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I am looking at re-powering this boat. The plate says it will handle up to 100 hp. Will this transom handle the heavier 4 stroke 90 hp engines? As near as I can tell they weigh anywhere between 75 and 100 lbs more than the equivalent 2 strokes.

Edit: Corrected model name per guidelines, subject clarity

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The transom will handle over 400 lbs BUT the boat's trim will be adversely affected over 390.

All major brands offering a 90 hp motor (4 stroke and DFI) will work fine.

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If you want to go to the max HP hull rating, a good option is the Honda 100, which comes in at 359 lbs for the 20" shaft.

Another good (possibly better) option is the Merc 90 Fourstroke, which is the identical weight as the Honda. The nice thing about this engine is that it is 2.1L (compared to the Honda 100 at 1.5L -- or 40% more displacement), so should have good torque in the mid-range.

If you are daring there is a 115 HP version of that same Merc engine at the same weight (but I do not recommend going over the max hull rating.)

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I was leaning towards the Mercury anyway. My first outboard was a 1974 Merc 115 6 cylinder. It ran circles around my buddies 135 Johnson.

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No issues in 29 yrs with my 1988 Montauks with 90hp (2 stroke) engine and a (4 stroke) 9.9 aux. The combo should weigh about 400lbs. That said, if you go the 90hp (4 stroke) I wouldn't suggest adding a aux. engine.

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I'm not a fisherman but what is trolling speed? The new 4 stroke can run pretty slow.
I of course have a smaller boat/motor combination but my idle is 1.3 knts. with the Merc 60HP

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So, I've been doing research on 90 hp outboards for my repower and I'm starting to see a trend that has me concerned. It appears that you cannot just buy a motor above 25 hp and ship it to a dealer to have it installed. Living here in Arizona we are limited on dealers and they want an arm and a leg to order the motor and install it, I'm talking o n average on the internet a dealer (not in Arizona) wants 7600.00 for the motor. When its all said and done thru the local dealer down here the final bill is over 12,000.00! Anyone on here have any experience re-powering? My decision on taking on this project is starting to look like a bad one.

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My 1987 Super Sport Limited has a 2003 Johnson/Suzuki 90 four stroke. Super smooth & quiet engine. I suppose it's a bit heavy, but after running an older (early '70's) 16 with an old Evinrude 115 for many years, it's a nice combo.

You'll probably do better to take the boat over to San Diego for repower, if you don't want to rig it yourself. Many dealers and shops there that would be happy to help you.

(EDIT: corrected abbreviated year to full 4 digit year per guideline #1 at the top of this page)

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I guess I didn't explain myself very well. I actually don't have a problem rigging the motor myself TransFueler. So far I haven't found anyone that will sell me the motor. Its always the same answer, it has to go to a dealer so that they can rig it. Now, I have only been dealing with Mercury. It seems that is a Mercury policy. Used motors are not a problem.

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John -

You are correct.

While most dealers will sell you a motor in a crate. Few dealers will do the warrantee activation only.

There have been over a dozen members who have done what you're attempting.

The resistance from dealers is not brand specific. It can happen, you just need to perservere.

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The one dealer who is truly an internet seller (and brick and motor) is Jacos Marine in TN. They ship motors all over the states and have good prices and a very good reputation.

http://jacosmarine.com

Shopping dealers for a repower is harder than new car shopping because there are no websites for invoice/retail prices on engines and rigging. Labor rates vary. Dealers do not write detailed quotes unless demanded.

To make sure you are getting a reasonable deal you should ask 3 separate dealers to give you a detailed quote listing:

Engine (include model #)
Prop (make, model and pitch) Note: There is no such thing as a standard prop.

Labor to remove engine, controls
Credit for old engine, controls, gauges, binnacle (broken out in detail)

Rigging - line items part # and price for:

harnesses
cables
gauge(s)
binnicle

Labor to install new motor, cables, wiring, gauges and binnacle.

Fee to water test, remount engine, change prop

Sales Tax

You will clearly see there will be a significant difference in prices and what is or not included. Prices will range significantly.

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Contact Jacos Marine. They will ship to you:

http://jacosmarine.com

Their price on the 90 Merc is $7,430, plus shipping (but no tax if shipped out of state.)

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Thanks for all the help everyone. I have reached out to Jaco Marine. I will let you all know how it turns out.

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For a huge savings, you might want to consider this like new, clean burn, slightly used Tohatsu TLDI (stands for Tohatsu Low pressure Direct injection - same as the Optimax D.I. Orbital technology) 90 HP engine. It is a 2006 Model 90B and only weighs 322# according to the owners manual specs. The package includes everything for a complete rigging job, gauges and harnesses, prop, except the actual control, about a $250 item.

http://whalercentral.com/forum/viewth...d_id=24204

The engine is currently bolted on an engine rack at Twin Cities Marine, and they can ship it to you, no sales tax. It is a great re-power option for a 16'-17' Whaler owner.

Any Mercury shop that services Optimax engines can probably service this engine also, since the technology is the same. Tohatsu and Mercury a Joint Venture plant in Japan where they jointly manufacture the Tohatsu and Mercury 4-strokes, 30 HP and lower.