outboard suggestions

[brettmc]

Re: outboard suggestions

What's this worth?

1976 mercury 20 hp, good condition with title, runs great and has a brand new prop. also comes with a nice gas tank and the original prop with a new sleeve.this is a great motor for duck hunting!

What would a new sleeve be?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: outboard suggestions

probably means the hub was reworked.

I have a 1972 merc 20 hp (200 thunderbolt). Consistent with my prejudice about mercs, when it runs it runs great, but when it doesn't, you are screwed. Very hard to work on and harder to find someone who can. Watch for frayed insulation on the wires under the hood, and replace if needed.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: outboard suggestions

I find it hard to believe a 14' mirrocraft would be rated for a 40hp max. They must be pretty tough boats. On a boat like that, I would actually run approximately 25hp on it.

 

[ncnjeremy]

Re: outboard suggestions

I find it hard to believe a 14' mirrocraft would be rated for a 40hp max. They must be pretty tough boats. On a boat like that, I would actually run approximately 25hp on it.

For that type of boat... not just the size (14 ft) it is kinda strange. I saw one on my local lake a couple years back with a 9.9 on it. It looked like a 70's or early 1980 model but yeah. I do agree there. They are just smaller boats.

 

[jacoboregon]

Re: outboard suggestions

I would recommend you stick with a larger engine if you aren't taking it on and off. You'll most likely be happier in the long run. Just because you have a 30hp or so doesn't mean you have to fun wot all the time.

Most of all, what ever brand or size or year you decide on, you should find a local mechanic who will check it out for you if you don't feel confident in yourself. The extra $100 or so can save you hundreds.

 

[brettmc]

Re: outboard suggestions

Yeah, i wasn't planning on maxing it out on HP. I think a 40 would be too much for what I want to use the boat for. I am most likely going to go with a 15-25 hp....maybe a 30 if I find a nice one but that is the upper limit. This is going to be a fisher/cruiser and I don't want to have to shell out a lot of bucks for fuel & oil.

 

[brettmc]

Re: outboard suggestions

I just read something quite interesting on the interwebs, about how Nissan and <40hp Mercury motors are made by Tohatsu. If this is true then I can buy a Tohatsu from onlineoutboardsdotcom and save quite a few bucks over buying from the mercury dealer.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: outboard suggestions

So, Mariner outboards ARE NOT made by Mercury??

Nope, all 2 strokes, 2.5 to 50 HP and all 4 strokes 2.5 to 30 HP are made by Tohatsu in Japan ard rebadged as Nissan, Mercury, Mariner same HP engines. If rebadged Tohatsu 2 strokes 30 HP, go for it, a nice realiable engine. Better is to buy the most newer version as there are some tech differences in between same models so to have in mind for spare parts availibility. Tohatsu has better prices than Mercury badged. Other nice alternative to any other 15 HP brand, Tohatsu 2 strokes 18 HP.

Happy Boating

 

[brettmc]

Re: outboard suggestions

i plan on sticking with johnson/evinrude or mercury. possibly nissan or yamaha. there's a mercury dealer about half mile from where i live. i might be able to pick up an off-season bargain when the snow is laying thick on the ground. the salesmen will likely be very hungry then!!

i visited that mercury dealer that's about a half mile from my house. they are a bass pro tracker dealer. well bass pro had the circular come out friday with the 9.9 for $1700 so i paid them a visit. i struck a great deal on a new 2011 15hp 4-stroke mercury. got a free 2-year warranty extension too... for a total of 5 yrs of warranty. can't wait to get on the water.