Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

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.

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.

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...

Go with the 90HP...

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.

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

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...