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So I picked up a Montauk that had been left for dead. Got a good deal as the 6hp Yamaha kicker has never been started but the 90hp was neglected. Pretty decent amount of salt and bolts broken off in block. Had 750 hours. Pretty bummed. There is a 2006 mercury optimax 90 for sale in my area but man that seems like a heavy engine for this boat. My research shows it at around 350 lbs. With the kicker and a bait tank back there it seems a bad idea. Thoughts?

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The older Honda 90 FourStroke weighed close to 400 lbs. While it was doable, there was significant static trim issues. You would need to move the battery and any other gear to the console or front cooler. The bait tank will need to go in front of the console. Maybe in place of the cooler.

You can test the new weight by launching the boat and adding weight (water, sand, concrete blocks) to simulate the potential new stern weight.

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I ocean fish on a buddies Montauk. Seriously consider weight distribution. Good for you questioning the motor weights but do consider how often you might be using a bait tank.

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Well being in Southern California we have live bait year round so I would use the tank more often than not. There is a guy selling a 70hp Yamaha same era as the 90 that came on it. Might get that one. Super light and really only giving up 5mph at wot. I never go full throttle as my son is wheelchair bound so we take it easy.

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On your boat, the lightweight Yamaha 70 would be my choice over the heavier Optimax. Boat trim will be much better. If you were planning to do a lot of waterskiing the answer might be different, but given how you use the boat the difference in power is not a dealbreaker.

Congrats on your new boat! I’ll bet your son is eager to get out there and do some fishing!

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In my opinion the 90 is more like 80hp. I went from a 90hp Yamaha 2 stroke to a 70hp Suzuki 4 stroke and only lost 3mph. That engine weighed 359lbs which was not a problem but I don't think I would want the kicker weight.