Got a 2003 Fisher 1610SS w/Mercury 40 HP ELPTO 2 stroke.
Thinking about a new motor. Of the new motors on the market today, what would be your choice? Why? Boat is rated for 40 HP.
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Got a 2003 Fisher 1610SS w/Mercury 40 HP ELPTO 2 stroke.
Thinking about a new motor. Of the new motors on the market today, what would be your choice? Why? Boat is rated for 40 HP.
I got an 09 Evinrude E-Tec 40 and I couldnt be happier.
your already at the max HP for the boat and unless your having real problems with the Merc why change?
Tue we were out fishing in a bayou and the motor didn't start. It had been running fine, run a half mile...stop and fish...run a mile...stop and fish...etc. The last time (when we were ready to head back to the ramp) it would not fire. It would spin just fine but not fire up. Took it to the shop yesterday, not sure how much I trust it now being an 03 and don't know how it was run before last Sept when I bought it.
man just see what the mechanic says if it a cheap fix then i would go that route if not thats when i would worry about a motor then i would check out tohatsu and evinrude
I thought maybe it was flooded so started out on the trolling motor. About a mile later we got to the main bayou (like the interstate of that area of the swamp) and tried it again...nothing. Got lucky and a bass boat came along and towed us the last 2 miles. They were the ONLY other trailer in the parking lot!
A storm/cold front blew through Mon night so our trip was more "get out of town/sight seeing". Oh did I mention...my Mom is down for her 92nd birthday and wanted to go fishing/see the bayou. She loved it...till the end. She caught a couple of catfish and we played with an alligator (see "Alligator Tag" on youtube).
We weren't very far out Tue. Some of the time we are out in the Atchafalaya Swamp, and there is NOTHING there for miles and miles. Maybe a flair gun and a handheld marine radio in the boat wouldn't be such a bad idea...
I have not heard any real issues lately from any of the motors. Usually most complaints and problems seem to come from poor customer service from the dealer. I would ask around to find the best dealer for after the sale support reguardless of brand and go with that, also factor in the warranty.
I've got a 2001 50hp merc 2 stroke, which is the same motor as your's, except for carbs. The 40, 50, and 60hp all use the same block. It's a tried and true motor, so I would definately see about fixing it, unless you just want a new motor. The new EFI 4 strokes mercs are very nice. Turn the key and they start right up. They don't even have a choke. No 2 stroke oil, no smoke, very quiet, and lots of torque. I have "heard" the ETEC 40 horse lacked torque, but that was just one persons experience with one motor.
I'm definately not an expert, but the 40, 50, and 60 2-stroke all use the same powerhead. The 40's are popular with duckhunter's on refuges with horsepower restrictions that limit them to 40hp. They will take the 40's, put 60 carbs on it, and outrun everyone to their favorite hole.
The new EFI 4-strokes are much more advanced than older non-EFI 4-strokes. They start up like a new car. Turn the key and go. No choke, nothing. As far as weight, you're 2-stroke 40 weighs 215lbs, a new EFI 4-stroke 40 weighs 225 lbs, and the ETEC 40 is 240 lbs.
Hi Gator Bait, looks like most manufacturers make various horsepower from the same block CID. I think it's a little more than just carb swapping. I have read in other post's that some use different exhaust and/or timing. I have heard that some old 9.9hp motors could be kicked up to 15hp with just a carb swap but I have not tried this. I'm sure someone here can offer more tech info. Worth looking into for sure.
Set the hook.
Fish out of a boat of my buddy's with an early 2000's merc 40 on it, he's had it hopped up to 90hp at the prop. Changed the carb and had some more work done to it(tho not sure what all). FAST is an understatement on a 16ft jon. Also duck hunted out of other boats with the same general model merc 40 down in the marshes in sulpur, LA. Very dependable engines. I would get it looked at before I got another one. I personally am a Mercury fan, but own other engines as well. I just have seen how good of an engine these models can be... My .02 for what its worth
More differances than just the carbs, exhaust is differant, cylinder ports are differant, intake is differant. If you want a bigger motor buy a bigger motor. it is cheaper and will be more dependable. if you want to get wild then call Ruck 920-233-3833 he will do the mods to get the power you want. However, like I said...it isn't going to save you a dime and it will devalue your motor.
to answer your question, I have a honda BF40 and love it. It is quite and Cheap on fuel! but it only pushes my 15' boat 31 mph (GPS)
Not worth it to go wild. I remember from my drag racing days "speed costs money...how fast ya wanna go?" Just thought if there was a cheep easy bolt on to get another 5-10 hp that would be great. How long ya had the Honda? Any trouble? May end up with Yamaha or Honda if I make the jump. Mercury is possible but want to find out more about the Merc/Tohatsu thing.
I have only had the honda for 2 months. So, I guess that makes me a non expert. However, with all of the research I did before I bought it, I found very few dissatisfied owners. mine is a 2003 model so it is a carb motor. it has tilt/trim and starts and runs smooth as silk. My last boat was an Allison with 200 promax so compared to 85mph the 31 of this rig is sloooow. But, I bought it for economy and it is exactly that. My truck gets 17 pulling it and in 2 months I have only been able to squeeze 5 gals in the boat tank
Got the boat back yesterday. Turns out it wasn't the motor after all. They found a problem with the kill switch, don't remember if he said he replaced it or sprayed cleaner in it...but it works now. Must have got dirt or gunk in it over the years. I have never hooked it up or tested it....I know...I know....I should use it every time I'm under power but....I should have worn a helmet all thoes years riding motorcycles too...
So if there's not a motor problem I can take my time and decide if I want to change to a 4 stroke or wait a year or two and get a new(er) boat. I would love a Ranger 177TR with a 115HP but....don't see a lottery win in the near future. An Xpress 17' with a 90 - 115 HP might be just the ticket.
Glad you found your problem,I have same motor (02model) and never any trouble at all,good engines.
A set of Boysen reeds will take the 59 ci 3 cyl Merc 40 to 54 hp. A set of Boysen reeds, and a set of Merc 60 carbs are good for another couple of hp. The restrictions on these motors are done on the fuel side and the exhaust remains the same.
Glad you got it fixed, Gator Bait. Another thing to check if it happens again is the fuel lines. Ethanol will break down the lining of the hoses and after running a while they will collapse and shut of the fuel. Can't be helped unless you use an ethanol treatment in your gas. And that's no guarantee.