MacGregorSailors.com

Please forgive me if I'm beating a dead horse with this question. I want to purchase a new outboard for my and have some questions. I'm interested in getting the best deal and best size for the money. The guy I'm talking to is pushing a Honda 60 or 70. I was leaning toward a 70 or 75 Hp motor. I'm moving up from a 8 hp motor which is starting to give me some trouble. The dealer I spoke to said if I purchase a Honda, he is willing to change motors if I'm not happy with the 60 hp. I want to know what the top speed difference is between the two for the and if I should be considering a different brand. I'm also wondering if I will need to reinforce the transom for the new outboard. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jeremy

Check the weights, sometimes there is a step up when going from one HP to another, and sometimes no difference. i put a 90 HP Yamaha 2 stroke on my 26X and did not reinforce anything, so far no stress cracks anywhere. (2 years)

The 2 stroke is louder, and not as fuel efficient as a 4 stroke but a lot lighter, and it was a great deal (under 6 boat bucks installed)

Jeremy, I can give you my 2 cents for what its worth....
I did a lot of research when I purchased mine in 2007 I narrowed it down to The Suzuki df 70 or Evinrude 2 stroke. Did not go with the Honda because I wanted the fuel injection and 4 cyl and if I remember correctly that was a 3 cyl and carbs (this may not be accurate it was a few years ago)...

I went with The Suzuki because the numbers looked best Wt. HP. $$$ and they are a well built motor ...I ordered from a Texas dealer installed myself and all was fine for 3 years...Now time for some service the closest Suzuki dealer is 45 miles away on land and 100+ by water.
I forgot to research that part of the equation. It is extremely difficult for me to service my motor by a authorized dealer. Luckily I am pretty handy for the little stuff but any major issue is going to be a pain in the A$$...
My advice is make sure you have a LOCAL dealer by water and/or land to service your motor....
The people who have the Hondas seem mostly satisfied
I think 70 is plenty of HP for my MacM, rarly use all it has. If you plan on hauling a lot of weight/people go with more hp (remember a 75hp will use about 7.5 gallons per hour at wide open throttle)
I would use a transom wedge and 1/4" alluminum backing plate I heard of people picking up 1-2 mph with the wedge (wish I had done this)

Here was my original post when I found mine....http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... f=9&t=6744

Local dealers and service would probably be the first consideration. Look to see what's on back of the commercial boats that buy the motors themselves (not the sponsored fishermen where their gear is given to them along with a check to use it).

The new 2 strokes from Evinrude are a completely different breed of motor and produce more horsepower with less weight. I keep my boat in a marina and have absolutely no interest in attempting to change the oil in the water as would be required in a four stroke. Simply pouring in some more oil is a exceptionally easy.

A motor that eats 7.5 GPH is going to pretty much force you into two 12 gallon tanks to enjoy a nice day on the water. These large engines will also eat more gas at lower RPM's reducing your range quite a bit. Not a big deal if you are fiddling about in a lake, not such a good idea if you have dreams of cruising your boat to far away destinations.


Jim

I was actually interested in the new Evinrude 2 stroke, but the dealer seemed to think they were complicated with multiple computer systems. My main concern is the speed difference between the 60, 70, and 75 hp motors. If they are basically the same I will get the 60. I want to be able to do more cruising, using the intercoastal waterway. It will be nice to have a reliable motor again.

If the Evinrude is complicated to this dealer, you need to find another dealer. I wouldn't buy anything from a dealer that claims it's too complicated.

Jim

For what it's worth, I've had a Honda 50HP on my 26 since 1996. Change the oil and impeller every year and still runs like brand new. Starts the first time almost every time (even after sitting for six months). The speed is adequate and I enjoy the quiet at low RPMS. I've owned 2 strokes and non-hondas and will not buy anything else in the future. I am off shore in this boat with kids and can't afford to get stuck. Good luck with your purchase.

Isn't the speed limited on the ICW?? The 60 might be all you need here??

I wouldn't buy any engine in this size with carbs, honestly.

No, the speed is not limited on the ICW other than in Idle and No Wake Zones.

I agree with Catigale about carbs, they are a constant source of headache that you do not need.

Jim

most X/M owners prefer the advantage of a 70/75/90 powerhead and 14" prop over a 50hp w/ 12/13" prop.

i've owned both (previously a 50hp Suzuki and currently a 90hp Tohatsu).
while i like the quiet smooth running of a small 4 stroke 50 around the harbor, nothing beats the advantage of the lightweight & extra horsepower of a 2-stroke 90.

although i rarely run my 90 at WOT (25mph), it's nice to be able to cruise at 17-20mph w/out maxing out the rpm's. that is, my 50 Suziki could barely get me to 17mph @ WOT.

and, as stated above, if you're keeping your Mac in a wet-slip (like i'm currently doing), there's minimal maintenance w/ the new-tech 2-strokes. that is, just keep the oil reservoir full located inside the motor housing and go!

however, there are now 4-strokes that are much lighter weight than in year's past. look at the Suzuki 80/90, and the Honda 75/90.

expect to pay over $8500 installed.

Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

Started talking to different dealers today. I was told by my nearby Evirude Dealer that the 75 and 90 are vertually the same size engine and can be purchased for around the same price. The 90 weighs 320-335 and the 75 is 320 ibs. The 60 is 240-25 ibs. The prices I getting, including install are around 9,000 est. How do these weights compare to 4 stroke of the same size. Will I have problems with wieght considering that I still have the single axle steel trailer? BTW I heard gas prices this summer will likely reach $4.00 per gallon. That brings whole new inmportance for fuel economy. Does anyone here have the Evinrue E-Tec? What do your think of them? I'm going shopping this Friday and I'm trying to narrow the options down to no more that 3 engines and 2 sizes.

I have the Etec 60 and love it..don't get the great top speeds of the larger motors (18 MPH) but the fuel economy on our cruises is really great,,2000 rpm 6kts .4 -.5 gph and LEAKS' is heavily loaded with fridge, 3 batteries, solar panels, honda genset, arch and dinghy on davits off the arch. Also have a honda 2 hp on transom mount for trolling or the dingy..We sleep in the V berth so the rear berth is loaded with food, clothes, rain gear and an inflatable 2 person kayak....fully loaded boat and trailer are around 6k lbs (stock trailer, larger axle with 6 hole 15 in. wheels....bob

The 90 weighs 320-335 and the 75 is 320 ibs. The 60 is 240-25 ibs. The prices I getting, including install are around 9,000 est. How do these weights compare to 4 stroke of the same size.

Might check out the Yamaha 4-stroke 70 horse 60.8 ci, it only weighs 260 lbs!! If I was replacing my 50 today, I'd sure look at this OB.

My E-tec 60 is by far the best OB I've owned. Incredible fuel economy, light weight, excellent 25 amp charging and starts on the first revolution. no smoke, amazing oil economy, tons of torque, quiet as my neighbor's BF 60. I have the white Salt Water edition.

Bob

Happy with the E-TEC 60 and note it drives a 14" prop. As mentioned motoring 6-7 knots it eats very little fuel and I can run on a 6 gallon tank for a long time.

Jim