New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Ron173 · Jun 18, 2005

Hello all, I'm new here, but wondered if you guys might help me out with some advice. I'm buying a new boat, 4.2m aluminium stacer seahawk, engine size will be 40hp, but still pondering over choice of outboard. Would love the Evinrude ETEC but its too expensive on a boat I'm already spending more than I planned on. Looked at the Johnson, nice but no frills, and 2 cyl. Looking seriuosly at Mercury 40hp 2 stroke models. There are three models, a 2cyl, which doesnt appear to be popular, a 3 cyl lightweight which is 644cc model, which boat normally comes with. These not available, dealer says he will pay extra and get me the 3 cyl 3 carb 967cc model, still 40hp, but usa spec. Sounds a nice engine and I'm assured it has phenomenal grunt........ my question though..... will this be phenomenal fuel consumption too?? Dealer says it wont use much more than 2 cyl Johnson, which if so thats great, I know you have to pay the fuel if you want to run flat out which is fine, but I wont be running flat out all time, but just concerned that this donk may be a known guzzler??? ANY advice greatly appreciated. (not sure where this forum is based but we dont have the epa regs here in Australia) Rgds Ron

JB · Jun 19, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

G'Day, Ron. Welcome to iboats.

This belongs in Outboard Non-repair. I will move it.

bossee · Jun 19, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Hi, Get the Mercury since it has 3 cyl (will run a little smoother then 2 cyl usually). I'm not sure of the 3 cyl/ 3carb 976 cc 40 hp model but if it is the "Mercury 40 Classic" it should be OK. Sure it will drink much fuel at full throttle but since You say you will not use that so often it will probably OK. Just use around 3500-4000 RPM as cruise speed and fuel consumption should be reasonably. Get a tachometer also on the outboard, it is a very good instrument so You know the boat will be propped correct (at full throttle with correct prop it should get about 5500 RPM). Without a tachometer You do not know this. A speedometer will for sure be standard guage on a 40 hp outboard. Mercury 40 EFI, that should be rather much better outboard (EFI, rather quite, clean since CARB 3 Star rated). But is seems it is to expensive for You? But positive things with a 2-stroke is that they have good performance and that is also important in addition to be cheaper then 4-strokes and newer Direct Injected 2-strokes and is easier to do maintenance on then 4-strokes if You plan to do it yourself. But the negative thing is that 2-strokes carburators outboards are in general louder (but 4-strokes are rather load also at full throttle) and will polute much more.

Ron173 · Jun 19, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Hi, thanks for reply, I need to hear these things and know I'm doing the right thing and not being sold what the dealer wants me to have. Spoke to another bloke who has the 40 classic, and he runs flat out to the fish spot n flat out home, and he survives a day on 25ltrs, so I should manage ok. I will do trawling lots, which with variable oil injection wont oil up, cruises to far off fishing spots at bout 4000 like you say, pull kids in biscuit... doubt theyd stay in flat out! so prob be 4000 or less there, with the odd full throttle squirt... cos you can! (I'm a freshwater boater btw, 3 dams within an hour, coast is 4hrs) Talked with other mercury Australia in Sydney, bloke said big motor is the go, and good deal, go for it! No tacho or speedo standard, but getting gauge pack for 200aud extra, this gives tacho, speedo, tilt trim and hours meter, all dash fitted. Looking forward to it, any tips for break in, apart from usual low revs n odd squirt? I plan to have this boat and engine for a LONG time, so extra care running in, not a problem. rgds Ron

jafa · Jun 20, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

After its run in, make sure you run it full tilt once every so often. 2S motors like to have the carbon blown out every so often. The guy who runs his flat out wont be having cokeing problems in a few years.

Guest · Jun 20, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Ron: I just sold a 2003 Merc 50 two stroke. I was not happy at all with it. The motor just did not work well for the type of boating (fishing) i do. Gas consumption was not my main issue with it. The motor was just not very smooth, did not start easily (especially in cold weather) and it would die--just when I needed it to be running. I'd say if you are going to use it to run flat out most of the time, you'll probably be okay. I will say that motor is fast. I replaced it with the e-tec and the e-tec is not as fast on top end speed. Good luck!

DJ · Jun 20, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

"Expertise" has nothing to do with your question. All you will get is OPINION. Pick a great dealer and go with any brand you want. The bad ones have, long since, been weeded out.

Ron173 · Jun 21, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Hi, Once again thanks for all valued comments. Would like the etec, but its nearly 2k more than the Merc, going to stick with the big (967cc) Merc Classic 40hp. I will post how it goes once I get it. Rgds Ron

Bass Man Bruce · Jun 23, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Originally posted by Bill in IN: Ron: I will say that motor is fast. I replaced it with the e-tec and the e-tec is not as fast on top end speed. Good luck!

BillinIn, what prop do you have on your boat? I have a 17' deep V and my 50 hp Etec will push it at 33mph GPS. I have a 14 X 17 on mine.

Guest · Jun 23, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Bruce: I don't have the prop size here in front of me but when I bought the motor, I asked for a prop that would slow troll. My boat and motor are both in the shop right now and i've asked for a spare prop that will get me better top end. I'm encouraged that you get 33 mph from your e-tec. Mine is on a 18'Lund Alaskan (previous model, '02) which is fairly narrow and only 760 lbs. Maybe i can get a little more out of it. Note to DJ: I was not claiming to be an expert. I just wanted to share my EXPERIENCE with the exact same motor the gentleman was considering. I thought that was what he was looking for. When I'm looking to buy something, I usually trust the experience of someone who has owned and used the exact same product. Thanks, Bill

Ron173 · Jun 25, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Hi all, Posted my new experiences under 'Mecury 40hp Classic' thanks again Ron

Mercathode · Jul 2, 2005

Re: New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

get the Merc

New Engine Advice Sought From Experts!

Cadet

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Cadet

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Guest

Guest

DJ

Guest

Cadet

Lieutenant

Guest

Guest

Cadet

Petty Officer 1st Class