Mac26X 90hp and transom reinforcement

[astevenson]

Our family has joined the Mac club and are slowly upgrading our 2002 26X. The next big upgrade we are eyeing is repowering the boat. We currently have a Suzuki 50hp, which is nice but we get the overheat warning past 4,000rpm. We also sail/power at 6,000 ft so there is a reduction in horsepower.
Needless to say a little more hp would be nice.

We are looking at a 90hp either in 4 stroke or 2 stroke. If we go with the 2 stroke we will not reinforce the transom, but we will if we get the 4 stroke. I have seen a few posts on the reinforcement, looks like 1/4" aluminum plates in the well and 4" aluminum channel along the back of the transom. Does any have a suggestion on what size channel to use? I was considering 4" wide/1" legs/0.125" thick but this seems to thin. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Anthony

[Starscream]

I've been running a 90-horse for six years now, with no transom reinforcement at all. We wakeboard and travel long distances under power a lot, and it's never been a problem.

The Evinrude dealer backed up my X on the trailer with the boarding ladder down about 5 years ago, and slammed it into a concrete block. Bent the ladder, cracked the transom around the bolts. Then declared bankruptcy and closed shop. So it's never been repaired, and has taken the full brunt of 90hp for many years.

It is important to use wedges to better angle the motor. 90 horses push it nose high and there isn't enough correction room in the motor mounts to properly angle the motor.

[mallardjusted]

Another option is the Yamaha 70 4-stroke. I bought mine in 2014. It weighs just a couple more pounds more than most 50s (and 50 to 110 lbs less than most 90s). It's profile is like a 50, so there is no interference with the swingseat. Personally for my use, it is the perfect match for a 26X!

[astevenson]

Thanks for your responses. I am leaning toward the 90hp due to the horesepower loss at our elevation. I believe the 2 strokes (Evinrude) are about 40lbs less than the 4 strokes and easier to maintain (subjective).

[Russ]

Congrats on the boat.

Where is your location? You should update in your profile. (Top right of page drop down box)

I'm at 5,000 feet and believe this thin air does reduce HP. I had to reduce the prop size to get the RPMs up at WOT.

[Starscream]

Thanks for your responses. I am leaning toward the 90hp due to the horesepower loss at our elevation. I believe the 2 strokes (Evinrude) are about 40lbs less than the 4 strokes and easier to maintain (subjective).

Yup the Etec is about the lightest 90 you can find. Biggest drawback is that it is loud. Like too loud: even at idle you know that it's running. It's my biggest complaint for long trips, but it's the perfect size back there. Plenty of room to board via the swim ladder. No maintenance for 3 years, auto-winterization including cylinder fogging itself, no oil filters.

If I had to do it again, I'd be torn between the Suzi DF90A and another Etec. Quiet vs. small, light, & convenient. I really like the Suzi, but weight matters with our X regularly submerging the motor well drain.