Engine weight

[Rich49]

I have a 98 Nitro 640 lx with a 75hp Tracker that is not worth fixing. Looking to by a new Mercury 90hp. Seems like the weight difference is 150lbs. That seems like a lot to me but would really like to have a 90hp. Have a new SeaStar hydraulic steering that is for a Mercury so that is why the Mercury engine. The old engine plate says it’s weight is 209 and the new Mercury is 359. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[airshot]

The new 90 is probably a 4 stroke where your 75 is probably a two stroke, that is the only reason for that much weight difference. Is the excess weight worth 15 hp ??? Wouldnt be in my book. Guess I am still a two stroke fan, lighter, faster, easier to service...your call !!!

 

[racerone]

Agreed.-----I have a 17' boat ( 25 " transom ) rated for 150 HP.-----A V-6 Evinrude 150 is 375 LBS and I have that motor.-----A new 4 cylinder150 HP 4 stroke list at 531 LBS.-----An easy decision for me to go with Evinrude..----The 4 strokes are popular , heavy and expensive !

 

[Rich49]

Understand that. Appreciate the replies.

 

[racerone]

I would fix the 75 HP Tracker.-----But if money is not an issue , go with the new motor.

 

[Rich49]

Does Mercury even make new 2 strokes anymore?

 

[Rich49]

Do you think the extra weight is acceptable?

 

[airshot]

Does Mercury even make new 2 strokes anymore?

Not positive but I think the Veradoes are two stroke...however I understand they require premium fuel of 94 octane....ouch!!

 

[Rich49]

Yeah ouch.

 

[racerone]

??----Verados are NOT 2 strokes.

 

[roscoe]

So..... If you are looking at new motors....
The 75 and the 90 both weigh 359#.
And the Honda BF75 and 90 also both weigh 359#.
The Yamahas weigh 353#.
And the Tohatsus are a wopping 392#.

So if I was getting a new motor that weighed 359#, I would want as much power as I can get to help push all that weight.


So does the stern of the boat sit real low when you stand back there?

Being the boat is just a tad over 16', and weighs 1100#, you would probably be fine with the 75.


Just curious, is your current 75 tracker, a mercury motor, or a force motor?

 

[jimmbo]

Soon a 2 Stroke in good shape, will be worth its weight in Gold, the Demand for them will go up as people get fed up of the lack of Pulling Power for Water Sports offered by the 4 Strokes

 

[racerone]

Long time 2 stroke shop said that he was impressed with modern 4 stroke acceleration.-----For some the drawback may be the $150 / hr for scheduled service work.----That annual visit or perhaps 2 times will add up quickly.-----If you can't or don't want to do the service work be prepared to pay.

 

[Rich49]

It says Mercury Force so which is it?

 

[Rich49]

Actually it says Tracker with force in smaller writing. On the serial plate it says Mercury Mariner.

 

[racerone]

An old CHRYSLER design.-----Marketed by Mercury but not really a Mercury motor.

 

[Rich49]

So my boat seems to be rated to have a 90hp engine. Should I assume that the 359lbs is acceptable as well?

 

[Rich49]

I figured it was a Force.

 

[racerone]

This whole rating issue has become a bit of a mystery.-------Was it 90 HP propshaft rated ?-----Was it for a " light " weight 2 stroke or heavier 4 stroke ?----Is the boat still as strong as it was when new ?-----Motors have changed , but the capacity plate may be 30 years old !!----Plus boating activities and uses have changed.

 

[Rich49]

It doesn’t have a capacity plate. Bought the boat last year. Didn’t notice it didn’t have that plate. Boat is in great shape except for the engine now.