Etec 115

[delevi]

Just checking out the Etec 115 online. Looks like a beautiful machine. Anyone have any idea just how fast a Mac would go with one of these at WOT and cruising speed? Would the fuel consumption be a lot more than a 50 hp? Also wondering if it would be possible to get around the thing when boarding i.e. getting back in the boat after a swim, as well as being able to tilt it up without crushing the helm seat. Due to the recent damage to my outboard, I'm kicking around repowering with a bigger engine. Not like can afford it or anything, but it hasn't stopped me in the past Also curious about insurance. I know this part was covered in other threads. My Mac dealer told me that if you ever get into a situation and you have anything more than a 60 hp, your insurance may decline to pay, even if your policy states what type of engine you have. This may apply more to California than other states. Any input would be appreciated.

Leon

[SailDog]

Leon,

Now THAT'S called making lemonaide! I love it!

-Pat

[ROAD Soldier]

Dont worry about fuel milege or how long it will go. I am sure it will run fine all the way to the point of impact with a wave were the rest of the boat will become instant debris.

[beene]

Um.... OK.... Funny Stuff.... Whatever....

Anyways, back to reality.
I think it is a great motor.
Big block, lots of extra power for the right occasion, and you of course know when that would be. Like not when there is a 30foot wave that you are about to run into and become instant debris.... LOL

I find one of the big advantages is more speed with less power. Your current ob screams to reach certain speeds, where the 115 would be purring like a kitten to do the same job..... less noise, less fuel burn, less wear on the engine, it will last longer, push heavier loads with ease for those fully loaded long hauls.... its allllllllll good.

Just make sure you use aluminum plates for added strength on the inside of the ob well and inside the aft berth..... don't forget the transom wedges L

Have fun and play safe

G

[Pacamac-uk]

Surely an engine with over twice the power would be too much for a design rated, certificated and insured for only 50-60hp? Wouldn't it pull the transom off the boat! Not too mention the extra weight.

An engine that size must invalidate your insurance. Be really careful if you go that way.

[Kelly Hanson East]

The CG formula for HP rating would allow something like a 200 HP based on its size. (applicable only to the US, I dont know about international boat regs at all)

The Mac isnt 'certified' for a certain HP like smaller boats (due to its hull size, it isnt required to be) and so does not carry a HP rating plate.

Your insurance is a matter between you and your insurance company - as long as you accurately represent what you are insuring to the company, you wont get 'invalidated' due to a horsepower rating

Many people on this board have installed and used 90,115, and even 140 HP motors on these boats, with transom reinforcements.

If you pound your hull into 6 footers at 30 mph my guess is you will break your hull so these large motors do require prudent operation as always.

[SailDog]

Um.... OK.... Funny Stuff.... Whatever....
...

I was just saying that, given his current engine situation, it's the perfect opportunity to go bigger.

[Love MACs]

There was a post from a guy on this forum some months back...and he ran a 115hp. But I can't find the post now??? I can imagine the fuel consumption would be about 1/2 again as much as the 50hp. "He" did say the boat ran fine and fast with the 115hp but I figure he had to be a skinny fella to get back aboard after swimming???



Allan

[Hamin' X]

Check the postings of Mark Prouty . Then search the results for info. He had a 115 Suzi when he was avctive under this ID. He's still around, but don't know if he will chime in.

~Rich

[Kelly Hanson East]

Engine efficiency (energy content of fuel to output energy) isnt all that different between a 50 and 115HP ergo you wont see huge differences in fuel economy at a given boat speed up to hull speed.

His 115 will give him the ability to get onto plane where his fuel efficiency for serious powering may well exceed that of the 50 which can probably only just make plane lightly loaded and at WOT

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

there are many threads on this site about:
- insurance and liability
- size and weight
- transom wedges and plates
use the search function.

IMHO...an engine larger than a 60hp is required fare on a Mac.
previously, a 2-stroke 70 or 90 was the best option if one's preference is to minimize trailerable weight.
however, many on this site have incorporated 4-stroke 70, 75, 90, 115, and 140's up to 400#'s on the transom w/out any negative issues.
currently, if i were re-powering today, i would opt for the Honda 90hp VTEC (@ 365#, same weight as a Suzi 70hp). she purrrs like a little pussy...



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

[JonBill]

BobT wrote: - she purrrs like a little pussy...

I prefer a screamer...that's why mine is a 90HP TLDI Tohatsu.

[Billy]

Don't worry about the economy of fuel burn with a big engine. I've run my 'zuki 140 beside a Honda 50 and a Suzuki 60 for as much as 40 miles at a time. Running at the same speed, I got equal or better mpg than either. All 3 boats were Xs and loaded about the same. I also ran with the Honda 50 for over ninety miles once and got better mpg. Bigger motor- -bigger prop .

As for the weight/balance thing, just plan where to put your gear to compensate and you can sail with the best of them.

[delevi]

Billy,

What kind of speeds do you get at WOT with that 140?

[Kelly Hanson East]

Don't worry about the economy of fuel burn with a big engine

A little thermodynamics can make you a complete wizard.....