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Motor Recommendation for Tri-mate II

H

hammack

New member
I recently purchased a solid tri-mate II hull, and will be doing some cosmetic and upholstery work as well as mounting a motor on it. I have primarily been a mercury man, but I am not opposed to other options. I have considered using the old 1400 merc inline six that I have on my sidewinder hull since I will be doing a full restoration on it, and won't really need the motor. Is anyone running a 1400 or 1500 inline on their tri-mates here? If so I would love to hear how the boat runs, and how you have it set up. I'm not looking for 70+ mph, but I would like to run in the mid 50's with a couple people in it. My 1400 is old and tired, but it's been a good dependable motor for me, and thus far hasn't left me stranded. On my sidewinder hull it would turn a 21 pitch aluminum prop 5800, but cavitation was bad if you nailed it on take off, or in sharp turns. A 19 pitch would turn 6000, and never have a cavitation issue. Not sure how the Tri-mate hull will compare to the sidewinder I am used to when using the 1400. I have also seen quite a few 120hp 4 cylinder mercs, as well as several 135 and 150 V6 mercs for sale for a price I could live with as well. Just how much hp does it take to push these boats? Any advice will be appreciated.

Jackson
 
Mercury 1400

Jackson with Your Mercury 1400 You would have No Problem Running in the Mid 50's with that Motor. The Mercury 1400 back then Produced 149 hp and the 16 ft Checkmate Tri-mate II would run 55-58 MPH with powertrim. I Hope this Helps You. Have a Great Day and Best Wishes Always Sammie Action Marine
 
Thanks for the info. I'm glad to hear that. Looks like I might need to dust off the old 1400 this winter, and maybe even freshen it up with a rebuild. Mine does have the power trim. Anyone have a recommendation on props or setup as far as how much setback everyone is running, and how high to run the motor?
 
set up

Jackson Get a small Mercury Compression Gauge that will allow You to get a Accurate Reading on all 6 cylinders on your Mercury 1400 to see if it is tired or needs freshened up with a rebuild. Your Compression on that motor should be between 125 and 135 on all 6 cylinders. if you have that than your Mercury should still be in good Running Condition and your Need for 55 mph Plus should be No Problem. as far as Set up goes If Your Motor is in good Condition should have No problem Running a 21 or 22 pitch Mercury Prop. You can run a Stainless laser 2 prop Jacked up 2.5 inches without any set back and You would have a very nice running 16 ft Checkmate. A Couple of things you should make sure you have is Dual cable Steering and a Kill Switch. this Set up with a Good Running Mercury 1400 Should Run You Between 55 and 60 MPH. Always Sammie Action Marine
 
Thanks again. That sounds like a dang good starting place. I will give that a shot and see how it runs. I checked compression the last year I ran the motor and did have around 125 on the top five. The lowest cylinder I could not get to with the gauge that I have, but I assumed it was ok since it ran as well as it did. I will have to look into getting another gauge and do a new compression check. Considering the engine has sat for three years i went ahead and ordered the water pump kit, plugs, oil for lower unit, carb kits, and a new engine wiring harness since the one that is currently on it had about dry rotted back then and I patched it up with heat shrink to get thru the season. Hopefully that will get her kicked off, and running. I do have a kill switch, but I am gonna have to look into the dual cable steering as I this boat only has a single cable setup. I'm gonna pull the engine and get it mounted on the stand I have this weekend and will get some pics then.
 
I have a full dual cable setup that I just took out of my Exciter. I have yet to find time to take pics and put a for sale ad up, but if you are interested, I'm sure we could work something out.:cheers:
 
I ran a 1980 Tri Mate with a 1400 Merc. Loved the boat and wish I still had it. It would run 68 according to the factory speedometer. (not sure how accurate) This was with the engine mounted to the transom, no set back, and a 23pitch Mercury stainless steel prop.
 
Jax, let's cut right to the bottom line.
It's time to stop dickering around with half measures.
A Mercury 300 should get you right where you want to go.
A 2'nd job should help you acquire that Merc and any necessary accessories.
Any more questions?
BTW- should be good for 90+.
No worries- I factored in the cost of fresh underwear.
 
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