97 Mariner 30, Want new prop, About eng?

[Edwindogg]

Hi everyone,<br /><br />I've just purchased a 1997 Mariner 30 hp,(whats it worth?) and I have some questions I hope you guys/gals can answer.<br /><br />1: The prop that came with it has some nicks and bent ends that look like cr*p. I dont know the pitch, but I'm sure it's stock. I obtained it this way so I dont know if its affecting the performance. Also the main use of this engine is for catfishing with bankpoles, so i'm constantly into the bank, and the boat speed at idle seems a little fast for this on a 16' jon. I guess I want my cake and eat it too (nice and slow at idle, fast as possible top end). Anyway, if any of ya know what pitch I need, please reply. By the way, whats the advantage of stainless?<br /><br />2: I was a little daring and bought this engine through a EBAY auction. Thankfully the seller seemed to be honest, for the engine runs, shifts, idles like a dream (I was used to a mid 70's Johnson). But what I wanted to know is if there were different sizes of these 30 hp motors? The seller told me that it was a "commercial grade" Mariner 30. The reason I ask is because this engine totally dwarfs my old Johnson 25. (they are both 2 strokes).<br /><br />3: This engine has light signs of saltwater use. (a little bit of corrosion, nothing real serious). I've heard that saltwater can ruin a engine in very little time. I was wondering what maintenance I could do to prevent problems in the future.<br /><br />Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[Walter]

Re: 97 Mariner 30, Want new prop, About eng?

Seems to me Mariner was introduced by Mercury to better compete in the saltwater use market. Any engine will fare better in fresh vs. salt, but I think you'd notice more cosmetic decay had yours been used exclusively in salt. On the topic of props: Well I'm a fan of stainless even though I'm playing a bit of russian roulette running one on my Type One MerCruiser. Rocks, stainless props turning at high RPM can require dipping into the kids college fund in a big way (hey, a man has his priorities ya know) However, by nature outboards are a bit more forgiving than that should you ever be unfortunate enough to go "dredging" on a basalt shoal. Regarding prop nicks and bent edges?? Some folk rightfully argue that your prop is the most important component of your entire engine. Maximum engine performance can only be achieved when the prop is in optimum condition. Hope this helps...and good fishing! Walt