outboard ideas

[da_houghsta]

Hi all,

I currently have a Tracker Superguide V14 with a Merc 30hp efi 4 stroke. I am perfectly happy with the motor in terms of how it runs etc, but even though it has forward controls, it isn't fitted with electric tilt which is a pain. I also have a new 75L livewell installed just behind the seats. The boat is rated to 40hp and I think that the extra 10hp will make a big difference. Getting the parts to convert the current motor to electric tilt is not a viable option. My current motor is about 110kg where most new 40hp 4 strokes seem to be about 95-98kg.

And this is where my question comes. The new motor would be expensive and whether it is justified or not is my own question for myself. But, am I an idiot if I don't consider a 40hp 2 stroke instead?? They are cheaper and 20kg lighter from what I can tell, the current ones seem to be reliable. I was looking at the Merc or the Yamaha 40CV but was told to also look at tohatsu. Putting aside whether people think it is worth repowering the boat or not, the question is whether it's worth considering the 2-stroke.

Long winded I know, but am trying to look at all options, whether I do it or not is something I'll work out, but I love the boat and am looking at long term as well. The lower cost may mean I can go ahead with it where the 4 stroke option may turn too expensive.
Thanks!

[Twoshoes]

I've had 4 strokes on off-shore boats before and never thought I'd use a 2-stroke again, but my latest boat (a 425 Allycraft) is powered by a 40hp Etec and I must say it's amazing. It has 4 stroke fuel range, it's extremely quiet, PLENTY of grunt and for me it's been 100% reliable. I honestly have no negative feedback with my etec and will be powering whatever I get next with one too.

With 2 people, gear and a full (110L) livewell it pushes my rather heavy 425 (full extended decks, extra wide gunwales) along really easily and is quite scary at full tilt.

[CK]

Unless its used for trolling, i have always questioned the extra cost and weight penalty of a 4 stroke in that class against the supposed fuel savings. In saying that I have a Tohatsu DI and love it but its 90hp. I also have a 3cyl 30hp yamaha 2 stroke and love that to bits also.
If there are bugetary constraints IMO you could do far worse than look at the 3cyl model yamaha over the the cv. Im sure you will find a lot of love for them hereabouts.

[Emo]

Ive had a 40hp Merc on my Hornet for about 6 years and it's been great, never broken down, ever.
The fuel cost to run it is minimal, I can ru around all day for about $10-$15 so it would take a long time to justify a 4 stroke cost.
Worth comsidering.

[boris]

I went from a 4 stroke to a 2 stroke. Apart from the aesthetics of the four strokes it wasnt heaps better. Dont get me wrong i loved the motor but the lower servicing costs of the 2 stroke coupled with the weight reduction will be far better. My 60hp 2 stroke will use $20-$30 for a full day including oil. However go for an oil injected model if available.

As for the etec they are the price of a 4 stroke so for me they are of no benefit until used in higher hp applications.

Also tohatsu was brought by mercury so no issues there.

[Yardi]

I would definately look at a Tohatsu, now I am not a full bottle on this and maybe someone can correct me, but I have a Tracker and it is rated to 50hp.
When I brought the boat I was told it was more to do with the weight the transom can take that dictates the HP. So instead of going with a 50 Merc I went for a 90hp Tohatsu TLDI, that weighed more or less the same as the 50 Merc. I have had no problems insuring it and the motor runs like a champ, being a TLDI its fuel consumption is great and I use very little 2 stroke oil.
Maybe something to consider as a 50hp TLDI Tohatsu weighs 93.5kg, with a reprop (pitch change that suits) and having it fitted at the right height, your boat would be howling.
Heres a link to the 50 http://tohatsu.com.au/content/md50b2
Just something to consider
Yardi

[da_houghsta]

Thanks for the replies guys! Looks like I'm on the right track looking at 2-stroke. Interesting idea about the 50hp as well, but I would need to check as I was lead to believe that you cannot insure a boat which has a higher hp motor than what it is rated to and I would have to get the boat re-rated which isn't cheap - is that all correct? That being said, the motor would be lighter than my 30hp, so would that really make things easier?

I'm not considering e-tec at this stage, they are heavy in the 40hp models (109-113kg depending on model) and expensive making them not quite what I'm after.

Again, thanks for all the comments!

[boris]

No not go above the maximum hp as stated on the builders compliance plate. It WILL void any insurance you do have on the boat if it is involved in any accident. Its not only weight that governs the max hp but also material thickness of the hull and transom area and how the boat behaves with that extra hp and what our regulations deem safe.

I'll send you a pm mate with some other info.

[da_houghsta]

Originally Posted by boris

No not go above the maximum hp as stated on the builders compliance plate. It WILL void any insurance you do have on the boat if it is involved in any accident. Its not only weight that governs the max hp but also material thickness of the hull and transom area and how the boat behaves with that extra hp and what our regulations deem safe.

I'll send you a pm mate with some other info.

Thanks mate, I was thinking the same thing, I'm happy to stay with 40hp (which is the max hp on the compliance plate)

[CK]

Originally Posted by Yardi

Maybe something to consider as a 50hp TLDI Tohatsu weighs 93.5kg, with a reprop (pitch change that suits) and having it fitted at the right height, your boat would be howling.

I'd second this.
Remembering mine is a 90, but since changing the prop to a vengeance the boat is sooo much better. Thing with the Tohatsu is at times poor dealership network / nowse.
Plus is low oil cost. Where you have to run a manufacturers branded oil in other brands, Tohatsu specify a Valvoline semi synthetic available from any automotive retailer usually & at a fraction of the cost of the competitors oil.