any noticable difference between 90 vs 115hp?

[iron21]

hi,
as my search continues for a used boat, i now have yet another question..
i'm looking at 2 1994 18' maxums. one has a 90hp mercury-force, and the other has 115 hp mercury. both 2-strokes/ oil injected..are there going to be any significant differences between these engines? is a 25 hp difference noticeable on an 18' boat? i'm a little hesitant to spend the extra $750 on the 115hp merc boat. assuming both were taken care of, good compression ect. what do you think? is the mercury 115 worth the extra little $$ ??
thanks for your opinion!

 

[flabum]

Re: any noticable difference between 90 vs 115hp?

Yes, there is a noticable difference, especially in the smaller boats. Whether or not it is worth the extra $750.... that depends on if the one with the 155 is in better shape and has more options. But all said, Mercs are worth more than Force any day. Personally, I try to chew him down a little more for the one with the Merc and take it.

 

[Mscanon99]

Re: any noticable difference between 90 vs 115hp?

Hi Iron 21,

I am not an expert, but just went through the first boat excercise. First, Mercury's and Forces are not the same, I was very close to buying a boat with a Force, but after reading many posts and talking to about 6 different service agents, I eliminated the Force.....I really wanted to go with it becuase is was allot less, but am glad I went with the Merc now. Also, I would double check to see if the Force is injected, in all my research, I thought they were all pre mix. I would also doubt the Force and Merc are the same in any respect, my Merc is a 4 Cyl and I know the 90 Merc of the same vintage was a 3 Cyl.

Although I ended up with a Merc, I would not rule out Evinrudes and Yamaha's. Based on my research, they seem to be the front runners with Merc following up close. On the Plus side however, Merc is common, service is plentiful and there are many great people on this site who know them and are willing to give you advice.

Last thing, be careful of the Maxum, same as a Bayliner and not a bad choice, but check out the deck/floor very carefully. Once the floor starts going, its hard to stop and most wood floors start going at one point or another.

Good Luck.....Mike

 

[Texasmark]

Re: any noticable difference between 90 vs 115hp?

Yeah, 25 hosses! BTDT from 115 down to 90.

Mark

 

[iron21]

Re: any noticable difference between 90 vs 115hp?

thanks for the replies,

unfortunately, i just found out that the boat with the 115 merc, was slipped the past few seasons in saltwater. And i have have to assume that it wasnt flushed out with fresh water regularly. I guess i have to stay away from that boat now??

 

[flabum]

Re: any noticable difference between 90 vs 115hp?

thanks for the replies,

unfortunately, i just found out that the boat with the 115 merc, was slipped the past few seasons in saltwater. And i have have to assume that it wasnt flushed out with fresh water regularly. I guess i have to stay away from that boat now??

Not necessarily, but now it brings it's value down below that of the one with the Force. Have an independant mechanic look it over for you.