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Ran the boat at no wake speed on the Rainbow River for three hours on Sunday, First time out. Ran flawlessly, but not much of a test. Took it out in the Gulf this morning for a run by myself. Water was pretty flat but about a 10 mph offshore wind blowing. She ran 29mph against the wind and 30mph with the wind on gps. I`m running a 10 3/4 x 11 prop, and hole shot was a little sluggish compared to the antique 35 Evinrude Lark. (previous motor) Wide open was 5300rpm. Boat had a very lazy porpoise between 20-25mph, but flattened out and ran smooth above those speeds. Funny, there was no porpoising at all with the antique 35. but maybe the setbrack bracket has something to do with it. Was able to run through a 1 foot chop at wide open, seemed like it just ran on top of the chop, very smooth. I think i`ll need a 9" pitch prop for passenger (s). Motor is 157 lbs., rear trolling motor 35lbs, 2 batteries, one starting, one trolling, 6 gallons of gas and 35lb. teak rear casting deck. A lot of weight, even with just the driver, 215lbs. I was hoping to get 26-27 mph, so I`m pleased.:)
BTW this is my first 4 stroke outboard, and the quiet was impressive. I could hear the wake gurgling behind the boat, at idle speeds. I have spray coming of the LU at high speed, maby cavitation plate, Will need to check when someone is with me. Engine is set on a 5"homemade setback bracket, and cavitation plate is about 1/12-2" above the bottom.

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rich

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4 strokes are nice, quiet and should last a really long time. The only thing i don't like about them is like you said, the sluggish hole shot. Small price to pay for not having to mix gas though!

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Looks real Sweeet Rich! Thanks for the report. Did you raise the back rest a bit?

Erik

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Rich,
Looks great back there. Sounds like it could go a little higher with as far back as it sits.
Mike

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binkie, Take some pictures of that thing in the water! We need proof that your "Museum quality" Whaler actually gets wet! LOL. :D

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That is one cool13! B)

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Thanks Troy. Erik, I cut an inch off the bottom of the seat back, and raised it about 2", so now it gives me more back support. I`ll get snap on full length vinyl seat cushions, (white) 2 inches thick. I was disappointed in the weak hole shot of the 4 stroke 25. I don`t think it`l plane off two people sitting on the rear thwart. That was no problem for the old 35 Lark. I`ll get a 9 inch pitch prop, and see if that helps.

rich

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Rich, I think it looks nicer now that there is some space between the back rest and the seat. It looked nice before as well but now the colors are broken and even though you raised the backrest it doesn't look like you did. I hope you understand what I mean.
Good info about the engine. Would part of the hole shot problem have to do with the engine being on the bracket?

Erik

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Looks great Rich! and the numbers are impressive for a 25 4 stroke, must be a little left on the table yet to fine tune that combo in. I thought tit was the 20 hp and down motors that were a joint venture between Merc/Nissan? I think yours is 100% Merc designed but just built in Nissans China plant? Get a fin on that thing and raise that motor high enough so when your on planbe it's out of the water, that will cure your slight porpoise issue and not affect your top end. They look goofy but for a smaller boat with that problem thats the cure.

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That thing is so nice. Makes me want to rip out the console and seats in my new 130 and replace them with mahogany.

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BobK, The specs on the 25 Merc. and Tohatsu are identical. Put the motors side by side, and they look identical except for the cowling and the shroud that covers the mid section. Also MADE IN JAPAN, not china.
Have hardly any experience with 4 strokes, but it just feels weak until it gets on plane, then its OK. I don`t think it could get a skier up though. It doesn`t break loose on the hole shot or when running over waves at speed, so I`ll raise it 1/2" and see what happens.
Ric Thought about building an interior like that for an `08 13 footer. I`m planning on duplicating that interior for my daughters `76 13 footer, Not a lot of extra work to cut out two of each piece. I see your in Orlando, not too far away.

rich