To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

[mayorjones]

Hey' guys - in an effort to kill the never ending cavitation problems I've experienced with my 2008 50 hp Mercury (on a 21' Sun Tracker pontoon), I have found a used 2008 60 Hp Mercury 4 stroke Bigfoot for $4500. I'm thinking I should be able to get around $4000 for mine? If so, I think it's worth the $500 difference to get a Bigfoot on that bad boy and (hopefully) cure my ills, not to mention being much quieter, less gas consumption, etc...

Anybody see a problem with any of it, including the money I think I can get out of mine? I would sure think someone would take it for, say, $3900. Just like brand new, but just not the right motor for my boat.

Thoughts?

Thanks guys.

Dwight

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Given that the 50 HP is not the correct type motor for your boat and you have found a very good deal on the 60 HP Bigfoot, I would go for it and not look back. Can't say what your 50 would go for in this market right now though.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Make sure you put a pontoon prop (14x11) as a start on the Big Foot motor. You should also know that any engine (2 stroke or 4) will burn roughly 10% of the rated HP in gallons per hour at wide open throttle. Therefore, at WOT your 50 would burn roughly 5 gallons/hour. Your 60 will burn 6 gallons/hour. Its a fact of life. It is in the lower throttle settings that the four stroke provides fuel savings.

 

[mayorjones]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Thanks Silvertip. Always appreciate your willingness to share your experience with all this.

Much appreciated -

Dwight

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Now your thinking like a boat addict. Put the past in the past and move forward. As I said before, I have a Bigfoot and cavitation is not an issue. I was out all Saturday and most of Sunday and cruised at 15 mph. with WOT at18 with 2 onboard. I picked up a 14x9 prop on Sunday (not on yet) because my WOT is only 4900 with the 14x11. I'll see how it does next time out. Starting with the 14x11 will be good. If you need to adjust the pitch, it can be your spare.
I could have picked up an '08 Bigfoot (22hrs. on it) in the spring but the dealer wanted $6500 and that much wasn't in the budget. Settled for a real solid '02 and I am very happy with it. Prices are higher here than south of the border, so I would be happy with the price your getting. Many styles of fishing boats and runabouts need a motor like your present one so I don't see a problem selling it.
Fuel wise, I figure I'm using about a gallon per hour (Canadian gallon is slightly larger that an American gallon) and I'm satisfied with that.
Good luck with your swap. I hope your boat troubles are over.

 

[lowell7963]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

You will be so happy with the 4 stroke bigfoot, quiet, powerful and environmentally friendly.

Good luck and post back how it turns out.

 

[mayorjones]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

Well, for those of you keeping score, I did the deal. Haven't picked up the Bigfoot yet, but will do so within the next week.

I took my boat to a local Sun Tracker dealer last week, they took it out and it ran fine. I took it back up myself yesterday morning, ran it with the service manager and it wouldn't cavitate one iota. Who knows, but I could have guessed that was what was going to happen.

Had it out today, and with four in the back and three in the front (all kids in the front), I couldn't even hit 3 grand on the tach and it would start. Made the decision then and there that I was going to fix the problem once and for all.

So, if anybody knows anyone that needs a like new 2008 50 hp Merc 2-Stroke, send em' my way

I'll let you know when I get it mounted and running.

Also, if anybody has any advice on that (mounting and running the engine the first time), please let me know.

Wish me luck!
Dwight

 

[indy440]

Re: To Leave Cavitation Hell - Would you do this deal?

be sure up update us once you get the new motor on...