Posted by SC Joe on 07/20/08 - 5:28 AM
#1
I plan to purchase a new whaler, but am not new to boating. I curently have a Yamaha F150 on a boat I am selling, amd am looking at a Whaler Montauk 170 with the 90 Merc 4s.
What do y'all think of this motor? I understand the new (> '06 models) are a Merc design and no longer a Yamaha powerhead. Have you > '06 owners had any problems? I read on here some issues with shifting into gear, or that is was hard to get in gear, also some rattling isues. That was on older (<06)4s mercs; has that been fixed? Andy thing to look at or take notice of during a sea trial?
Thanks!
Posted by Bob Kemmler JR on 07/20/08 - 9:19 PM
#2
They seem to be a VERY strong and fuel efficient 90 hp motor. I have heard nothing bad about them. That in itself is rare for a newly released motor.
Posted by Erik Selis on 07/21/08 - 1:08 AM
#3
My buddy, Kees, has one of these engines on his 2007 Montauk. It is a very powerful, fuel efficient engine. Here in Europe these exact same engines are rated 100-hp so there is plenty of power available.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c86...5Large.jpg
He did have some trouble in the very beginning with a power pack that needed to be replaced under warranty but other than that he's very pleased with it.
Erik
Posted by SC Joe on 07/21/08 - 6:41 PM
#4
Interesting! I wonder the difference is between the 90 and 115?
Posted by souweine on 07/21/08 - 6:55 PM
#5
I have a very late 2005 version of this motor. It was one of the first with fuel injection.
I don't know this for sure, but I think that the yamaha heads were carbed motors with merc carbs, and the efi versions that followed were all merc parts.
So far I love this motor. It is so quiet, fuel efficient, and powerful. I used half the gas that my father in laws bayliner did over the 4th.... at 40 mph I can still talk to my passengers....
I have two minor issues, both are very minor.
First is that at just above idle while in gear, it makes a noise that is annoying. I just either bump up or down the rpms.
The second is that at idle in gear it resonates and my rails vibrate (that isn't really a motor problem).
Besides those things, yo ucan't beat the motor. You won't regret it.
Joshua