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The edge

B

BigWhiteBoy

Member
OK experts, first I appologize for lack of brains then the question. I just became a boater and a lakehouse owner. I bought a 1980 Checmate Predictor with a 115 Merc outboard. Other than it bogs when I give it the gas until it gets into the higher RPMs it runs good. How big of an outboard can I put on this little bugger without risking DEATH...I do like to go FAST...what is Practical and yet still do able? General Knowledge....break me in slow. not to much laughing please..Thanks...BWB..
 
well its only rated for 125 horse power
but a lot of guy's here are running 150's in the mid 70's
i don't know how strick the coast guard is where your at though
daren
 
Thanks daren34. I get it, you can not exceed the rated HP or you risk the wrath of the LAW. Not like motorcycles I guess. Thanks BWB
 
the problem is you can either buy a 115 or you
have to go to evinrude's 130
you might not have prob's with this one
call coasties and see
you can get an older 120 johnyrude
the merc's are either 3 cyl 115 or 2.5l v6 135
good luck daren
 
just a note before e'tec the v-4's from johnson were 2.0l before that 1.6l
now they are 1.7 liter
i had a 2.0l v-4 140 on a diplomat with 6 inches of setback on a cmc hydrolic plate
i was turning a 22 pitch raker at 6300 rpm
the predictor is smaller and lighter might be a lot of fun if you can find one of these older motors in good shape

daren
 
If you live on a lake that has no access to inland waterways or the ocean you probobly do not have Coast Guard on the lake.

This is a technicality but if you are on a lake w/ no access to the ocean or "inland waterways of the US" The Coast Guard regulations usualy do not apply.

An example: I run a Youngblood jet boat on Lake Hartwell SC. The motor is a 454 Gen V HO automotive motor with all high performance offroad automotive parts (not coat gaurd approved). This is completly legal on most lakes.

Another thing, when your boat was built out board hp was rated at the prop shaft, now its rated at the powerhead. So technicaly you could run a new 150 hp and still be close to your 125 hp rating.
 
Here's my advice for what it's worth....

If you're a new boater, play it safe and learn with what you have. Driving fast on the water isn't like driving fast on pavement. Water can be unpredictable, unlike pavement which is usually very predictable.

You need to learn about hitting waves at different speeds and how the boat handles when it's trimmed different ways. It's a lot easier to learn on a boat that is less capable of getting you into trouble.

Also, if you want to go faster, IMO it's usually better to look for a bigger boat capable of handling a bigger motor, than to overpower what you have. That way to avoid all the nasty legal stuff, that can arise if you overpower and something happens.
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Hey You guys are the best ! Thanks alot. I think I will push the limits a little and go with a Newer 150 hp. I live on a small lake and have never seen the coast guard. If I do, I will play Dumb and hope for the best. BWB
 
Chris: I will heed your advise, Thanks. I will keep the 115 Merc on it till I learn more. I like to go fast but I am not stupid. I just feel like this 115 is an antique and ready for the junk heap. Seemed to run good on the test ride but bogged out and even stalled when you give it throttle to fast. It was really low on fuel and the seller said it had not been run in a year or so and may have Sta-Bil still in the fuel. We will see how it goes on new fuel and a new fuel filter. I will find out soon as I get it in my name and back in the water. Thanks BWB
 
I agree w/ Chris run what you have till you get comfortable with the boat. Also get the 115 running well so you at least have a comparison point when you do buy a new motor.
surf.gif
 
AHH, Speakin of trouble shooting. This old 1980 6cyl.115 Merc.beast had a bad squeeze bulb. The check valve was shot. I will get a new one or look into electric pumps. An automotive pump at 5.5lbs may be to hi? I don't know. We will see BWB
 
if you want more power but not more wieght
find a late model merc 140 inline
i think that they made them up to 1988


on the 115 check the fuel pump
then make sure that there is no restriction in the
fuel lines and the tank
daren
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BigWhiteBoy:
AHH, Speakin of trouble shooting. This old 1980 6cyl.115 Merc.beast had a bad squeeze bulb. The check valve was shot. I will get a new one or look into electric pumps. An automotive pump at 5.5lbs may be to hi? I don't know. We will see BWB </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

the bulb is the most common thing to go wrong on the older motors. one plagued me for a couple weeks. you wont need an electric pump. if you can get that motor running good you could get 53 or so out of that boat. pick up a 21P merc laserII prop for it. they are all over ebay . good luck.
 
Ahh Yes Thanks guys. I believe that a 21P came with the boat. I will put it on and pick up a squeeze bulb and maybe even a fuel pump kit just in case. Lets see what the old girl will do before the weather gets cold. Then its in the paint shop for the winter. A nice flame job will at least make it look HOT. BWB
 
BWB,
I am new to this board but not to boating and motors. Don't give up on your old merc. She just needs a little love
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Old motors will take care of you if you take care of them.
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From the problem in the beginning of the thread it sounded like you had an air leak in the fuel line. Sounds like you found it. There is a site dedicated to just engines called iboats.com(just add the www). It is a great resource for learning the ins and outs of old motors. If you are new to boating and engines read through this site and the one I mentioned earlier. It will save you a ton of time and money.

I am an evinrude guy myself but am willing to help if I can. If the motor is having a hard time with the boat you may need to look at setup(how the engine is trimmed and mounted on the back of the boat) in addition to a general tune up.

Good luck.
-TR
 
Welcome!!
I had a squeeze bulb break down inside and sent many small pieces to the filter. There were some that made it past the filter and got into all 3 carbs! You may want to keep this in mind!

Good Luck!
 
i have a shidia with 1200 hp.. i can beat you, on the other hand its stupid hp.(for the boat). cant insure it, it looks good, runs great for a lap or two, then ,,,, the maintenace..
 
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