Re Power

[Briguy]

Why not a Suzkuki do 90? 341 lbs. Super fuel efficient.

[sidelock]

Originally Posted by Briguy

Why not a Suzkuki do 90? 341 lbs. Super fuel efficient.

I will consider any or all of them but there has been some comments made about the Suzuki 90's torque at mid range. On a previous post specifically on the Suzuki 90. the question of mid range torque and keeping the boat up on plane at slower speed was not addressed which leaves me suspect.
From what I have read in this thread so far, it seems the Etec. inline 90 would be a better choice over the Suzuki 90 at a comparable weight. It offers better mid range torque, and may also be under rated as to actual HP, which leaves only one question. How would the two compare in fuel efficiency ?
As I stated in my original post, my knowledge of outboards is very limited and this is going to be a substantial purchase so I just want to make sure I make the right decision and not have any regrets afterwards.

[BocaSeacraft]

I repowered my 1975 18' SC last summer with a Suzuki DF90 and couldn't be happier. With the factory stainless prop (14x16) it planes at about 12-13 mph, which, for me, is 3500 rpm. It tops out at around 35. I think it has more than enough mid range torque, which comes in handy running a sloppy inlet. I struggle to stuff five gallons of gas into the tank after a day of fishing. I think it's a great motor.

[72potter20]

Sounds like staying on plane at lower speeds is high on your priority list.

I think the only motors your considering that run v6 class props are the merc 115 or 90 with the ct gear case and I think the 115 etec does? Someone else could confirm.

The benefit of this us much more prop choices. I run a large prop on my motor, my boat can stay on plane down to about 14mph. It's a bracketed boat to which most will say that hurts low speed planing

Hit 45 consistently with t top. Without the top I have hit 47 in ideal conditions and wind at my back.

[sidelock]

The "only" reason for my emphasis on staying up on plane at lower speeds is in the chop/snot.

[72potter20]

I don't think there is another reason.

[sidelock]

Very impressive numbers ! your input is very much appreciated, thanks. I was under the impression that Terry was talking about the I-3 and hot spots but I could be mistaken.

[Terry England]

Originally Posted by sidelock

Very impressive numbers ! your input is very much appreciated, thanks. I was under the impression that Terry was talking about the I-3 and hot spots but I could be mistaken.

Yea, Denny knows what I'm talking about. Usually when the V-4 or V-6 2-S engines fail (OMC, Yamaha, or Suzuki) the bottom cylinder, wrist pin, Rod or crank is involved. As it is at lowest cylinder in the group and has gathered the most heat going out the stack. The 3 cylinder 2-S in-line engines (OMC, Yamaha, Suzuki and Mercury) seem to have a better disipation of heat across the block than the V design blocks that dump the exhaust in the center. I understand when they designed the G-2 they looked long and hard at what worked well and used what looks like two in-line blocks. Take a peek inside the coweling of one if you can some time. They are even weirder looking on the inside than the outside, but beauitiful castings and craftsmanship. They got a cool little sticker on them too that you don't see much anymore - it says MADE IN USA, and I'm kinda' partial to this place.

[McGillicuddy]

As Terry said, any of your listed motors is a very good motor.

I suspect the low speed plane should not be a problem with the zuke. 2.59 gear ratio should offer plenty of low speed guts. The fact that it can spin so much propeller should offer many prop choices, and a good stern lifter can only help your concern.

Your ballistic funky tip, by the way, is a bow lifter. Changing your prop a semi cleaver style like Yamahas own, even a 4 blade - will give you better overall performance likely lower planing speed. It will also help your hole shot with a load. 17 p with the extra cup, rake, and blade design of your ballistic might be a bit much for the Yammie on the SeaCraft hull.

[sidelock]

Originally Posted by McGillicuddy

As Terry said, any of your listed motors is a very good motor.

I suspect the low speed plane should not be a problem with the zuke. 2.59 gear ratio should offer plenty of low speed guts. The fact that it can spin so much propeller should offer many prop choices, and a good stern lifter can only help your concern.

Your ballistic funky tip, by the way, is a bow lifter. Changing your prop a semi cleaver style like Yamahas own, even a 4 blade - will give you better overall performance likely lower planing speed. It will also help your hole shot with a load. 17 p with the extra cup, rake, and blade design of your ballistic might be a bit much for the Yammie on the SeaCraft hull.

The prop came with the motor when I bought the boat and I thought about replacing it but I'm playing with the idea of having the transom raised to 25" this spring and I'm undecided whether to repower or get a shaft extension kit for my existing motor. The 98 Yam 115 has been bullet proof thus far and hasn't failed me once however this past summer I noticed it running a little rough and vibrates at idle under load. I took it to Bass Pro and they pulled the carbs, cleaned them and checked the reeds but unfortunately it didn't resolve the issue. It only does it in gear at idle and low rpm. Unfortunately the nearest Yamaha technician that's on the water and can check it under load is 2.5 hours drive and I would have to leave the motor with them for a few days so I would have to make two trips.