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I have a 1987 35HP Mercury 2 stroke with P/TnT (160lbs?) on our 13' Super Sport, but 2 stokes are no longer allowed on the lake where we live. I want to repower it with a 40HP Honda (214lb), but am concerned about the weight. I know 30HP ETEC (181lbs), and Honda (160lbs) are good options, but I would like a fuel injected 4 stroke.

I have been reading the blogs here, but would like to hear the pros and cons from an owner who has is a 40HP Honda on their 13' Whaler of similar vintage.

I am prepared to go from a 6 gallon to a 3 gallon gas tank to reduce the weight in the stern because the lake is not that big, and it means fresh fuel more often.

Thanks,

Stan

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Check the Suzuki 30HP FI 4 stroke. Light, powerful, quiet and very fuel efficient. Bought mine from a division of Porta-a-boat and with long shaft, PTT, remote steering and elec start, it was $4K delivered. Easy installation. Mine is on a 2002 130 Sport and I love it. Something to consider

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Stan, not sure why you are ruling out the eTec - it's not a four-stroke, but eTecs are just as quiet and easy to live with; they're not at all the same animal as your old Merc. A number of members have repowered with the eTec 30 and as I recall, they like the results. The 30 is rated CARB 3-star, so it should be fine for your lake.

The Suzuki looks good as well and I really like their incorporation of new and different technology in their outboards - the only challenge might be finding a nearby dealer.

Tim

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Second Tim's points on the E-TEC--fuel injected, quiet, as good or better on emissions as a four-stroke, with the bonus of two-stroke torque for hole shot.

John K.

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I have looked at the 30 HP Suzuki and the ETEC both, and I may end up with one of them (the cost of the Suzuki is appealing), but I have always wanted a Fuel Injected Honda.

This post was my final effort to find someone who has a 40 HP Honda on a 13' Whaler with some positive input before I give up and decide on a 30 HP Honda, ETEC, or Suzuki.

Thanks for your replies.

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Stan, the Hondas are fabulous motors - everyone I know who has one loves it! Our local harbormaster put over 3000 hours on one.

As another approach, can you put some ballast in the stern to simulate the difference in weight between the Honda and your current motor, and give it a try?

Tim

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I have a 25HP ETEC on my 13, and it's wonderful... Sips fuel, 26.2 mph with 2 adults...snaps up on plane.... Couldn't ask for more.

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Don't mean to sidetrack your thread, but I have 1986 Mercury 35 on my 13 SS but without P/TnT. I installed a PT-35 for shallow water but would love to have OEM trim & tilt. What are your plans for your 35 Mercury once you repower?

Tom

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I really like the idea of using balast to simulate the weight of a 4-stroke's weight. I have a 25 hp 4 stroke on my 1977 Sport and think it's a very good fit, but it seems heavier than the much larger 2 stroke I had on before. Having tried the weight with sand bags is definitely something I wish I had tried (although I have no regrets).


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

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Reppwered my 1985 13 with an Etec 30 and have been very happy. They require no maintenance for 3 years and self winterize as well.

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I took our 1989 13' Whaler and engine to a Mercury repair shop this morning to repair the 35 HP 2 stroke. When I tried to start it a few month ago it had no spark, so rather than pay for any repair work, I was going to purchase a new engine. After reading your comments and suggestions, I have decided to get the Whaler running, and add about 50lbs to the stern to see how it sits in the water and, gets up on plane.

A few days ago I ran into a 13' 1980's vintage with a 40 HP Honda on the lake (we have a 4Winns as well), and asked the owner how he liked it. He said it was a little heavy, but worked fine. The boat sat in the water OK (his wife was in the forward seat), but they were just cruising, and not up on plane.

The fact no one with a 13' Whaler and a 40 HP Honda had any comments here may be an indication it is not a good idea. Over the last few years, however, I have seen one on a trailer at a Bellingham marina, and several at slips in Friday Harbor, but was never able to speak with the owners.

If I end up going to a 30 HP outboard, it will probably be an E-TEC.

Thanks again for all of your replies. This is a great site.

Stan

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I have a friend that has a BW 13 with a Merc 40 on it and he loves it. I asked him, "Isn't that engine too heavy for the boat?", and he said it was fine. Of course he is an idiot and only runs the boat in mellow waters.

I guess the thing is how does your boat sit in the water with what you have now, and how rough are the waters you will be exposing the boat to. Every time this conversation comes up the answer by popular demand is put an Etec 30 on it. No one has ever been disappointed with that engine.

If you move up to a 40 you are going to reduce your seaworthiness. That is ok as long as you know what the trade is for more power.