Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

[Indianaoutdoorsman]

I have a 19' Lowe Jon Boat. Currently has a 1973 50hp Merc. Motor runs fine, but I'm tired of the oily mess the 2 stroke makes, plus I'm thinking that it's days are numbered.

I have the chance to get a 2000 50 hp Bigfoot for $2,100. It's only been used 3 seasons on a pontoon and appears in excellent condition. Like everybody else, I'm trying to keep the cost reasonable, but I don't want surprises.

Boat is rated up to 80 hp IIRC, but performance of the existing motor is quite adequate. Actually, I can't imagine an 80 on it. Runs maybe 32 mph now, and that's fast enough for a flat bottom boat.

Is the 2000 carb or EFI? Can't find the answer from Mr Google. Any other thoughts or ideas appreciated.

TIA

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

Is the 2000 Merc a two-stroke or four-stroke? A few other questions as well. You might want to rethink the "Big Foot". They are intended for pontoon service, are long shaft, and your boat probably needs a short shaft. Not positive, but if the engine is a four stroke it is probably carbed in 2000. If it's a two-stroke it definitely is carbed. You will almost certainly need a different prop. The engine will very likely have a 13 or even an 11P prop. For a planing hull with a 2.34:1 gear ratio you will probably need a 15 or 17P. A standard (non-Big Foot motor has a 1.83:1 ratio and would run a 10-1/2 x 13P in most applications.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

Don't do it for the reasons listed above.

 

[Indianaoutdoorsman]

Re: Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

Motor is a 4 stroke. 20" shaft. No prop on it right now, so I'd most likely get a new stainless one. I assume that you can increase pitch to offset the difference in ratio, but maybe not.

I assume that the distance from the mount to the prop shaft is the important dimension. If that's very close or the same, are there any other issues?

I'm getting this from the Bass Pro Shop in Portage, IN so I would like to think they know what's going on. Still, my sales rep there seems less than familiar with these different models.

They have a new 2 stroke 2008 for $4,000. A 2010 runs $5,700 range. I'm not at the point that I want to put that kind of money into a fishing boat right now unless I absolutely have to. Still, $2,100 is wasted and gone if the combo doesn't work.

Thanks for the quick and honest replies.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

I'm getting this from the Bass Pro Shop in Portage, IN so I would like to think they know what's going on.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[Indianaoutdoorsman]

Re: Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

Thanks for your very positive and enlightening response.

I have checked at maybe twenty independent dealers within the past six months. Many of their attitudes were just like yours. I simply asked if they had a late model used 50- 75 hp motor. A couple pretty much said I was stupid for even asking.

Now, maybe in your area there is plenty of money. Around here things are tough and I'm trying to make my limited funds go as far as possible. My son lost his job and I'm making his house payment and mine. Maybe I should just tell him I'll quit helping him so I can buy a new, full price motor from you.

 

[Indianaoutdoorsman]

Re: Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

Update...per your advice, I checked into this more before my purchase. As you guys said, this was not the motor for me.

Ended up getting a NOS 60 hp 4-stroke EFI. Should be perfect. It was $2,500 less than a 2010.

Thanks for your help.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need advice 50 hp Bigfoot

That sounds like a super nice motor and should make your jon boat fly!