Which Motor?

[Stephen Mooney]

I've spent days reading the merits of motors & props and size. Mac Export advises that I void warranty if I go beyong 50HP, however we will often want to traverse 20n miles or so here in Lae PNG when we get our new M.

We are limited to either Yamaha or Suzuki - should we go 50/60 4 stroke or 85 DFI 2 stroke, & do we need to strengthen the transom and how?

[KRV]

Here is the scoop. Macgregor has allowed some dealers to go beyond 50 hp (Blue Water Yachts etc...) BWY offers a 70 hp Suzuki and it WILL NOT void the warranty. It may very well be that your dealer does not have authorization to go beyond 50 because he is out of the country. The Macgregor will hold a 70 without any added support and it has been tested. If you go with a bigger engine I would suggest not going any larger than the 70 hp.

I have the 70 Suzuki on my M and absolutely love it. I personally couldn't imagine having anything smaller or larger. Good Luck with whatever engine you choose.

[dgsl]

How much does your Suzuki weigh and what are some typical boat speeds?

Darrell

[KRV]

How much does your Suzuki weigh and what are some typical boat speeds?

Darrell

the motor (don't quote me) weighs 320+ pounds.

19-21 knots under power, fully loaded with 2 adults and 2 growing kids.

I have reached 7.5 knots under sail. (I am sure some have done better as I am still new to sailing).

[KRV]

How much does your Suzuki weigh and what are some typical boat speeds?

Darrell

the motor (don't quote me) weighs 320+ pounds.

18-20 knots under power, fully loaded with 2 adults and 2 growing kids.

I have reached 7.5 knots under sail. (I am sure some have done better as I am still new to sailing).

[richandlori]

Stephen,

Do a search on motor size recommendations because there are lots of older posts (last 6 months) that cover this in great detail, there are also a few polls on this topic as well.

There is also the old and sometimes heated debate as to wether going beyond a 50hp voids your warrenty. The official MacGregor line is that they DO NOT recommend putting anything more than a 50hp on the boat. It does appear that the mac can withstand a larger motor and I would go with one myself if I could justify the loads of cash it would take and how can I fault my trusty Honda 50? It looks like the dealers are opting to cover any warrenty issues themselves, which wouldn't worry me (just get it in writing from them), read the owners manual....it does say 50hp MAx and so does the new 26M DVD sales film. But if you get something in writing, I wouldn't loose any sleep over it.

Engine power could be like sex....is there ever too much????

Rich

[Frank C]

We are limited to either Yamaha or Suzuki - should we go 50/60 4 stroke or 85 DFI 2 stroke, & do we need to strengthen the transom and how?

Hmmmm .... well, here at least, Suzuki offers only 4-stoke outboards. If you're considering a Suzi, it would be either a 40/50 powerhead, able to carry only a 12" prop, or their 60/70 model which mounts a 14" prop. For the extensive motoring you have planned, I'd definitely suggest the larger Suzuki. Weight will be about 375 pounds. (I have a 2000 Suzuki 60 on my 26X, and advertised weight was 335 pounds).

Yamaha offers a choice of 2-stroke or 4-stroke outboards in the midrange, but none of them is 85hp. However, their 50/60 4-stroke can mount a 14" prop if you go with the Hi-Thrust model - again, I'd suggest the larger prop and the 60 hp is best for your plans. Weight is probably about 275 pounds.

I would not hesitate to use either of these choices without special measures for the transom, but any larger outboards might justify some reinforcing. I'm just not sure what larger motor you are looking at.

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

Tohatsu/Nissan TLDI is the "final answer"!
If you can't get a Nissan/Tohatsu in the far east, then, well...you can get a Nissan/Tohatsu in the far east.
The 70hp and 90hp use the same powerhead, thus weigh exactly the same (315#) which happens to be less than the Suzuki 60/70 powerhead (335#).
You will definitely need more horsepower than a 50 to push that heavy M.
If you go with anything less than a 90 you will be disappointed.
Bottom line, the 90 TLDI does it all...excellent value, new & proven technology, and light weight.
With a 14diameter x 11pitch prop, you will be in less danger of transom damage than a heavy 4 stroke.
And now you can go truly go 25 MPH and pull a water skier!