Repower outboard choice

[rob89futura]

Hi all, I have an 89 Glastron futura 180 that I want to repower next season. It currently has an 89 merc black max 135 on it. The boat is rated for 150 hp max. I find the more I research new motors the more unsure I am about what to get. I really like the idea of putting a four stroke on it but the weight difference concerns me. I'm really interested in the Suzuki Df140 and the new Mercury 150 four stroke. I have not seen the zuke in person but I saw the merc in person the other day and it seems huge. As far as boat usage, it pretty much gets used for cruising. I don't fish and and maybe occasional tubing. We do like to cruise slow sometimes which I guess is similar to trolling. It only gets used in fresh water. Any input or opinions would be great...thanks!

 

[emoney]

Re: Repower outboard choice

If you're going "new", then the "new-new" Merc 150 4 stroke (the one with the rounded hood) is only in the 400lb range. That's probably not a lot more than your 135, which is their whole selling point. I'm looking forward to seeing those motors get some hours on them to make sure they are going to operate and well as they look, but it may have switched me off the Suzuki. The DF140 WAS going to be my "next" outboard, until I started looking at the new Merc.

THe only thing I might add, but I'm sure you're already considering it, is that's a lot of money to hang off the back of a 24 year old boat. As long as you realize that if you sell the "package" you'll be basically giving someone the boat & trailer then it doesn't matter. The only other thing I'd think about is transom size. I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but something to think about is, if you have a 20" transom now, then whatever the "next" boat is would have to be a 20" transom as well for it to swap.

Outside of that, I think you should buy the Merc so you can give us all a review and if you're still happy after 100 hours, then I can buy myself one. It IS all about me you know

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Repower outboard choice

Rob, are you dead set against the Merc. Optimax 150 Pro XS ? A bit more punch than the 4-strokes and the economy at normal cruising speed is comparable. Probably a bit cheaper too.

 

[JEBar]

Re: Repower outboard choice

you might want to take a look at the Evinrude 150 E-TEC .... it too is in the 400 lb range and is proven technology .... fewer parts and lower maintenance than a 4 stroke

Jim

 

[stancel]

Re: Repower outboard choice

I think all of the major manufacturers make a good product. I am not brand myopic. I would first narrow down my choices by only considering brands that have a reputable repair facility close by. Trust me, you don't want to have a problem with a new motor and find out too late that you have to drive a long distance to find a good mechanic. After that, weight, price, and cost of ownership would be the next things I start looking at.

 

[rob89futura]

Re: Repower outboard choice

I have been looking at dealers in my area as well. I live in Ct so there are quite a few by the shore. I'm finding that choosing an outboard is really difficult! I've gone to visit some dealers that carry a brand I'm interested in looking at but then the boats they have in their showroom come equipped with something else altogether. And of course there is no way to know how a given motor will perform with my boat. The other thing I find interesting is that most new outboard runabouts similar in size to mine mostly seem to have 90 & 115hp motors on them. That makes me think that maybe I don't need a 150, but I don't know. My boat is an 18' but handles more like a 17' because the last foot is just the integrated swim platform. If anybody has a boat similar in size to mine with a 90 or 115...how do you like it?

 

[jb93]

Re: Repower outboard choice

I have been looking at dealers in my area as well. I live in Ct so there are quite a few by the shore. I'm finding that choosing an outboard is really difficult! I've gone to visit some dealers that carry a brand I'm interested in looking at but then the boats they have in their showroom come equipped with something else altogether. And of course there is no way to know how a given motor will perform with my boat. The other thing I find interesting is that most new outboard runabouts similar in size to mine mostly seem to have 90 & 115hp motors on them. That makes me think that maybe I don't need a 150, but I don't know. My boat is an 18' but handles more like a 17' because the last foot is just the integrated swim platform. If anybody has a boat similar in size to mine with a 90 or 115...how do you like it?

A lot of new boats are paired up with an engine that makes them underpowered. It makes them cheaper to prospective buyers. I think anything 125 or more would be preferred, a 115 might be borderline acceptable and a 90 would be underpowered. Even if you only like to cruise, you will have to run a 115 harder to get same cruising speed as 135-150. That will increase fuel burn and wear on motor. As someone previously said, a new motor is a big expense to hang on a 24 year old boat. I personally would do it with the mindset of I would want to take that motor off and put it on my next boat. If I was going to do that, I would go with the max hp now, so it gives me more options in 5 years when you might be looking to get another boat.

 

[rob89futura]

Re: Repower outboard choice

Good point, I don't want to turn my boat into a dog lol. I think the motor I'm the most interested in at this point is the Suzuki df140. It only weighs 410lbs in the short shaft version and everything I have read about it says that it's pretty much bulletproof. It seems to be the best mix of light weight and good horsepower. It's not a 150 but I only have a 135 on there now anyways. I'd love to take a ride in a boat that has one on it if I could but I'm not sure if I can find one. I have yet to see a boat sitting in a showroom with one on it. As far as the age of my boat, I like it and with a new motor it's still half the cost of a new one. Not to mention the fact that the way new boats are designed they have no room in them anymore. The only boats that are still roomy are fishing boats and I'm not a fisherman. Which ever way I end up going I'll be sure to post what I get. Thanks to everyone for the advice!

 

[79Merc80]

Re: Repower outboard choice

Keep in mind that your transom will take a long shaft, not a short shaft.

 

[rob89futura]

Re: Repower outboard choice

Funny you mentioned that. I actually asked that question on here a little while back. My boat actually has a 23" transom which seems odd to me. The motor is a 20" shaft mounted as low as it can go and the cav plate is about 1 1/2" above the bottom of the transom. I haven't had any ventilation/cavitation issues with this setup although it has a 5 blade stainless steel prop. I've been wondering if a new motor like the Suzuki mounted at the same height will work. It will most likely have a 3 blade and not the 5. What are your thoughts on this?