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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? |
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