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So I currently have a 1980 Merc 40 Long Shaft. After long talks with the wife, It's time to re-power. I was thinking a 50hp Tohatsu Short Shaft. 2 reasons, Cheap and I can get a 15" shaft. I am afraid that the 3 cyl. might be to heavy though, Any thoughts?

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I have the 40 Nissan on my 68 13'. It weighs 208 lbs with ptt. I don't find it to be too heavy. At rest it sits a little low in the stern but I don't think the 20 or so extra pounds makes much difference. I have heard others say they like the 50 hp if they need the extra power. From what I've experienced with the 40 hp I can't imaging needing more power. My boat is scary fast and even dangerous with only one aboard running wot. The three cyl. tldi runs smooth and sips gas. With a 15" prop I gps at 45.1 mph! I've repitched to 13" and haven't run a test yet, but my son took it out alone and said it's still a scary ride trimmed out and flying with occasional contact with the water. I did use it with three adults, ice chest, tackle boxes, etc., and wot was around 5200 rpms. I didn't have the gps that day. With that info, I would think a 50 hp is overkill. If you go that way, let me know how it works out. And wear your life jacket!!!!
Mike

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I have a 2004 40hp 15" carbed Nissan and when it's running RIGHT it's a powerhouse that also sips gas, I bet not as good as the TLDI though. Unfortunately my local dealer is a complete moron and even though the motor only has 50-60 hours on it, it's not running right. Check into the dealer network first. I know I only have one local dealer in my area and now I am going to have to drive a bit to find another.

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I'm in the same position Bob with my local dealer, and it seems the next one out 35 mi to the north isn't much better as they've yet to get back to me about an inquiry into their used engine inventory. I think a really good topic for a future poll would be how many people actually consider their local dealer decent...

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My local dealer couldn't fix a problem that I had originally taken the bvoat to him for and $1800 later he has told me to take my business elsewhere and the sad thing is, Nissan corporate is standing behind him. I had left gas in the carbs and they gummed up so i took it to him to rebuild/clean them and have had NOTHING but problems since. It's long been out of warranty even though it hardly has any hours on it so Nissan could care less. There isn't much out there in a 40hp anymore, especially in a 15" shaft. The 40 Etec at 240 lbs is too darn heavy for sure. I am thinking if I can get another dealer to fix the problem I may sell the 40 Nissan and get a new efi 25 Mercury 4 stroke.

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Thats the thing - not many people consider local dealer support when buying motors. Everyone is hunting for the lowest price (me included) but fail to consider a good dealer to support the motor if it has problems.

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I think I am pushing for a 50HP, Because if feel this past summer if I had a little more "Balls" I could have pulled more skiers out of the water. Plus, I have a feeling my Merc. Is a little worn out and being that old, Dealers don't want to touch it.

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All posts above are correct in citing dealer support. I am in the process of repowering 2 boats, one 1970 Whaler and one 16ft Monark skiff, and dealer support is going to determine my choices. Ask around and be patient before buying. I love me an Evinrude, but the dealer here has a bunch of goobers owning/working for them so if there is ever a problem, I am prob going to encounter some corporate mumbo- jumbo which will probably double the bill . Moreover, the Whaler dealer here is fan-TASTIC!... and they sell Mercs..go figure. But, they are courteous and patient and customer oriented so I will definitely put a Merc on one of my boats due to that factor alone. All of the new motors are good, in my opinion, so with proper owner maintenance and good DEALER SUPPORT you should be on the water many days w/o a problem. Good Luck ! Paul

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I have a 20 year old Ev 30 on my '69 13 sport and it runs like a champ. Hopefully can get a few more years out of her.

The Tohatsu/ nissan 15' will be my choice when the time comes. The 40 and 50 are the exact same motor. No doubt there is somthing in the electronics that simply dumbs the motor down by 10HP.

My 30 runs great at sea level however the plans are to use her at our cabin in Big Bear at about 6000'. I expect to loose about 20%power. Going to a new 40 will sure help but the 50 will allow me to keep up with the Jones' and hopefully not dog down with a skier. Should be scarey fast at sea level.

Most shops will refuse to mount a larger motor than what the boat is rated for. I grew up with a buddy's 13 with a Chrystler 55 and man o man she flew with a slalom skier...just need to watch the turns...easy to spin out and Yikes...flip!

My plan will be to buy the 40 and then replace the electronics with a 50...will still look like a sleeper 40! I would stay away from the 4-stroke due to weight and complexity...changing oil etc...The old cut-out transom does poop easy so never do a fast shut down from high speed or you will be surfin' the curl! :o