Motor The best place to start with your motor is the horsepower rating of your chosen boat. Matching that rating with the size of your motor will generally give you the best overall performance from your boat. Though this will give you your best top end speeds, that is not the only reason for meeting the horsepower rating. You will also experience better hole shots, easier driving in rough waters, and better overall handling. Nothing says you have to drive at full throttle.
Fuel economy is also an issue in picking a motor.
The boat is rated for a 200HP motor, and having a 200HP gives me excellent overall performance. My total fuel usage was less than 40 gallons each day. That translates into about 4 mpg at full throttle, that was a huge advantage over some of my competitors who still had regular carberated engines. Having the right prop also plays a large part in your boat's performance. Props that give you the best top end speed often sacrifice hole shots and handling, and vice versa.