Compare Merc 2002 50 elpto and Merc 1973 65hp

[roscoe]

Ok, just picked up a boat, has the 1973 Merc 65, no power tilt.
This power plant is the bare minimum I can imagine using.

But, I have a 2002 Merc 50 elpto sitting in the garage, less than 40 hours on it.

Question is, how far apart are the actual motors hp wise?

I really would like to put a larger motor on the boat, but would use the 50 temporarily till I could find a larger one.

The problem with a larger motor, is that all I seem to run into are the OMC v-4's.
I have just never ben a fan of them. And they are wide, posing a space issue on my transom. I can't find a larger Merc or Yamaha for anything.

So do you think the 50 is even worth putting on the boat?

Boat is a 1973 18' Starcraft SS, hull weight about 880#, just under 2000# under normal running conditions with main and kicker motors, fuel, gear, and passengers.

Opinions?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Compare Merc 2002 50 elpto and Merc 1973 65hp

So do you think the 50 is even worth putting on the boat?

Not a chance. Is it the power trim issue that's making you want to do the swamp?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Compare Merc 2002 50 elpto and Merc 1973 65hp

Whether it is worth while or not depends on what performance you are after. The 65 will perform better than the 50. They will likely get about the same fuel economy since the 50 will need more throttle to maintain the same cruising speed as the 65. The 50 is a nice motor. Run the boat with the 65 for a bit and then swap it for the 50. Couple hours worth of work. Swap back if you are unhappy with the 50. Sell both and buy a late model 75 Merc triple. Great motor, good economy and lots of grunt since it is relatively high displacement.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Compare Merc 2002 50 elpto and Merc 1973 65hp

29 years newer for reliability, and tnt.
I figure I won't even be able to get into some of my lakes without it.
The motor well is so long and deep, manual tilting is out of the question.


"Sell both and buy a late model 75 Merc triple."

That would be a great plan, if I could find one. Been looking for a long time.

What about the 90 triples?


Really amazed at how small and compact the 65 is.