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I want to re-power my 1996 Montauk 17. I know the maximum recommended hp is 100 but the newer 4 strokes are heavier. Can my Montauk handle a 90 Mercury 4 stroke?

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Yes. I believe the Merc 90 4stk is standard for that year.

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Short answer= Yes. And it's a well-regarded engine with high displacement (I4, 2.1 L) compared to other options.

Other options:

- For max HP rating, the Honda 100 (I4, 1.5 L) is a good choice and it weighs the same as the Merc 90 Fourstroke.

- To keep the transom light, the Yamaha 70 (I4, 1.0 L) is a good choice and will save over 100 lbs compared the the Honda 100 or Merc 90.

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I am very pleased with my Suzuki DF90A 340 lbs which is one of the lightest 4-stroke engines. Note that the 2009 model or newer(DF90A) is lighter then the older DF90
It also has a timing chain(no change requiered) instead of a timing belt which need to be changed.
Have a look here for different engine choices
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...ticle_id=5

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While all the classic and most of the post classic models did not have a maximum transom weight rating, the general consensus is under 400 lbs is acceptable.