90 HP 4 cycle performance

[Fr. Frank]

Not to disdain Part II's position, but 90hp is certainly adequate, and demonstrably economical. You just can't go so fast you howl at the moon while flying "balls to the 'wall" at WOT.

1st, I run a 375 lb Mercury 90hp Optimax on my '72 Seafari. I do not have trim tabs. My hole shot is under 5 seconds, cruise speed is 25-26 mph, and WOT speed is about 33-34 mph with an average load. I get 5.1 mpg at cruise, and 3.2 mpg at WOT.

Just for the record, when I had the XR4 on the back, which produced an actual 190hp, my hole shot was about 3.5 seconds, I cruised at the same 25-26 mph, and my WOT speed was just over 50mph, lightly loaded. I got 3.5 mpg at cruise, 2.7 mpg at 35 mph, and 1.5 mpg at WOT. (I always ran WOT for 2-3 minutes every time I went out to minimize carbon build-up from using a straight 50-1 pre-mix, as I deliberately disabled the factory automatic oiling).

There are very few occasions where I desire to run faster than cruise. I really enjoy the economy and reduced maintenance of the Optimax. I used to run out to the Florida Middle Grounds with the XR4, and had to carry an extra 30 gallons of fuel on the deck (one 18 gallon portable, and two 6 gallon portables) to make the round-trip, depending on where I launched, as my factory tank was only 29 gallons. (Tip: burn from portable tanks first)

With the new motor, I also got a new fuel tank. My new tank is 28 gallons usable, but even so, I carry only the two extra 6 gallon tanks launching from Hudson. The Middle Grounds are 85 miles from Crystal River, and 68 miles from Hudson or Clearwater. I get there in about the same amount of time, but it costs me $60 less. That's enough during the summer for 3 rounds of golf (with cart) at any of my 5 favorite golf courses.

Ya gotta put things in perspective.