To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

[mayorjones]

Hey' guys - in an effort to kill the never ending cavitation problems I've experienced with my 2008 50 hp Mercury (on a 21' Sun Tracker pontoon), I have found a used 2008 60 Hp Mercury 4 stroke Bigfoot for $4500. I'm thinking I should be able to get around $4000 for mine? If so, I think it's worth the $500 difference to get a Bigfoot on that bad boy and (hopefully) cure my ills, not to mention being much quieter, less gas consumption, etc...

Anybody see a problem with any of it, including the money I think I can get out of mine? I would sure think someone would take it for, say, $3900. Just like brand new, but just not the right motor for my boat.

Thoughts?

Thanks guys.

Dwight

 

[H20Rat]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

i'd be worried about a 2008 60 hp bigfoot for $4500. That motor sells new for $7000+, that is a HUGE drop after one year.

 

[Miroash]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Is your current motor a 2-stroke? A 4-stroke will be much heavier than a 2-stroke. I have a 4-stroke Yamaha 9.9hp and it weighs as much or more than my 2-stroke 25hp Johnson.

 

[mayorjones]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

I talked to the guy - he's also from here in Iowa. Seemed like a real straight shooter. He bought it last year on a 2008 24' Bentley pontoon but wanted something faster for pulling family on a tube, so upgraded to a 115 hp and is now selling the 60 hp. Ironically, he got very little change in speed and is very disappointed in the bigger motor.

My boat is rated for up to a 90 hp, so though I know it is going to be heavier, my boat can obviously handle it.

With all that said, any other thoughts?

 

[Miroash]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Personally, if it were me. I would pull your current motor off go over there mount the replacement motor on your boat and give the seller a substantial deposit. Take it to the nearest lake and put in and see how the motor runs. I am not sure but being they are both Mercury I think they should mount the same (maybe someone will chime in if this is not the case here). I know some sellers might be reluctant to do this but if you are a serious buyer and he is a "Straight Shooter" like you say he might not have a problem with it. you may even suggest he come along so he can be sure you do not harm the motor during testing.

 

[mayorjones]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Not a bad idea. He is about three hours from me, so a total round trip of 6 hrs plus swapping motor and test time would make for a long day, but might be worth it to avoid a problem down the road...

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Is there something different on the 60 that will prevent caviatation? I'm not familiar with either motor or your problem. Just asking out of curiosity.

Nevermind, I read your other post. Good information.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

This discussion was about a ventilation issue caused by using a standard 50 HP Mercury engine on a pontoon. Mercury makes a Big Foot lower unt for their 40/50/60 engines which is specifically geared and propped for pontoon and work boat use. It is essentially the lower unit off a 75/90 engine with a 2.33:1 gearset so a 14 inch series of props can be used. The lower units sits lower in the water and the larger prop (vs the 10 incher on the standard engine) provides much better bite. There is no difference in the power heads.