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What do you all think of a Hi Thrust engine v. Standard engine (same HP) on a 15' Sport?

Anybody have one?

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What kind of results are you looking to achive as an end result? Pulling skiers....Fast out of the hole or just flat out fast? :)

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Tom,

I'm considering a new engine. I see many new and used in both configurations. The prices are about the same.

I believe my 15' is a bit heavier than the average 15' due to the custom interior but not much. Maybe a hundred pounds or so.

Speed is not a major concern of mine but I don't want it to be dreadfully slow either. I never pull anything but I do load it up, occasionally, for some boat camping.

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I like my Yamaha T50. The lower gear ratio and larger gear case allows the use of a larger diameter prop. My thinking is bigger(prop) is better even though the case may cause a bit more drag and possibly slightly reduce your WOT speed. Mines on a 18" Outrage and WOT 28mph, gets up on plane fast and stays there at reduced throttle and speed.

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Wow! a 50 on an 18'? I guess that does speak well of the "hi thrust" option.

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Just put a 70 HP motor on it and you won't have to worry about a high thrust or standard motor.

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I'm NOT and WILL NOT go Yamaha. That's a LONG story(s). Bad blood. Especially Honda. If they won't take care of the "little guy" (Honda 8) they won't care take care of the big guy. My experince with Japenese Companies, dealer support is---dismal. NEVER again.

I will go Merc. or Evinrude--ONLY. I've never had an issue with those folks. Dealer support is supreme, with those. With them, I get to talk to an English speaking person. I am fluent in another but don't want to use it regarding my outboard.

I'm Staying with North American owned companies.

Yea, I know the "blend" of Merc./Yamaha but I'd rather the profits go North American----not Japan.


I appreciate the feedback. I think-"Hi Thrust" is the way to go, when given a choice.

My two choices are:

1. Evinrude e-tec 60.

2. Merc: 60, four, or two stroke.


The e-tec is the "dream" engine. I think the Merc. 2-stroke 60 is more realistic.


Thanks again.

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I'm sure you have seen this chart for Current Engine Choices in the articles section.
But if you haven't, here it is.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=77

Your profile doesn't state where you live but in California, we have to choose "Green" engines. We can't buy dirty 2 strokes anymore as they are not allowed to be sold new in California. Only clean 2 strokes or 4 strokes can be purchased new here.

NOTE:
I don't see a Merc 2 stroke 60hp listed on their website any longer. Am I missing something?

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First of all "Desert". many won't agree with us, but I like your style. This Merc "only" owner is with you all the way in keeping people working in Wisconsin and profits here. In AZ, I think you're OK buying a 2-stroke until 12/31/09.

See here for some pricing indication on Merc 2-stroke 50's and 60's. Don't know if they ship.

http://jacosmarine.com/

The 50's are still in production, but there are evidently a few 60's left over. Strong and remarkably good engines, but for a 15 Sport, don't get the pontoon boat "Bigfoot". The fact that Mercury kept the 50, 90 and 150 EFI in production with their "EPA credits" tells you they were their best 2-stroke products. Really a shame to see them go at all.

Bass and Walleye Boat magazine recently did a "Shootout" article testing all 50's for acceleration, top end, fuel economy and running sound, and the Mercury 2-stroke 50 WON, when averaging out all categories. The Mercury 4-stroke 50 came in second. As you know, it's assembled in a Merc plant in China now, but the components are mostly made here. Many were shocked to see a conventional 2-stroke come out on top over the "clean" engines. Unfortunately, the Evinrude E-tec 50 was next to the bottom, not a good performer. Those 2 cylinder engines just are not very strong when running against 3 and 4 cylinder engines. In top end, it was 5 mph slower than the Mercs, 30 MPH vs 35 MPH. That's a lot.

If you can find a 2-stroke 60 get it, otherwise get a 50. The prices are excellent and it will take years to make up the fuel saving difference of a 4-stroke. They also run very clean, with little smoke except on start-up. For third choice get the Merc 4-stroke EFI 50 or 60.

I just bought a pair of Merc 2-stroke 90's. Couldn't find anything close in "clean" technology considering performance, running sound, weight and price. It would take YEARS to save the $4000 purchase price saving in fuel economy difference.

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Finnegan,

Thanks.

I've been an OMC guy all my life and have just recently been won over to "Black". We have a 2000 Merc. 75 with over 2K hours-trouble free. We also have a Merc. 75 Four Stroke. The jury is still out on that one. It is HUGE comparitively.

I see 2-stroke 50's and 60's available from various sources. The 4-stroke 60 would be my second choice (weight).

I really like the e-tec but I've heard what you have. The 2-lungers just don't cut it with 3 and 4 lung counterparts.:(

I think I just made up my mind.;)

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:o you're running a 50 hp on an 18' Outrage?

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HarleyFXDL,

YUP running a T50 on a 18' '85 Outrage that has a t-top. Posted short thread about it last summer.

It was the only one I had on hand when the Outrage was purchased sans motor. After running the numbers through the Crouch calculator decided to give it a try. The performance far exceeded my expectations.

My thoughts on why it works:
1/2 the weight of a 150hp on the transom, the worst place for weight performance wise.
It's a 21" shaft which simulates the use of a jackplate.

Biggest benefits are the ability to plane at lower speed, fuel savings, reduced draft and weight.

Suits me fine being 20 plus miles up the tidal Ogeechee river from ocean. Much of my time is spent navigating waters that can harbor hidden floating tree trunks one doesn't want to hit at 40 plus mph.

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number 9, how did you calculate the speed?

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I'm going to have to disagree with you on this point! Might be as you say 2 lungers, but my 2 lunger has left many a 3 and 4 lunger in the dust, especially coming out of the hole from a dead start.

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HarleyFXDL,

My speed was calculated using GPS as well as doing timed runs over a mile course. Since we do have strong tidal currents at time speed was measured and averaged taken of upstream and downstream runs.

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Thanks Tom. Just what I was thinking. Old/New combined to make-GREAT!

I want the latest... I think e-tec is the latest. Weight, is an issue with a 15' boat. The BW 15' is a sprightly performer with a light OB. It gets sluggish with any other.

So many options.

Either I rebuild the OMC 60 (triple) or I repower with e-tec, my choice. We'll have to abide by Mrs. Desert Sport on that one. Either choice is lightweight and proven performers.

Adios.