1986 vs 1999

[Fish247]

I have a 1986 Mercury jet 150 XR2 carbureted that runs smooth at 4K RPM but is rough at idle and slow speeds. I have the opportunity to buy a 1999 Mercury 200 jet carbureted that’s recently been tuned up and is said to be in like new condition. My question is….is there a big difference between the 1986 carb motors and the 1999 carb motors? I want to upgrade my motor, but don’t want to spend 5k on a motor that’s basically the same as what I currently have. Should I get the 13 year newer motor or hang on to my money and look for newer 4 stroke? Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[Dukedog]

being jet would suck, no pun intended... would perform more like a 135/150 prop motor if ya lucky... world a difference in all parts upgrades... still BASIC gas/air/ fire motor but jus lots better.. probably one of tha most dependable mercs ever built.. me personally, i'm a lite weight hull, 2 stroke, performance idiot.. justa a LITTLE bias maybe!.... well maybe a 450R might work...
JMO

your motor could probably be straightened out pretty easily and not a lotta $$$ if ya mechanically inclined at all...

 

[dingbat]

The 86 motor is now almost 40 years old. Parts availability is going to be an issue sooner or later if not already.

Agree…. jets are not the most efficient means to push a boat

 

[Fish247]

I realize that a jet is not as efficient as a prop, but the rivers I fish has some very skinny water so a jet is a must. Im basically wondering if the 1999 motor is a big step up from the 1986 motor I currently have? I don’t want to plop down 16k right now for a new 4 stroke, but I’d like to upgrade from the 1986. Is 5k for a 1999 a good move? Is the 13 year newer motor worth it?

 

[jimmbo]

Being that there is a 50hp difference, it isn't a case of being "basically the same".
Who is claiming "said to be in like new condition"?
If it is indeed like new, then 5 grand isn't too bad, considering the Gouge that a new gutless 4 stroke will induce

 

[Texasmark]

The 86 motor is now almost 40 years old. Parts availability is going to be an issue sooner or later if not already.

Agree…. jets are not the most efficient means to push a boat

Case in point, Mercury 2 strokes of the late 90's and early 20's, per the service manual, as an example the manual lists verbiage for 60 thru 125 hp. The 60 hp model is a 75 hp with a Jet LU to give you the example of the available power not counting the efficiency, and probably lack thereof, of the lower unit.