New merc 60hp 4s on 18' SS? Any thoughts...

[wmgraphics]

I have a rebuilt (74?) 18' super sport. I found a great deal on a new merc 60hp 4 stroke. The last motor I had on it was a '73 115 Johnson, so I know I'll be lacking the power. With this motor I used a lot of gas and sucked a lot of fumes.

I have all new riggers so trolling with the quiet 4s should be nice. I have heard nothing but good things with these mid size merc 4s motors.

Anyway, does anyone else have this setup and what size prop are you using? Also where is the cav plate in reference to the bottom of the transom(aligned, higher, lower, etc.)?

Thanks all!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: New merc 60hp 4s on 18' SS? Any thoughts...

Well, you said it yourself fairly well...compared to a 115 2 stroke you will have less power obviously. If you want less fumes and better gas mileage the new 4-stroke will deliver on both counts.

If I were buying new...I'd rather get one of the Evinrude etecs, they are amazing machines and require almost no maintenance. My dad got a brand-new 60hp etec last summer for his 17' Sea Nymph and it flat out flies, we clocked 35mph before he backed off the throttle a bit due to a little chop.

I personally like the better weight/power ratios of the 2 strokes but that merc will get you around the lake just fine.

As far as the cavitation plate, I believe aligned or a bit above the bottom of the transom is best for performance.

Got some pics of the Starcraft?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: New merc 60hp 4s on 18' SS? Any thoughts...

I forgot to add that for your prop/motor questions you will get far more replies and better info if you post a question in a thread in the Mercury OB section of this site.

Good luck to ya!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New merc 60hp 4s on 18' SS? Any thoughts...

joeyplumley hung an older Merc 50 on his 18' SS and it did surprisingly well. I have a older 'Rude 90 on mine and it hit 39MPH with 3 adults.

 

[wmgraphics]

Re: New merc 60hp 4s on 18' SS? Any thoughts...

Ya know I really do hear other people getting good performance with these Starcrafts with relatively small motors. They're just so light, it's great. I also know that the better I can get my setup now the happier I'll be. It seems this deal with setting up your motor with the right prop has become a bit of a challenge. It seems everyone has an idea but know one is running the exact setup.

The merc guys say 13p and others say 12p or even 11p. What about the diameter? Some say that doesn't really matter. hmmm.