Which Motor for a Pro sport?

[dometop]

After many years away from fishing (20) I've decided to get back into the sport/hobby. The boat will be used for fishing and pleasure riding with my wife . I have decided to purchase a new 2009 Pro Sport which currently is equipped with a 75HP Mercury four stroke. The dealer says the 75 will do the job but I'm not convinced I will be happy with this motor. After lengthy negotiations the dealer has agreed to upgrade to a 90HP for $500 or to a 115 for $1000. I don't mind spending the extra $ but don't want to throw money away if the upgrade would be an overkill. Since the weight is the same I'm leaning toward the 115 but am wondering if I will pay a big penalty in fuel economy for power I don't need. All advise/opinions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[dometop]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

Sorry, I forgot to mention the length of the boat. It is a 17" Pro-Sport.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

I don't think you will have an issue with fuel economy. A smaller engine working hard can sometimes use almost as much fuel as a larger engine loafing. What's the max rating on the hull? Typically we recommend at least 70% of the max rating for good performance. That being said....tin boats are lighter and can usually do better with less motor. My new-to-me Starcraft is rated for 150 and only has a 90 on it and it jumps out of the hole and can do 39MPH. However we'll see what it can do after I get a full interior back in it.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

The max rating for the Pro Sport is 115hp. I've heard the 75% rule, too, so it looks like the 90hp would be an excellent choice.

It's a great boat. Everyone I know who has one loves it. -Ken

 

[Tcrum5711]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

A good friend of mine has a '05 or '06 Pro Sport 1700 with a four stroke 115 Merc on it, can't remember the exact year. He loves the boat. Does really nice at about 42-43 with a standard Merc Black aluminum prop on it. Probably could get a little more out of it but hasn't decided to upgrade the prop. His sips gas compared to my 150 after a full day out on the lake. Go with the 115, it doesn't need to be wide open all the time. If you go with the 90, at one point or another, you're going to think to yourself, what would that 115 would have done. Look back at all of the posts of guys buying a smaller motors and posting about how to get it up to the next size by changing carbs or electronics after the fact.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

We have a 1750 Fisherman with the 115hp Merc 4-stroke. I've had it up to 34 mph at 5300 rpm, but that was on a day when I decided to have a little fun. For most of us there rarely is a need to go that fast, but if speed is your thing, then you've probably already decided to go with the 115hp.

The standard boat weight of our Fisherman is 1345 lbs and holds 27 gals of gas. Your Pro Sport will be 1200 lbs and hold 24 gals. Most Pro Sports I see have the 90hp, but to be honest I never heard anyone with a 115hp complain that it was too much, and it might actually make the boat easier to sell when the time comes.

It appears Merc has continued their free extended warranty (5-yr versus standard 3-yr) promotion. That's a good deal.

 

[dometop]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

Thanks to everone for your comments. Based on your feedback I've decided to go with the 115. I was leaning that way but wasen't sure if I was overlooking some negative impact (other than $'s). I'm not really into speed so the advantage will be no future regrets and hopefully a higher resale value.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

I'm not really into speed.

You will be now!

Rarely does anyone ever say "I wish I didn't have so darn much power"

 

[woodchip]

Re: Which Motor for a Pro sport?

the 90 has lower gearing so it has a better hole shot than the 115.we almost never run at wot.boat is fast enough at 3/4 throttle.use almost no gas.wish i could say that about my truck that gets me there.boats light enough to tow behind a mini-van.you won't go wrong with either engine