently own an 18 foot Formula Vee windshield model. I purchased this boat new in 1991 and have a 115 hp Yamaha on it. When I use it in the prop mode this boat can hit 53 mph plus (all the right conditions of course) , but when I have the Jet installed it definitely could use more HP, and I do have a stainless impeller. If I was to repower, it would definitely have a 150 hp on it. I would also buy a tiller open boat, but it works though, so who am I to complain
I am sure that "RiverLiver" will have some say on this, as he and his son recently purchased a new Alumaweld.

Ng

I have a 19' Alumaweld VS with a 150 Merc with a stainless prop. It gets a boatload on plane quite nicely. I believe the block on the 150 is the same as the 200 only smaller cylinders. If you need to, you have room to bore out to a 200 in the future.

i have a 20ft.lt with a 200 it has great power with a boatload.i would go with pitch pocket and get the 150.you need a lot of hp. with a pump.you will be a lot happier.plus you won't have to run full throttle all the time.my boat gets better fuel mileage than my other 16ft.with a 90/65 because i am not running wide open to get places.good luck with your new boat you will be happy you bought it at 3 rivers marine.scott

I had a 17 foot sled some years back with an 85 hp (55 after pump) on it. OK for 2 people, too little power for three people. Your boat is bigger. In your boat, 115 would be the bare minimum, and 150 would be better. I have a friend with a 19 ft predator with 150, and it seems pretty good.

Now, this is all considering the old style jet pump that everybody had. I have heard a rumor of a new version of pump, coming from the same folks at San Leandro, that really imporves the efficiency of the pumps, much closer to that of a prop. If this was in fact true, and that is what you had, then a 115 would likely be OK. But the fact that you were quoted for a 90/60, seems to indicate that these aren't available yet, or you have been quoted for a 90/80

I got the 80/115 on an 18' super vee matches the boat fine

I bought my 16 foot Super Vee from 3Rivers last year. It's a great set up and if I could change one thing I would jump up to a bigger motor. I'm running a 90/65 Merc jet and either fish by myself or usually have only one other person with me. I fish small, medium and big rivers. On the medium and big rivers I"m usually running it wide open and would like very much to go faster!

Thanks for the info, guys! I have another question.

The brochure from Alumaweld rates the maximum motor for the 19'LS at 115/90. Many of you are talking about having a 150 on there. Does that damage the boat long-term, or void the hull warranty or anything?
Matt

Go with the 150/105 if applicable and at the very least I would go with the 115/80. I've had experience with an under powered sled and it can be real spendy trying to get H.P. up either by engine or pump mods or having to buy a new higher H.P. engine.

You probably have to go the the Super Vee Pro to get the heavier aluminum and the higher horsepower. If you can afford it, I'd go with the pro.

I have a 19' sled with a 150 on it. I must say I am rather surprised they are suggesting a 90/60 combo. I would be very disappointed if I had that power setup. As is, I plan on putting a SS impeller on mine to squeeze out a little more. When in wide open water, I wish I had the 200. I would certainly put what ever the max is for the boat on it. You don't want to have to run the motor at or near its max constantly or it isn't going to last very long. Its always nice to have some power in reserve to.

I will tell ya to listen to the power mongers that are speaking here!!!! My 18' sled came with a 115/80 hung on the back and we had to run it on the ragged edge to get on and maintain plane. Well needless to say we learned the hard way and that motor lasted about 100 hrs. Have the 150/105 on the back now, all I can say is what a difference!!! 5500 RPM is the normal top end of most motors and with the old one we consistantly ran at 4800 and above, with the new one once we are on plane 4000-4200 is the norm. The boat will carry more friends a lot easier also. If the sled will take it hang the 150 on the back, you will not be dissapointed.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

Got my 20 ft super vee 2 months ago, Im a horse power freak though mine has the fuel injected 320 hp chevy 350 what a blast to drive. there is no subsitute for horse power or cubic inches MORE IS ALWAYS BETTER.