18-20hp taihatsu, mercury or mariner

[charlescyriaque]

trying to decide which is the best value and would have best warranty and availability of service. Suggestions requested as soon as possible.

 

[JB]

Re: 18-20hp taihatsu, mercury or mariner

Ahoy, Louis. Of the three you mention it's a no-brainer: Mercury. <br /><br />However, were I shopping for a new engine right now I would be looking at 4 strokes, even used 4 strokes. You can go that way now or you will regret it and go that way later.<br /><br />Might as well do it right the first time.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[charlescyriaque]

Re: 18-20hp taihatsu, mercury or mariner

JB-thanks for the response. I might as well confess. I'm looking for a motor for my 11'4" Boston Whaler. I have a broken 15 hp older merc on it now. It's just wasn't enough power to get me and a buddy plus camping gear up on plane. I've talked to people that have used 20hp with no problem on this boat. The 4 strokes are heavier, I believe, and more expensive but would an 18 in 4 stroke be available from anywhere. How do I evaluate a used outboard? What would be price range of a new or late model 2 or 4 stroke and which brand?<br />Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: 18-20hp taihatsu, mercury or mariner

Hi, Louis. The 11' Whaler with tiller steering is not a planing boat, it is a tender. It is rated for 10 hp and for very good reasons.<br /><br />With the console and remote steering the boat becomes a sport model planing boat rated for 20 hp. <br /><br />See my post reply in the Boats Forum.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[charlescyriaque]

Re: 18-20hp taihatsu, mercury or mariner

jb-please tell me more about the console and remote steering. price, where to get, ease or not of installation and where do you install it. as you know, this is a great little boat. it fits my size and needs to a tee and i want to make it safe and more functional. also, the 15hp merc i have on it now seems to have a 22" shaft and i see that the new ones are 20". am i measuring wrong? thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 18-20hp taihatsu, mercury or mariner

Hi, Louis. I'm sure your Merc is a "long" shaft for a 20" transom. If I'm not mistaken your boat has a 15" transom. One thing you need to do is get an engine that matches your boat. Check where the cavitation plate on your engine is. If it is below the bottom of your boat by several inches you need a short (15") shaft engine.<br /><br />You will need the wood inserts plan for your boat from Boston Whaler so you can tell where you may put screws in. Then you will need the console, remote controls and steering system. Finally, your next engine needs to be set up for remote control.<br /><br />You can get a lot of help from members of the Classic Whaler Board at: www.continuouswave.com/whaler <br /><br />Good luck and let us know how you do.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />jb