Need help deciding on a new 90hp 4stroke

[Revo1976]

Well I’m looking for input on what brand 90hp 4 stroke outboard to replace the gutless POS Mercury 60hp 4stroke that is on my 2016 tracker pro guide sc-16. I like the boat, hate the motor. So I’m going to put a larger motor on it, and I want to know what brand should I look into?

 

[alldodge]

Well I’m looking for input on what brand 90hp 4 stroke outboard to replace the gutless POS Mercury 60hp 4stroke

This is sort of funny with just reading it. Tells me that the 60 isn't large enough so its a POS. So you need a bigger motor, or is there something else to it?

 

[b.gagnon]

The motor you have is a good motor! No balls compared to a 2-stroke but still a good motor....You may want to look at an E-Tec if you want performance...

 

[JimS123]

I've been a boater for 50 years, and currently own 68 outboard motors. My Merc 60 4-stroke Command Thrust is the best motor I ever owned.

Your boat is pretty small. I realize a 90 is an option, but that extra weight and power just might make the boat a little squirrely.

If the 60 is a problem for you, maybe you need to have a good mechanic look at it. If the motor is OK, but you just don't have the speed you want, go for an Etec.

 

[ahicks]

Another vote regarding the weight concern. I'm guessing that after this conversion, the boat is going to be the POS because it won't carry the weight of an engine it's rated for.

Gutless is the term often used when an engine is over propped. You might look into that further. If the engine isn't turning rpms up close to max rated, it would be a lot cheaper to get the right prop on it than buy another engine.

 

[Revo1976]

I agree, it is a decent motor, but with the weight, width, and design of the hull, it is a gutless turd and I genuinely hate it, I mean pull the bolts, disconnect the fuel, steering and throttle linkages, cut the power and push hate it!
It is way more of a Tracker issue, because that is just what they put on it, but it is simply not enough motor for the boat.

 

[Revo1976]

It is rated for a 90hp motor.

 

[Revo1976]

I’m not looking for a 40mph 16’ foot fishing boat, but I just want to be able to have my wife and 2 boys, and myself and my fishing gear and to be able to get the boat up on plane and to have the power to drive the boat in rougher waters.

 

[Sprig]

First of all that engine is not a pos. I’m assuming you bought the boat New or someone bought it New from a dealer. Dealers often sell combo boat/motor with underpowered motors to keep cost down and make it look more attractive price wise. It would be underpowered with any 60 hp motor. All the modern ob’s are pretty good motors- Merc, Honda, Yamaha etc etc. If it’s rated for 100hp then get yourself a 100hp , brand doesn’t really matter.
I don’t know how heavy a 16’ Tracker is but is seems to me that a 60hp should move it pretty well. Perhaps it’s not propped right. Perhaps the motor is mounted too high or low. Do you have power trim? Do you start with the motor all the way down and then raise it when on plane? A lot of things could be contributing the under performance besides the motor itself.
Ive got a 90hp merc on my 18’ Alumaweld and with 4 people in the boat it pushes it about 40mph.

 

[ahicks]

The next time you're thinking of it while on the water, with your normal load, get up and go to the back of the boat, as far back as you can. While you are standing there, look at how low the boat is sitting in the water. That's what it's going to look like with a 90 on it before you even step foot on it.

The 75-90 horse engines are all 4 cylinder, and most are at least 150 lbs heavier that the 50-60 hp 3 cylinders. On a 16' low profile bass boat, one that's not real wide, this is a big deal.

I set one of these Tracker Pro Guides up with a Honda 50 not too long ago. I was pretty surprised when had to back off to a 13 pitch prop to get it turning up into it's power range, and then it would only go maybe 25mph. That boat was a dog as well, but being as it was an older one (1998), I was thinking water logged foam was the issue. Maybe it's not....

Bottom line, there's no way on God earth I would put a 90 on this boat, I don't care what it's rated for. It will be sitting very low in the back.

 

[JimS123]

I agree, it is a decent motor, but with the weight, width, and design of the hull, it is a gutless turd and I genuinely hate it, I mean pull the bolts, disconnect the fuel, steering and throttle linkages, cut the power and push hate it!
It is way more of a Tracker issue, because that is just what they put on it, but it is simply not enough motor for the boat.

You just answered your own question. If my boat could be described like you just described yours, I would put it on CL in a heartbeat. You need a new boat, not a motor.

Trackers are low end. You don't want to put a 90 on it.

OTOH, if it won't plane with your family of 4, you got a prop problem. Any boat must hit spec WOT or it will be a turd.

 

[Revo1976]

The next time you're thinking of it while on the water, with your normal load, get up and go to the back of the boat, as far back as you can. While you are standing there, look at how low the boat is sitting in the water. That's what it's going to look like with a 90 on it before you even step foot on it.

The 75-90 horse engines are all 4 cylinder, and most are at least 150 lbs heavier that the 50-60 hp 3 cylinders. On a 16' low profile bass boat, one that's not real wide, this is a big deal.

I set one of these Tracker Pro Guides up with a Honda 50 not too long ago. I was pretty surprised when had to back off to a 13 pitch prop to get it turning up into it's power range, and then it would only go maybe 25mph. That boat was a dog as well, but being as it was an older one (1998), I was thinking water logged foam was the issue. Maybe it's not....

Bottom line, there's no way on God earth I would put a 90 on this boat, I don't care what it's rated for. It will be sitting very low in the back.

I’m not sure you are thinking about the right boat, it is as far from a bass boat as it could be, there is nothing low profile about it, except maybe the motor. And the 88” wide beam seams fairly wide in comparison to a lot of other boats in its class.

And as far as the bashing I’ve received for asking for your opinion on a new 90hp, I’m not a 20 year old no nothing idiot, I’m a 42 year old that has worked over half his life doing on of the most dangerous jobs in the world, so being aware of ****, and not having my head up my ass is something that keeps me walking in the door every night!

 

[MTboatguy]

Wow, I can see we have a whole new generation of user signing up the last few months, this is the most informed and helpful group of people when discussing boats you can find.

Find a good prop guy in your area, explain to him what you have what you want to attain and let him advise you on the best route to go..

None of us are here to fight, we all try our best to help. Now if I was going to look for a new motor, which I am just starting to do, I would look very hard at the Yamaha motors.

 

[MTboatguy]

Based on the model number he posted, I believe this is the boat he is talking about in case anyone is interested.

 

[ahicks]

So as it turns out, you're right. I was thinking of a different boat, a 1998 tracker pro team 175. Guess I'll have to brush up on my Tracker model numbers.

https://www.trackerboats.com/boat/gallery.cfm?boat=4567

Apologies for any confusion, especially if you think I was "bashing" you, intentionally or otherwise..

 

[82rude]

I get it.Once you hate a motor for what ever reason theres no going back.You could go for a 90hp merc as hopefully your controls etc would match up.Suzuki and Yamaha come to mind also.Your not happy and never will be id encourage you to go to the 90 for your own peace of mind.

 

[Sea Rider]

Max HP transom rated is for MAX passenger rated. If won't be boating with max stated passengers you don't need a larger engine. Need to wot tach your current 60 HP as family oriented on flat calm water cond and report max achieved wot rpm. Then and only then will know if current props is doing its homework right to ideally rev at its max wot rpm range factory stated, which is ?

If hard to plane provided that engine is running strong will need a less pitch prop to pull wot upwards in order to plane combo much faster than before. Correctly propped it's a night/day boating difference.

Happy Boating

 

[82rude]

OP has stated he hates the motor Sea Rider.Once people get that in their head its very hard to get it out.Pass the 60 on to a new happy owner and upgun .Till he does that he will pick apart the 60 big time and never be happy.

 

[briangcc]

I'm thinking you're not propped right as a 16' aluminum boat should scoot along fairly well with a 60HP outboard. Planing shouldn't be an issue.

My Uncle has a Yamaha, my cousin runs an older Rude, and I've run Honda. Any of these I'd recommend over a Merc provided you have dealer support readily available.

 

[Sprig]

You state - “, I’m a 42 year old that has worked over half his life doing on of the most dangerous jobs in the world,” . I’m just curious what you do for a living.