I'm planning to buy a boat within the next few months. I had an 89' Champion for my first boat and loved it for the most part but the Johnson outboard left a lot to be desired. I had the Johnson GT150 V6. Now I'm getting a new boat or possibly a newer used boat. My options on the new are a Ranger 170VS with a 115 Optimax or an 18'6 Triton with a 150 Optimax. In someone's experienced opinion would the 115 be sufficient enough if I wanted to fish club tournaments and local public tournaments? The Triton will end up being less money monthly and more boat but I really like the Ranger...Also I'm considering a 2003 Nitro with a 200 Optimax..I'm just a bit concerned about the age of that outboard....any advice is welcomed and appreciated....thanks in advance.

Simple answer: When competition is involved, bigger is better and even bigger is even better. "Sufficient" is settling for less.

Simple answer: When competition is involved, bigger is better and even bigger is even better. "Sufficient" is settling for less.

Xs 2

BUY THE TRITON!!!!!!!!

I have a 2004 TR21X DC with a 225 OPTIMAX that I bought when I was doing a lot of competitive fishing.  The only time it has been back to the dealer was for the 100hr tune-up.  I owned a GT150 in the 90's, what a fuel hog.  I have never been sorry for the upgrade.  The 225 OPTIMAX gets almost twice the MPG compared to the GT 150.

If I was buying again It would be a Triton 19.6 with a 200 OPTIMAX.  Will run in mid to high70's when jack plate is set right and with the right prop.

Kelley

Not hooked-up with Triton or Mercury in any way Just like these products.

Getting the Triton 18 X2 with the 150 Optimax...should do the trick! ..or two  Thanks!

You will be kicking yourself if you do not buy the Triton with the 150. Go run both boats and see for yourself the difference in the performance of the 115 up against the 150.

If you are not going to buy the Nitro send me a pic and some info on it. I may be interested. PM me please