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I've bought 1992 central whaler 16 SL dual console boat with 90 hp mercury engine I think Of changing the engine by 85 hp Yamaha ,,

What is the suitable spare engine I can add on boat to use in emergancy case .
Could it be Yamaha 8 Hp or there is other preferable suggestions ?

Any reply will be much appreciated :)

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Welcome to WhalerCentral!

The 16 SL is a great model!

A reduction of 5 hp will not be a problem.

Most members add either a 6 or 8 hp "kicker" for slow trolling or emergencies. There is wood backing on the transom for adding a motor bracket.

If your battery is on the floor in the stern, you should move it to inside the console to help lessen the stern weight.

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I have a Tohatsu 6 hp Sail Pro 4 stroke kicker on my 1999 Alert 17, it weighs 59 pounds, comes standard with a high thrust propeller and an alternator. About $1500 U.S. Just as an example an alternator kit for a 6 hp Yamaha is $300 extra over the cost of the motor and you can't get a high thrust propeller for the Yamaha. Not dissing Yamaha, my main motor is a Yamaha F70. The Tohatsu will push my boat 6.3 mph and I have had it for 3 years and am very happy with it. Hope this helps. P.S. I also love my Yamaha F70.

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Just another thought, I used to have my kicker mounted on a bracket but I changed it. It is now mounted directly on the transom. Either way will work but I prefer to have it mounted directly on the transom after having it both ways, I think it puts less strain on the transom when it is mounted directly on the transom and it will ride more out of the water when not in use, and it looks better IMO. I made an aluminum bracket that I thru bolted to the transom with ears welded on it that I bolt the kicker to and just tighten the mounting screws on the top, it makes a nice solid mount.