Search results

  1. K

    Steering system for small outboards, shifter idea?

    My first question is in relation to the cable length. How critical is it really to get absolutely the "perfect" length (within a foot or 6")? I read the sticky above and it mentions the chance of "tight" steering with a cable too long, but if care is taken in the installation of a long cable can...
  2. K

    Kicker motor questions - dual purpose motor?

    I am thinking about kicker motors more here and have a question. I have a couple of boat ideas that I would like to work towards, the primary being a 16ft aluminum boat with a walk-thru window. I pretty much have that nailed down as to what I am going to get, but I need to add a kicker to it...
  3. K

    Matching kicker for white eTec?

    Any ideas? It looks like typically the 9.9's and 15's are kickers, but the smallest eTec right now is a 15 high output (same engine as their 25). Everything less is a 4 stroke and comes in blue. Mercury's 9.9 kicker is black. Yamaha's are gray/silver.
  4. K

    What is the largest boat ever made with a planing hull?

    I'm just curious if anyone knows what the largest boat made with a planing hull is/was? I've seen some mega yachts while staying in a harbor hotel near one of my offices in the past and it got me thinking - some of these ~100ft boats can't possibly plane, can they?
  5. K

    Fuel Economy - Same boat, same speed, different motors at different hp ratings?

    If you have a boat with the same load and run at a modest cruising speed in the same water and weather conditions - what is going to get better fuel economy? A smaller HP motor running at higher RPM/engine load, or a higher HP motor running at slower RPM/less engine load? Say, the difference...
  6. K

    E-Tec inline vs. High Output, 90hp, differences?

    I see there is a weight difference between the two - 320lbs for the inline and 390lbs for the High Output version. Considering they have to be in the same HP class to have the same rating, what could be that much different? RPM's and gear ratios are the same. Is the HO just built with more...
  7. K

    Registration between Canada and US? Anyone else dealt with this?

    A short history of my question - we have a place on a Canadian lake, and have since around the early 50's I believe. That is where all our boats are now. I am looking at adding another boat that fits my purposes for exploring - based off a utility boat with bench seats, adding a console and...
  8. K

    Is there any merit to running a "kicker" motor vs. small hp tiller?

    By "kicker" I mean the 9.9's and 15's that have big 4 blade props and full remotes/power trim. What about running a 5hp tiller and remoting the throttle/shifter and tying the steering to main? I know there are no "kits" from the manufacturers, but it could be customized. Im thinking in terms...
  9. K

    Yamaha 40hp, others to look at or avoid?

    I had another recommendation for Yamaha motors. Looking at getting a used 40hp with remote control. Other than the merc 4 stroke and etec (both on my list already) are there any others to have a look at? Or are there any to stay away from? Good years, bad years?
  10. K

    Helm design - fitment of steering wheel, plotter, shifter and visibility

    I am making a cardboard mock up of my helm design this evening. I have everything set for the ergonomics of the controls. I based all the measurements off sitting in the seat. My original idea was to have 2 panels 13" tall, set at a 25deg angle back. The lower would have the steering wheel...
  11. K

    Generic, non-custom fit, enclosures? Bimini with sides?

    Are there any generic boat enclosures out there? I have seen the bimini/sun tops around. Are there any decent set ups like that which include sides?
  12. K

    Modern merc 4 stroke or ETec 40hp? How old?

    What are considered to be the start of the model years for the 40hp merc 4 stroke and evinrude eTec? I am looking around for a used motor. Maybe 2010? 2006? 2004?
  13. K

    Seat reinforcement?

    I have a set of seats with molded plastic bases. Ive done a bit of research and found the bases have been known to crack in a few places. They are "flimsy" - they lean back more than I think they should. Last summer I put a piece of sheet metal under the base of one. So far no issues. However...
  14. K

    Fabricating a helm - aluminum - for utility boat, also compass/plotter interference?

    I am trying to come up with some ideas on building a helm for a utility boat. Is there anything to consider with aluminum - thickness, type, etc? A long time ago my dad did some upgrades to our old boat trailer with diamond plate aluminum. From what I recall it was about 1/8" thick and was...
  15. K

    2 vs 4 stroke, same RPM, same HP, 7lb weight difference?

    From past research and discussion it appears the general consensus is a 2 stroke is a stronger running motor than a 4 stroke. I was looking at specs between the 50hp Merc 4 stroke and Evinrude 50hp ETec. The ETec is 240lbs and the Merc is 247lbs. Both motors are spec'd at 5500-6000rpm. Does...
  16. K

    Older, quality utility boats around 17ft?

    What are some good older (~15-25 years old) model bare bones utility boats? Something like a lund SSV - open, bench seats, shallow v hull - that will take at least a 40hp motor and has a wide beam (80-90")? I have an idea to enclose one with a console helm - may try the idea on the boat we have...
  17. K

    Materials for windows/windshield? Lexan, Acrylic, EZ2CY, etc?

    I am looking in to the feasibility of making an enclosure for an open boat and was curious what kinds of materials I could use for windows and the windshield. I thought of doing everything with fabric and clear vinyl so the set up was easily rolled up for storage in the off-season, but I would...
  18. K

    Remoting a 1993 25hp johnson?

    Is there a way to remote control a 1993 25hp Johnson motor that doesn't require too much dismantling? Or one that is easy to switch the motor around from remote back to tiller? I have seen the pulley and cable systems for steering but I'd rather avoid that and go with something like a Safe-T or...
  19. K

    Downrigger mounts? Gunwales or bench or??

    I have a set of old (~20-30 years) Invader downriggers that I'd like to mount for next season. From what I can tell the actual base plate bracket for them went with the boat they were installed on back in the 90's so I will be fabricating everything from scratch for the main unit to attach to...
  20. K

    How deep to lake trout get on the great lakes?

    Just curious how deep fish can get on the great lakes. I am guessing the hotter it is/warmer the water temp the further down they go - but how far? Is there a range they are generally found? I am looking at getting a depth/fish finder for next season to possibly troll for some lake trout on our...
Top