Trolling 15HP or 90HP

[PaulKim]

Hi all, I have two mercs a 15HP 1995 and a 2005 90HP. I fish puget sound in Washington, trolling for Salmon. The additional weight of the 15hp Kicker in addition to the fact that I can't control the throttle, (Tiller Model) from the helm is making me consider getting rid of the kicker. I am able to troll with the 90HP at the speeds that I like. Besides the obvious of not having a backup motor, can any harm be done to my 90HP doing hours and hours of trolling?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Trolling 15HP or 90HP

It kinda depends on which 90, 2- or 4-stroke. The 2-strokes are notorious for having an absolutely awful idle. The 4-stroke would probably have no problem.

 

[Greg New Zealand]

Re: Trolling 15HP or 90HP

I use my Merc 50 (1976 500 4cyl) for trout trolling and it idles along at 1.7 - 2.5 mph for hours on end. As long as my fuel/oil mix is spot on at 50:1 I have had no problems. These engines idle beautifully but I'm not sure about yours.<br /><br />I also give the engine lots of WOT running and regular de-carbs to keep it clean inside.

 

[PaulKim]

Re: Trolling 15HP or 90HP

Willy, It's a 2 stroke, and your right it does idle pretty rough but still manageable. <br /><br />So besides having alot of carbon build up, is there anything else that I should be concerned with? <br /><br />Also anything else besides running it at WOT regularly and decarbing?