Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by wswank3 on 08/05/09 - 12:04 PM

Hello all, this is my first post. i bought my first boat a 65 sakonnett earlier this summer, will post pics later. question: i currently have a 1989 yamaha 90hp 2 stroke on it runs perfect, my father has a 2004 mercury 60 bigfoot 4 stroke and wants to swap motors. we primarly striper fish and slow troll at lake murray here in SC, Would this be a good swap or not? all opinions are very welcome. just learning and dont know too much. thanks

Posted by womms on 08/05/09 - 1:05 PM

I am inclined to agree with Walter on this one. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

On the other hand... the 60 might make for a nice quiet slow troll. Maybe a little more efficient? If you plan on tubing or another activity that requires a little more get-up-and-go, stick with the Yammie.

Would it be an even swap?

Posted by HarleyFXDL on 08/06/09 - 7:40 AM

Based on what your needs are and if money is not a big issue, I would say go for the trade. From what you describe, you do fishing and trolling, both of which you could do with the 60. You would get much better fuel economy with the 60. If you plan on any skiing or tubing or if top speed is a necessity, then the 60 would not suit your needs.

Posted by Eri on 08/06/09 - 8:39 AM

You will be lucky to get up on plane with the 60 on an empty boat. With gear and a few people forget it. Those things are dogs. Keep what you have.

Posted by Phil T on 08/06/09 - 10:43 AM

While the classic Yamaha 90, 2 stroke is a simple and reliable motor, here are a few facts to consider:

The Sakonnett dry weight is 770 lbs.
Minimum horsepower is 40 hp.
The 900 lb 2009 150 sport is powered by the same Mercury 60 hp Bigfoot engine and has a WOT speed of 36 mph.

For trolling, a 4 stroke will be very efficient, quiet and clean. Most of the fuel efficiency gains of a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke are at idle or slow speed.

As for performance, I think ensuring the right propeller and mounting height for the typical load will get the boat on a plane and cruising. A doel-fin may also help.

As long as you don't expect a top speed of more than 30-35 mph, I would strongly consider the swap since I am not a fan of the low speed exhaust of the Yamaha 90. Been there.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/06/09 - 11:58 AM

For trolling, a 4 stroke will be very efficient, quiet and clean. Most of the fuel efficiency gains of a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke are at idle or slow speed.

The above statement should read:

For trolling, a 4 stroke will be very efficient, quiet and clean. Most of the fuel efficiency gains of a 4 stroke over an OLDER 2 stroke are at idle or slow speed.

Many people seem to categorize all 2 strokes in one category. NOT SO.....
We can't put the newer 2 strokes into the older 2 stroke category.
Many new 2 strokes have the same advantages of being cleaner, quieter, and better fuel economy than OLDER 2 strokes.
Look for CARB3 rated motors. Several new 2 Strokes are CARB3 rated. Some 4 strokes are NOT CARB3 rated.

Posted by nathanmitchellcne on 08/06/09 - 5:34 PM

I have a 63 and had a 90 hp 4 stroke honda and it was terrible fit for the boat...I have since replaced with a 90 hp 2 stroke yamaha...could not be happier!

Posted by wswank3 on 08/07/09 - 8:01 AM

#10

thanks for all the info. Yes it would be an even swap, going to weigh it out and think about it now. I wont be doing any skiing or tubing, got dads boat for that....lol. Bought the boat in great shape for $250 from a long time family friend and plan to pass it down to my young son later on. will try to post pics later today. thanks again!