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70's with a 200 shouldn't be a problem. to get to 80+ You have to get things pretty dialed in. Still love those hulls - cant beat them for an all around boat.

Nice boat, the same as mine. I've got a 200 XP Evinrude, and run in the low 80's. The boat came with a 140 'Rude, that pushed it to low - mid 60's, bolted to the transom.

Took forever to get it to run 80's, a lot of testing and tuning and trying props. I was stuck in the high 70's for a long time. Drop me a note if I can be of any help

Did you have to beef up the transom support at all adding such a big motor? I believe the hull is rated for a 150 which is what makes me a little skeptical about dropping a 200 on the back

No, I didn't do anything to the transom. It was in really good condition when I got it, and still is. I've got almost 3 years of use with the 200 on it, and it's in the water a lot. This year it's been in the lake more than it's been on the trailer.

They weigh the same.
Hang a 260 on the back.....then you'll have a bit of fun!

That's right I heard the motors from 150 and up weigh the same it's just the carbs that make the difference or something?

But I was concerned more so with the extra power of a 200 opposed to the weight... wouldn't wanna peel my transom out like a tin can haha

If your transom is in good shape, I wouldn't worry about putting a 200 on it. They pretty much seem to be the go to motor on the 18 DL's and SK's. I'd ditch the bow gas tank for a stern tank too