Repowering a 1996 starcraft superfisherman 170

[bluewater19]

I am planning on repowering my starcraft this winter. The current motor is a 1996 merc 75 ELPTO.<br />Current top speed is 38-40mph.<br /><br /> I am looking not as much to go faster as I am to better be able to pull a skiers.<br />I can barely get my 150 pound cousin out of the hole on a single. I have tried a lower pitch prop and hole shot is a little better but not much. Right now With the boat propped for WOT (5250-5500 rpm) It will only make around 30mph with a skier.<br /><br /> My reason for sking with this boat is I am looking to sell my other 2 boats and keep this one for everything otherwise my glastron is great for watersports.<br /><br /> I am looking for a 150hp. I would like to go with a used motor. Who makes the best 2 stroke 150? <br />Also what kind of performance increase should I expect to see?<br />Thanks

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Repowering a 1996 starcraft superfisherman 170

Well, if it's rated for 150, I'd look for a JohnRude fastrike 60 deg. looper or a newer version up to current year in carbed 2-stroke.<br />I'd steer clear of the fichts of early manufacture dates..2002-up would be ok.<br />The mercs would be fine too...several options to go with there as well. I'm biased to the JohnRudes so that's what "I" would look for...seldom do you have to work on these other than PM.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Repowering a 1996 starcraft superfisherman 170

I was looking to go the same route as you and overpower the boat a bit.<br /><br /> I know I will hear what a stupid Idea it was but the bottom line is that it is legal in my state, and my insurance company had no problem with it.<br /> Anyhoo I ended up going with a 1997 merc 125. That is max rated power for the boat. I did this because the 125 was only a few lbs heavier than the old motor and the late model 150's were over 100lbs more.<br />I hope this is works and I don't end up kicking myself for not going with the 150.<br />I'll let you know as soon as the weather lets up a little.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Repowering a 1996 starcraft superfisherman 170

I think the 125 should be fine....My fishing partner has a 170 with a 115...it scoots pretty good...

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Repowering a 1996 starcraft superfisherman 170

Ok I have the motor turning a 22 pitch high five at 5400rpm with nobody on the boat except me.<br />speedo says 55mph. I have a gps so I will see what real speed is.<br />I was thinking of raising the motor one hole because I can trim way out and not blow out right now.<br />What do you think???<br />Thanks

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Repowering a 1996 starcraft superfisherman 170

That rig should handle the third hole with a good prop, especially with a high5.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Repowering a 1996 starcraft superfisherman 170

I just run the numbers on that, and if we think the tach is close, the speedo is WAY off.<br />Should be 46-47.5MPH at that RPM with the 22 high5.<br />This is the 2.07:1 gear ratio isn't it???