Advice for engine problems

[vkmaynard]

Good to hear there is another reasonable dealer nearby.

The difference may be in the ability to cruise at higher speeds (4200) with less effort. Someone on this board with a DF70 (or equivalent) can hopefully tell you what their cruise speed is at 4200 RPM with their boat configuration.

Our engine does not work hard 90% of the time, unlike the Honda that seemed to be pushed at WOT a lot. The DF90A has no problem starting and pulling a wakeboarder. We are running 4200ish RPM while pulling and more for starting with no effort. How hard will the DF70 be working and how much more gas will it be burning with 22% less power? Not sure without a side by side comparison.

My thought was that we would be hauling the weight and size of the same 70/80/90 motor, so might as well put the highest HP motor in that class available. Hopefully the 90 will use less gas on average if it is not working hard. It is really nice to have the reserve power for us after years of under reserve power.

There is an X in VA beach with an older 90. He maybe can give you a ride to help you decide. You are welcome to drive down and take a ride on our boat if you have time (long drive). You can stay at our house.

Just saw a friend help launch a new Carolina Skiff yesterday with a new DF115. He recommend the Suzuki to the new owner. Super quite, super smooth.

Hurry, you are running out of time!

Victor

[Sea Wind]

Thanks Victor. I have seen the performance of your boat, so I have no doubts about the DF90. I agree with you, for the same weight and almost same fuel consumption I should go for the 90, but a difference of over a boat buck gives a different perspective.

I found this table for the DFs:
MAXIMUM OUTPUT /rpm 70 hp/5500 90 hp/5800

FULL THROTTLE OPERATING RANGE 70 hp/5000–6000 90 hp/5300–6300

I asked the dealer and he said that with a regular powerboat the difference is only felt when getting out of the hole, once "on a plane" they feel the same. I wonder how that thanslates to a
Break-in period is 20 hours which should be no problem before Pirate Fest.

[EZ]

Seahorse,

I'm not sure how to respond on your comment of "compromised".

Design was prioritized with reliability and low maint above performance.

Does that mean e-tec's give less performance than other brands/models? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe e-tec's blow the competition out of the water. I honestly don't know.

[vkmaynard]

I am sure a 70 would be a Big improvement.

Save $ for the generator

Are you planning on a 4 blade prop?

Victor

[seahouse]

Hey EZ!

You answered my question in your post.

I was wondering if you had any info on how performance had been given a back seat. It was my understanding that it hadn't, but I wondered if you had any data to the contrary.

Sometimes I take things literally that weren't intended to be. Mea culpa!

- Brian.

[Sea Wind]

Suzuki Df90 has been ordered. Boat will be dropped off on Friday, old engine will be removed and hopefully new engine is there by then.
I am looking into the 4 blade solas, but all I see online is either 13.25x13 or 13x15?
Now to plan how to rob a bank...

[vkmaynard]

Exciting! (not the cost)

Highly recommend installing the internal Suzuki throttle box and using the Suzuki cables (12'). If you need measurements on where to place the center of the throttle let me know. You should use the inside motor well strengthening bar on the top bolts. Should use the same bar on the inside bottom bolts. Transom wedges help.

We have the Solas 4 blade 13.75 X 15 prop. We removed about 1" of pitch ($30 < 1 week). Could use 2" removed for mast up. Do not use the smaller 13.25 x 13 it does not have enough area/pitch. We tried that one and it over reved our engine.

Bummer, one less Mac to beat in a race

Victor

[Wind Chime]

Sea wind

Will you be adding any additional structural support to the transom to accommodate the larger engine?

[Sea Wind]

Sea wind

Will you be adding any additional structural support to the transom to accommodate the larger engine?

I currently have a moribund tohatsu 90 that weights 300lbs at it only has a support that looks like a 3/8inch cutting board in the back(not sure the more tehcnical term is), the bolts have no support and show no signs of strees on the fibergalss.The DF90 is about 40 lbs more.I am planning on adding the wedges and aluminum backing plates for the bolts.

[vkmaynard]

Prop repitch info from http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... ilit=df90a

Pictures of the internal throttle mount can be viewed there also.

Repitching aluminum props is a standard practice, especially when they get fixed after damage. Blue Ridge Propeller Repair (Jason Spence-Owner 276-340-1597 or 276-629-2274 email: proprepairs@yahoo.com) said that he was not surprised that there was a 200 RPM difference between the exact same model props. When he takes out the 1"of pitch, he will do that "relative" to what he measures on the current prop the adjust using shims if necessary. He is only charging $30 for the job. 1/2 price of others.

Victor

[Sea Wind]

I am still in the break-in period for the new DF90. So far I am amazed with how quite it is, I was used to feel like starting a hot rod at the ramp and now I have to turn around to check if the engine is actually running. On Sunday, I was able to pass 4000rpms and reached 19knots at 4500 for a brief moment with the whole family onboard. I am using the solas amita 4 blade 13.75x15. It will need to be repitched, but it will be at the end of the season. Wedges were added and large double washers, the dealer did not see the need to add backing plate. The steering feels a little heavier than before and some pull to starboard, I need to check if I can move the trim tab any further. Pictures/video coming after the Labor Day weekend, we will be on the Potomac River near Colonial Beach, Virginia.
I would like to thank everyone for giving me great advice on the stubborn Tohatsu and to Victor for convincing me of staying on the dark side and not downgrading to a 70hp.
Thanks,
Sea Wind

[TFlight]

Pedro,

Glad to hear you got your motor hung.

BTW I think there is a bank near the Pirate Fest Beaufort dock. You could make a clean getaway and blame it on the other 12 Macs that look like you.

Break it before the Pirate Fest, I want to water ski

[vkmaynard]

¡Hola! Pedro,

How is the Suzuki 90 working for you?

Anything you would do differently?

Somebody that knows Billy said they talked with you at a trailer sailer event not too long ago.

Victor

[Sea Wind]

How is the Suzuki 90 working for you?

Anything you would do differently?

yes, I would do it sooner and stop fighting the stubborn tohatsu. The only drawback that I see so far is that the steering feels heavier, I am considering getting the quick release pin for the outboard.

Somebody that knows Billy said they talked with you at a trailer sailer event not too long ago.

Yes, we met Rick Egger, his wife and grandaugther at Cayo Costa last weekend. Heard some great stories of sailing to the Bahamas and Dry Tortugas on a Mac. Here is my short report from that trip:
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 26#p260726

Tony: The engine is good to go, but I am not sure if we will be able to make it to Pirate Fest 2013, baby #3 is due at the end of August.

Pedro

[vkmaynard]

Pedro,

Good thing you got a bigger motor for your bigger family

Did you repitch your prop? What is your top speed/rpm after breakin?

Would you rather have installed a 70 for the extra savings?

Victor