2003 Merc 25hp 2 stroke, reliable?

[Ruggybuggy]

I have a good deal coming up on a 03 Merc 25hp 2 stroke, 94 Northwood 16' and nice trailer for $2,500. I already have a Northwood 14 so I know the boat but haven't owned a Merc (70ish 20hp) in 25 years and hated the one I had. It was hard starting and idle so bad it shock the whole boat. Are the new Merc better? I thought I head something about bad reed valve breaking off and destroying the motors. This one has electric start, power tilt and trim. Owner says the boat runs about 25mph with two people and gear. Previous motors I've had were/are Yamahas.

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Re: 2003 Merc 25hp 2 stroke, reliable?

bumpity bump. Sorry but I need some help on this one. I pick up the boat on Tuesday. Thanks.

 

[shawnc]

Re: 2003 Merc 25hp 2 stroke, reliable?

I have an 04 25 hp Merc 2 stroke that I haven't had any problems with so far. I've had it for 2 years now. I bought it as a kicker for my Tracker Targa 185 to use on smaller lakes. Only pushes it about 6-7 mph by GPS, but it's a heavy boat and I can't get it low enough in the water to open it up, speed was probably around 75% full throttle.

It's getting switched to a 15 1/2 foot fiberglass bass boat I recently bought and I am refurbishing presently. Should go good with the 25, I'm hoping for around 20 mph. The boat's dry weight is 320 lbs.

Mine has electric start, remote box, but no tilt or trim.

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Re: 2003 Merc 25hp 2 stroke, reliable?

Thanks for the reply. I would think that 20mph on your fiberglass that only weights 320 is under estimating. The Northwood weights in at around 420 and if it runs 25mph with 2 people and some gear you should be over that. I presently have a 14' Northwood and weights close to you fiberglass and with a Yamaha 15hp 4 stroke runs at 23mph.

 

[will941s]

Re: 2003 Merc 25hp 2 stroke, reliable?

I have a 89' 25hp 2 stroke, the engines are pretty much still the same. Mine is all manual, it idles a little rough but runs like a champ, I have a 14.5' duracraft and I get about 35 mph with two people and gear, with a 12 pitch prop. I have had to do very little in the way of service and I put about 100 hours a year on it. I think your making a great choice with this motor and believe me, you'll love it.