Cheap bad idea

FishStretcher · #1 04-12-2011, 11:26 PM

A 75 Hp 4 stroke Merc, freshwater motor, made in 2000. Cheap. Allegedly 386 pounds. I can't see this being a good idea. Like, I will never get it on plane. Right? Did I mention it was cheap?

Fr. Frank · #2 04-12-2011, 11:59 PM

It WILL get you on plane with the right prop. You'll be limited in your top speed. I rigged more than a few new 20' Seacrafts with 85hp V4 Johnsons, which actually only put out about 70-72 hp at the prop. Cruise at about 22, WOT of about 27-28 mph.

Likewise, I have seen a Seafari rigged with an inline 4 cylinder 85hp Mercury, as well. He had no problems, either.

These boats don't need as much power as everyone seems to want to put on them. They're fine with lots and lots of power, but they work very well with less, too.

I went from a tuned '92 Mercury XR4 2.0L producing about 190 hp at the prop, to my current 375lb 90hp Optimax. I have plenty of power. I can't run 50+ mph any more, but then, I almost never did, anyway.

FishStretcher · #3 04-13-2011, 08:07 AM

I forgot to mention I have a 58 lb kicker on the transom, too. I just posted about maybe putting poly tanks under the console where the "head" is, in order to have better static balance. The batteries are already up there. I wonder if that would be enough power for 3 guys and not lots of fuel, maybe 25 gallons, no head and 40 lb of ice and some fishing gear. Out in Buzzards Bay, it is a rare day that the water is flat.

So you think the answer might be the right prop and cavitation plate fin?

FishStretcher · #4 04-13-2011, 08:49 AM

Also, isn't this a rebadged Yamaha?

Bigshrimpin · #5 04-13-2011, 10:57 AM

That motor is a re-badged yamaha 4 stroke.

You still have a 20" transom right?

FishStretcher · #6 04-13-2011, 02:33 PM

Yeah. Hoping to do a bracket next year.

eggsuckindog · #7 04-16-2011, 04:37 AM

Quote:

I forgot to mention I have a 58 lb kicker on the transom, too. I just posted about maybe putting poly tanks under the console where the "head" is, in order to have better static balance. The batteries are already up there. I wonder if that would be enough power for 3 guys and not lots of fuel, maybe 25 gallons, no head and 40 lb of ice and some fishing gear. Out in Buzzards Bay, it is a rare day that the water is flat.

So you think the answer might be the right prop and cavitation plate fin?

Never happen - sorry

Bigshrimpin · #8 04-16-2011, 01:18 PM

Find a old freshwater inline 6 Merc 150 or 115 TOwer of power . . . they weigh in at 275lbs. Use the $3,000 - $4,000 you save for fuel. Before anyone says the 4 stroke is a better motor . . . please consider these old inline 6 motors won seacraft (and others) a few trophies including some 500+ miles races like the Bahama500 and the basic design lasted 25+ years in production. Also you can do all the work on it yourself . . . parts are dirt cheap (unlike newer motors)

Here's one
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2328628017.html

McGillicuddy · #9 04-16-2011, 02:36 PM

Yeah, what Bigshrimpin said...

FishStretcher · #10 04-16-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Find a old freshwater inline 6 Merc 150 or 115 TOwer of power . . . they weigh in at 275lbs. Use the $3,000 - $4,000 you save for fuel. Before anyone says the 4 stroke is a better motor . . . please consider these old inline 6 motors won seacraft (and others) a few trophies including some 500+ miles races like the Bahama500 and the basic design lasted 25+ years in production. Also you can do all the work on it yourself . . . parts are dirt cheap (unlike newer motors)

Not really what I am looking for, two stroke fog makes me seasick.
Just found a 100Hp Yamaha four stroke. Going to sell the 175 Yamaha two stroke.