2001 Mercury 125 performance

[mb34928]

I'm in the process of purchasing a Sprint 289 Fish/Ski. It's 18'6" Weight 1400. Is the 125 Enough. <br /><br />Any input appreciated

 

[JB]

Re: 2001 Mercury 125 performance

Howdy. What's the boat rated for? Enough to do what?<br /><br />If the boat is rated for 175 or less, 125 will perform nicely, but one boaters "nicely" is another boater's slug.<br /><br />Typically, with 70 to 75% of rated HP you will get 80 to 90% of possible performance.<br /><br />Have fun.<br />JB

 

[mb34928]

Re: 2001 Mercury 125 performance

It's rated for 130 to 175.(from website). Do you think the $1400 difference to get an XR6 would be worth the money. Are we only talking 4 to 5 mph difference?? Also is the gas mileage going to be better with the 125 or the 150?<br /><br />What do ya think?<br /><br />Murf

 

[JB]

Re: 2001 Mercury 125 performance

You are probably asking the wrong guy. I'm not a speed freak and I am a quality freak. For that boat I would be shopping a Yamaha Vmax 150 (rep and dealer network). If they had the dealer network, a Suzuki DT150 or, if they solve their parts and service problems, a Honda 130. <br /><br />Mercury irritates me with their marketing policy. (If you want this boat, you gotta buy a Merc, and no, we wont discuss performance comparisons)<br /><br />My son ended up with a Merc 90 on his new Whaler only because they wouldn't rig it for, or install anything else. It is a good engine so far, but the strategy just gives me tight jaws. Were it me, I would buy a preowned boat and repower it with MY choice of engines. (Hmmm, That's what I did, and I'm very happy with my Suzi.)<br /><br />End of speech. The Optimax 135 or 150 would do just fine, if you want the Merc.<br /><br />Happy boating.<br />JB