89 Mercury 115 replacement motor?

[stratos92]

Just got back from looking at a motor. It appears to be in good shape, it is a 1989, 115 4 cyl. I was told the compression was in the 120s across all cylinders. I was not there for the test. The seller said he would remove my old motor, throw in a manual jack plate, install the motor, control box, cables, new impellar, clean carbs and water test for $2800. I just cannot decide whether it is a good idea to go smaller ('91 Evinrude 150 that never ran right to 115) and if the price is fair for an 89. I am sure it will use less fuel and will power the boat well (40-50 mph)...any thoughts. This place is a local marine repair shop.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 89 Mercury 115 replacement motor?

well you never said what boat you are putting it on..you sound pretty sure about the 40-50 MPH..thats pretty fast....you could probably get that same motor in a 150 for around $1500...that would be the way I would go..you will not necessarily use much less fuel because you are still pushing the same boat so the difference will probably be insignificant, and you will be losing significant amount of power.. I doubt the 115 would reach anywhere near 50 MPH unless you have a light weight 15' boat..which I assume you do not since you had a 150 on it..how fast did the 150 go???

 

[stratos92]

Re: 89 Mercury 115 replacement motor?

The 150 had problems from the day I bought it and would only reach 4000 rpms and 45 mph wot. I had the motor checked out before I bought it, but I think I got some bad info. After 3 trips to the water, the motor blew and the powerhead is not rebuildable. The 40-50 was just what the shop told me they thought, but no facts. The boat is a 17' 92 stratos f/s (1370# dry/91" beam) specs when new.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 89 Mercury 115 replacement motor?

big huge difference between 40 and 50 MPH..my guess is a 115 you could expect about 40-42 MPH and with a 150 about 50-55..I have a 110 on a 89 17 stratos and get about 40 MPH...if I had to repower I would have a 150 or 175 on it...you only need a new control box/cables if you are switching from another brand of motor..your other motor probably had a clogged carb and you burned up a piston..just a guess. if you will be happy with 40 MPH the 115 would be fine..but if you want 50 MPH you will need the 150

 

[1nebel0]

Re: 89 Mercury 115 replacement motor?

$2800 is too much for this motor...You can buy them all day long for $1500...The better choice and many more of them out there is a 150-175-200 h.p. The weight is the same so pick your choice...You can buy them all day long for around $2500-$3,000. I have a 91 200EFI mint motor I just sold for $3,000 as an FYI...The shop is taking advantage of someone who is very trusting...