50 or 60hp big foot

[Ryan's outboard]

I was wonder what everyone thought of a brand new 50 or 60hp big foot merc on a 20ft pontoon? How reliable is this thing, is there any known issues with it that I should be aware of?
Im deciding which one I should get the only difference I was told was about 3-4 mph and $1,000.

 

[achris]

Re: 50 or 60hp big foot

Hi Ryan,

The engine for both the 50 and 60 is the same, just a carb change, the bigfoot gearbox is an excellent choice. That gearbox goes on all the 75-90-115-125 engines, so there's not a lot you'll be able to do to it that would kill it. The difference between the 50 and the 60 is not a lot. The 50 will give you slightly less speed at the top end but slightly more torque at the bottom end. It's up to you to decide which one is the more important. The only maintenance issue I've ever seen is the spark plugs. Had a few that started to mis-behave and all the problems were sorted with new spark plugs. Other than that, clean fresh fuel, good quality oil and a flush every now and then.

Good luck and I think you'll be happy with either engine.

One last thing. Don't over-prop it. Make sure the engine achieves the specificied RPM at wide open throttle.

Chris...............

 

[Ryan's outboard]

Re: 50 or 60hp big foot

Thanks Chris, I dont think getting up out of the water is a huge issue to me. Id rather have the couple extra mph. Good call on the spark plugs, Ill be sure to make that the first thing I look at when it acts funny.