Starcraft Mariner 180 repower

[Smallies and Stripers]

I.ll crack this back open. What did you end up going with? I am now at complete resto and Repower with my 1985 Mariner 180. I have had it for 24 years and loved every minute. I did the transom last year. I put a new Johnson 70 on it in 19994 and was pleased but prefer to never again break down in the ocean...I want more zip with a Repower. and think a 90hp would be ideal. New motors though, are way heavier. In 1985, a 115 was a hair over 300lbs.....considering Etec at 320 or Suzuki at 341(dry)......has anyone had any issues hanging a heavy new motor? I plan to install a 14g fuel tank under the console to move weight forward and open up the back of the boat and also install trolling motor with a pair of batteries up front. Looking for other 180 owners to share their experiences with weight, weight distribution, etc.... Thanks!

 

[jbcurt00]

I.ll crack this back open.

No you wont

Please reread the rules you agreed to when you join and avoid posting in old inactive topics unless you started them.

Askin about your boat/project/motor/problems someone elsexs topic is considered a hijack, please refrain and start a new topic of your own.

I moved this out of the inactive topic into 1 of your own.

 

[Smallies and Stripers]

Ok folks' looks like I have my own thread......has anyone Repower Ed a 180 with a modern heavy motor?

 

[MD28]

I have a 86 18 SFM which is basically a super sport. You would be wise to move weight forward with a belly tank. I have a twenty gallon tank and it rides reall nice and level on plane. I’d like to repower with a 90 too seeing as I currently have a 60. If you do add more weight to the back with a new motor then you will definitely want to move weight forward so you don’t porpoise too badly I would think. Good luck and let us know what you come up with. Oh and post a pic or two if you would

 

[No-AH]

'77 16' [I know you asked for 18' re-power suggestions but this applies imo] As MD stated and pointed out, it's crucial you re-distribute as much weight aft as possible. In my Holidays' case I bowectomied it to accommodate a forward casting deck with a swivel seat which added a fair amount of forward weight on it's own. Under this deck I also brought the 2 on board batteries which is significant weight aft, freeing up as much weight as possible from the stern. I to added a below deck 12 gal belly fuel tank mid ship versus the 2 portable plastic fuel tanks which were once back there. With strengthening the stern and transom area in the re-do, and adding more flotation below deck and where I could, she handles and performs flawlessly now with the +375lbs weight of a modern day 4 stroke re-power. I didn't do that for speed as every hull has a capped hull speed, but I did achieve much more thrust on the hole shot and gets on plane much quicker than before. Also the fuel saving is substantial versus a 2 stroke. The original motor weighed 195lbs. Hope this helps.

 

[Smallies and Stripers]

Thanks guys.. I am thinking the same... no room below deck for a belly tank, but I can get one under the console which will move the fuel forward a couple of feet and allow me to open up the rear deck area. Plan to expand front deck w/ full trolling motor gear up front... looking forward to a comprehensive rebuild. Will post pics for the project once I get moving (should be March/April project. Bringing my baby into the 21st century...

 

[Watermann]

There's plenty of room below deck for a belly tank, both of my 18'rs have them, ones 25 gal and the other 35. A bow mount TM with big batteries moves weight forward as well. I'm in the process of changing from a lighter OB to one with more heft but not there yet.