Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

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landlockedsailor
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Joined: Sun Dec 02, 2012 10:29 am
Location: KY Lake MM 57.8

Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

#1 Post by landlockedsailor » Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:31 pm

Okay, we're finally going to get a bigger motor for our 21' Suntracker Fishin' Barge. With our 60hp Mercury Bigfoot, top speed is 17.5 mph at 5,000 RPMs. So we NEVER go more than 11 mph and that's at 3,800 rpms. No joy.

Need your opinions- is 90hp going to provide any significant difference in boat speed? Lower RPMs? Anybody else here running around with 90 hp?

Here's the motor we're considering, but I didn't want to make a move until I heard from you all. Your words of wisdom have saved me many times from doing stupid things

2016 Mercury 90 HP EFI 4 stroke
MERCURY,,Mercury,90 HP EFI 4 stroke,90 HP EFI 4 stroke,Mercury 90 HP EFI 4 stroke outboard motor. Mercury fourstrokes feature large displacement which increases torque for inproved performance and efficiency. Quick planing means more fun for skiers and tubers. Superior fuel efficiency across the powerband. Dual overhead cams deliver top-end speed to spare. More stainless steel, hard anodizing and an exclusive multistep paint process resist corrosion. Antidrainback oil system assures instant lubrication upon start-up. Set you engine speed as low as 650 RPM for extended trolling. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) design prevents engine hesitation and stalling. Three-year limited, factory-backed nondeclining warranty and a three year limited corrosion failure warranty.
Landlocked Sailor
2011 SunTracker 21' Fishin' Barge
2007 Mercury 60 HP EFI Four-Stroke BigFoot
2014 Never-Been-in-the-Water Suntracker Trailer

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wwind3
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Location: Lake Livingston Tx

Re: Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

#2 Post by wwind3 » Wed Jun 15, 2016 2:47 pm

Definitely run rated HP for your boat--is it rated for 90? Should up your speed a lot My 20 ft Lowes with a 90 Optimax will do 29 max--but usually 27 in the summer.
2009 LOWE SS204 25in logs
90 Merc Optimax
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teecro
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Location: Sunset Bay, TN

Re: Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

#3 Post by teecro » Wed Jun 15, 2016 3:38 pm

I took a 60 off my 18-foot Sun Tracker and replaced it with a 75 and my speed went from 16/18 to 25/27 so yeah there is a significant boost in speed with the right motor, more with the right height and prop too. Let me ask you what is your hull rated for? If it is rated for 115 then I'd dam sure hang a 115 off the stern... If your rated for a 90 then by all means hang a 90 and not regret it...
T CRO
2017 Berkshire CTS 24 RFX with Yamaha F150/Simomized 200
2015 Caravelle 16 EBo with Mercury 90

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joe20toon
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Re: Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

#4 Post by joe20toon » Wed Jun 15, 2016 5:29 pm

Go with the 90HP...
2016 20 foot Sylvan RPT (V Pontoons)
Yamaha Vmax SHO 115HP
80 Pound Thrust RipTide Trolling Motor
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Bamaman
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Re: Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

#5 Post by Bamaman » Wed Jun 15, 2016 5:30 pm

If you're going big, go as big as your hull's rated for.

You're not far from JacosMarine.com in Lawrenceburg--east of Savannah, TN. See if their price beats what you've been quoted. May be worth your time and a short trip. He's the dealer other Merc. dealers hate--due to low prices.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150

crookedlaker
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Re: Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

#6 Post by crookedlaker » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:55 pm

i get about 27 with my 90
look at the command thrust, larger lower leg, can swing a larger prop
go to the 115 if you boat will handle it

Mike
2017 Harris Sunliner 200
Tri-toon P+ Package
2017 Mercury 150 4 stroke

2014 Harris Cruiser 200 Sold!!
2014 Mercury 90 four stroke (120 HP via Simon Motorsports) Sold!!

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landlockedsailor
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Joined: Sun Dec 02, 2012 10:29 am
Location: KY Lake MM 57.8

Re: Going from 60hp to 90hp- worth it?

#7 Post by landlockedsailor » Fri Jun 17, 2016 6:41 pm

Thanks, all! Will check out rating, thrust, etc. Am getting hydraulic steering installed in the meantime. More power on the way. Now if only the checkbook balance is as high as my enthusiasm... :prayer
Landlocked Sailor
2011 SunTracker 21' Fishin' Barge
2007 Mercury 60 HP EFI Four-Stroke BigFoot
2014 Never-Been-in-the-Water Suntracker Trailer

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