Best engine for 2016 SPX 19?

[sdiddy]

So Im interested in this boat, just for day cruising, putting around the marina, maybe spend a couple hours cruising up the coast. we would bring some friends with us, so could be 6 adults and a couple kids in the boat.

Is the 135 hp engine enough? Or should I get the 180? I dont care about going super fast, but I want enough power to cut through waves and keep my family and friends safe if its choppy....

 

[BurgundyS24]

Why not go with the 180. On a side note, 6 adults and a couple kids? Seems a bit much. 6 adults and 1 or 2 kids is more than too many on my 24 footer. Even with a few in the cabin.


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[sdiddy]

Why not go with the 180. On a side note, 6 adults and a couple kids? Seems a bit much. 6 adults and 1 or 2 kids is more than too many on my 24 footer. Even with a few in the cabin.


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really??? the spx 19 is advertised as "good for 11 people".

 

[Bridog]

I would opt for the 4.3 or 4.5 in the I/O version. Or the standard 150 hp outboard is a great choice for this boat.

 

[Steve195]

I was very surprised this boat is even offered with the 3.0L 135 HP. I bet it would struggle to get on plane with that engine and 8 people aboard. As others have said, get the 4.3 or 4.5.

My buddy has the 19SPX with the 4.3 220 HP. I can't imagine that boat with much less. My boat is the same size as his and has the 5.0L v8. Both of us feel most comfortable with 4 on the boat, 5 max.

As far as how many people, yes, the boat is rated for a max of 11 people, but it also has a weight limit of 1550 lbs for people. So, technically you can bring 11 people that weigh 140 lbs each. Weight limit aside, 6 adults and two kids is too many for that boat. If all you're doing is taking a short, slow cruise to dinner or something like that, you can load it down, but don't expect much in the way of performance or comfort. If you're doing any type of water sports, or spending the day on the lake, 4 people is great, 5 or 6 (even with 2 kids) is about all you'd want. Remember, you'll have coolers, watersports gear, etc. etc. all taking up room.

I'm guessing you haven't been onboard the SPX yet. Find a dealer and bring along some friends and go climb on the boat. You'll realize how tight it would be with that many people.


You also mention cruising "up the coast". This size boat isn't really an offshore boat, it's primarily a lake boat.

If you load it right, get the right power plant, and the right body of water you'll love it. It's a great boat!

 

[Jeremygavin]

I have the 19spx with the 150 OB. That is enough to power for the boat. I have had 9 people on board and pulled a skier out of the water. I have also gone on a 4hr cruise with 11 people on boat, 4 of those are kids 6-8yrs old. It isn't a rocket ship with that many people but it gets the job done. I also changed props and put a 17" 4 blade prop on which is 2" less than factory, this helps with the hole shot when loaded up. It is tight with 11 on board but I was impressed with how well it handled that amount of people. It got up on plane and I didn't have to get everyone to the front of the boat.
I have had an 18ft Monterey Bowrider with the 130 mercruiser and it struggles with 6-8 people on board. Those engines are heavier than my 150 OB so they are at a weight and power disadvantage. I would say the 220hp I/O or the 150 OB would be minimum power I would get for that boat. If I was buying the I/O version I would get the 220hp as I/O boats are more stern heavy than OB so the extra power would be nice to get it on plane.