Squeezing some extra HP from a Bigfoot

[realboats]

Hi. Since this is a question specifically to Mercs, I think it belongs here. If not, please move it.<br /><br />I would like to get the 15hp Bigfoot as an auxiliary for my fishing boat. (22', 7'beam, 3000lbs displacement). However, I think the 15hp will have marginal power for fighting some of the tidal currents here and the 25hp is too heavy for my bracket, plus it just looks disproportionately big for an auxiliary.<br /><br />A 20hp 2-stroke would probably do a good job but there are no makes available with a 20" shaft.<br /><br />Is there anything available, factory or aftermarket, that will enable me to "soup up" the 15hp Bigfoot and safely squeeze a few more horsepower out of it without ruining the engine? The 15 horses may be enough, but it would be nice to know if I have the option of boosting the power a bit. By the way, is that EFI or carb?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Squeezing some extra HP from a Bigfoot

I don't believe anybody makes a 15 EFI ... yet.<br /><br />The 9.9s and 15s are somewhat the same motor with some different parts. If you wanted to get 15 out of a 9.9, there are ways. But the cost (among other things) often excludes that as a practical option. There really isn't anything in that size with more power. The best thing you could do to get the most out of that motor would be to get a prop with a low pitch (which is probably what that motor will come with).