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#1
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Which engine for new pontoon, 60 hp merc BigFoot or 90 hp merc
I thought all the "Big Foot" mercs were 4 stroke. Mine is.
I also think weight does make a difference. The stern will sit very low if you hang too much weight back there and that makes the "oyster" problem worse. Don't you run stainless props? |
#2
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Which engine for new pontoon, 60 hp merc BigFoot or 90 hp merc
No Greg, we don't use stainless props on the rental units. The problem with
stainless is they are too good. When an inexperienced operator does hits something, stainless props don't break. Instead the lower unit breaks. It is much less expensive to replace a prop. Suzuki uses a rubber hub that slips before most prop damage occurs. Merc uses a metal slip clutch, which can fail. This has occurred too many time with our rental engines, resulting in a lot of damage. We also "throttle" the 90hp engines at about 85%. This reduces the top speed of the rental boat to 15 mph. If the driver hits something at 15, there is much less damage and likelyhood of injury then if speed was 25-30. It also saves a lot of fuel, (Which we supply.) and wear and tear. The suzuki's we use (90hp) have a reduction gear between the power head and prop shaft, reducing the speed of the main shaft. Since lower unit the moving parts are slowed, we have put out a lot less money in repairs! The Suzuki DF90 and DF115, and DF's 60 & 70 are the exact same engine(s), except for a difference in the injectors. 2 of our 21' pontoons use the Suzuki 60 engines (unthrottled) and have plenty of performance. http://www.mercurymarine.com/mercury...oot_fourstroke If you look at the above link to merc's bigfoot page you will find the Merc 60hp bigfoot. Which is the largest motor in the "bigfoot" family. Dry Weight (lbs.) (Lightest Version model, excludes engine oil, rigging, hardware and propeller): 264 It is not comparable to a 90hp Suzuki. The Suzuki 60 weighs 335 pounds. A little more then its "lightest version" Merc counter part. http://suzukimarine.com/4strokes/fea...=DF60&mn2=DF70 The above link is to allow you to compare specs. Be sure to compare horsepower vs horsepower. You will find the Suzuki costs less too. Especially when you add in Mercury's "options" like a prop and PT&T. Suzuki's engine is supplied with a prop, which is an "optional added cost item" (+$175.00) on Mercs, and includes power tilt and trim as a standard item. Merc's PT&T is optional at cost.(+$600.00) This is where the bulk of your weight difference is. I would not power a pontoon without power tilt and trim. Trying to raise the engine from the motor deck is a backbreaker. The above cost figures are based on local dealership's quotes in Jacksonville, Florida Suzuki's alternator puts out more juice to recharge the batteries and let the renters play the radio and burn lights all night and run their fancy gadgets. We retrofit a dual battery system with auto charging. 1 house battery for playing radio and accessories and 1 "starting only" battery which remains charged even if the house battery is depleated. And no, I don't work for Suzuki, I just buy them. I hope that helps with your research. Capt. Frank "Greg" wrote in message ... I thought all the "Big Foot" mercs were 4 stroke. Mine is. I also think weight does make a difference. The stern will sit very low if you hang too much weight back there and that makes the "oyster" problem worse. Don't you run stainless props? |
#3
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Which engine for new pontoon, 60 hp merc BigFoot or 90 hp merc
I guess my bad taste for Suzuki is my neighbor's experience with a rebadged
Susi Evinrude. He is still in bankruptsy court over that one. I suppose the bigger ones are better, this was a 40. My other neighbor loves his 70 although the paint fell off. I am also pretty happy with the merc. I am around 600 hours on it and no problems. I am a bit more careful than the average renter tho ;-) The Power tilt was standard on the 60 BTW as far as I know. I paid 6625 for it dropped in my driveway. (spring 2002) |
#4
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Which engine for new pontoon, 60 hp merc BigFoot or 90 hp merc
Yep, I can understand that. Suzuki used to have a poor reputation for some
of its engines. The 225 (2 stroke) was a horror. The crankshaft's bearings couldn't take the strain. FYI the DF90 sells for about $6700. sans factory rebate puts it on your boat for 6400. They have since re-engineered. It was make vast improvements or go out of business. Special "super-alloy" non-galvanic metals for the static parts like housings and everything else is "heavy-duty rated" I am not saying you have to run out and buy one, but I can tell you that we get good, reliable, service from the motors. As I said, we have one DF90 that has in excess of 3000 hours on it. Good service history and has had all its required maintenance. Never any mechanical or electrical problems. It been through 4 props, and "stuck-in-the-mud" twice. (Did you know they now use a stainless steel waterpump?) Anyway, Just my offering for your research. Enjoy, Capt. Frank "Greg" wrote in message ... I guess my bad taste for Suzuki is my neighbor's experience with a rebadged Susi Evinrude. He is still in bankruptsy court over that one. I suppose the bigger ones are better, this was a 40. My other neighbor loves his 70 although the paint fell off. I am also pretty happy with the merc. I am around 600 hours on it and no problems. I am a bit more careful than the average renter tho ;-) The Power tilt was standard on the 60 BTW as far as I know. I paid 6625 for it dropped in my driveway. (spring 2002) |
#5
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Which engine for new pontoon, 60 hp merc BigFoot or 90 hp merc
I also highly recomend the 4 stroke on a pontoon!
With the Big Foot and the steering in the first hole you can do docking tricks with the twins |
#6
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Which engine for new pontoon, 60 hp merc BigFoot or 90 hp merc
My brother bought a new 24' Bennington this past summer with a 90 hp Yamaha
four-stroke on it. Runs really smooth and fairly quiet but the boat will only do about 20 mph wide-open. It is nice not having to fool with the 2-cycle oil. I'd never thought much about pontoons until spending several evenings and afternoons on this one. It's like a floating Cadillac, very plush. David S. "Greg" wrote in message ... I also highly recomend the 4 stroke on a pontoon! With the Big Foot and the steering in the first hole you can do docking tricks with the twins |
#7
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Which engine for new pontoon, 60 hp merc BigFoot or 90 hp merc
I'd never thought much about pontoons until spending several
evenings and afternoons on this one. It's like a floating Cadillac, very plush. Mine is more like a dune buggy ;-) I don't have any furniture or top, center console and the engine is mounted 4" above stock. It is great for poking around in the mangroves. |
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