Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Six cyl. Mariner outboard (90 Hp.)

Posted by wannabe on 08/09/10 - 7:24 PM
#1

I am looking for a clean Mid eighties Montauk in my area and when I find one it has a Mariner outboard. I know these are a Mercury cousin. What are peoples opinion of these. Thanks in advance.

Drew

Posted by Jeff on 08/09/10 - 7:44 PM
#2

Super strong long lasting motor. We had an 1984 Mariner I-6 motor on our 1984 Montauk and I do miss it. While it was not the best at low RPM idling it was a screamer when you were up and running. With a crappy aluminum prop the boat would see 48/49 mph on a GPS. Here are images of our old Montauk.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v42...?start=all

The one you are looking at has the early externally mounted tilt / trim ram unit which is a bit less desirable as the pump and reservoir are usually mounted in the cockpit somewhere. That makes the motor a 83 (?) or earlier I believe. Tom and Larry would know better.

If it were me, I would get out there ASAP to look at the boat and if it shows at all close to the images I would have cash in hand to buy it right there. It likely will not be around long.

Edited by Jeff on 08/09/10 - 7:47 PM

Posted by wannabe on 08/10/10 - 2:29 PM
#3

Jeff, thanks for the response. I decided a 17 would best suit my needs over 15. Your dad's 17 was awsome. I had fun looking at all the pics. I guess I am not prepared for the competition to get these boats in our area. Moving slow won't get it done. I inquired about a Montauk in Indian River and it was gone in two days.
Thanks
Drew

Posted by DWinter on 08/10/10 - 3:44 PM
#4

Made by Merc and parts are still available. I'd check it over, get a compression test done and go from there. There's alot of 'em still kickin'.

Posted by Bake on 08/10/10 - 5:32 PM
#5

It is a merc. painted gray. you can google the the inception of the brand but it goes like this. Merc had a corrosion problem. they had a bad rap in salt. they fixed the problem but could not over come the bad rap. In comes the salt water mariner. The motor built to with stand the salt water. The first logos had the old salt fisherman with rain gear on. Pretty cool

Posted by wannabe on 08/10/10 - 6:48 PM
#6

Thanks Dwinter and Bake for the info and interesting story. Jeff was right, I may have been too slow on the draw again. Called the seller and he was sea trialing the boat when we spoke.

Drew