25hp 4 stroke 208lbs/14 lund/ handling suffers/help needed

big red · **Posted:** Tue Jun 18, 2002 5:00 pm

Anyone that knows how to fix a handling problem would be greatly appreciated. I recently purchased a 4 stroke Suzuki 25 hp. and put it on a 14 lund. The boat is lodaed, bow mount trolling, dual batteries, live well and bow gas tank, so you have an idea of weight distribution. The boat used to handle beautiful with the original 2 stroke (118lbs) but now it tilts very easy when weight is shifted or when turning. I also get a lot of spray from the sides and the stern. When it sits in the water the stern seems low even with the gas tank at the bow. I put one those whale tale stablizer things on the shaft but it doesn't seem to help. I tried raising the motor from thre adjustment bolts and trimed it up a notch but it still feels unstable. Is this motor just too much weight for the transom. I there a maximum transom weight for boats?. The four stroke is nice but I think the weight is a little too much for my little lund walleye hunter. Any suggestions?

Graembo · **Posted:** Tue Jun 18, 2002 9:23 pm

That 25 weighs more than 200 lbs so that's a dang good increase in weight on the back of your boat. Not too familiar with aluminum performance but assuming you had the same hp motor on there before, for a lightweight hull (aluminum) that's quite a bit of increase in boat weight (let a lone transom-weight to bow-weight ratio gets thrown waay off) for the same hp (but even heavier) motor to try and match the speeds and handling achieved before the swap.

Is it tiller or console, you might have to change where you sit when you drive, I dunno. But your boat will definitely be sitting lower in the water all the time (this includes while you're running at speed)

Good luck

G

eyeEYE · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2002 9:59 am

It seems the HP rating for boats is out of date because of the 4 Stroke motor weight.
I purchased a 16.5 foot Deep V rated for 75hp...but the max 4stroke MERC I could go with was 40 hp.

Boat runs/performs great... motor weight seems to be a big factor.

-s

gnarlyseahag · **Posted:** Fri Jun 21, 2002 2:53 pm

I had the Merc version of this engine which is even heavier. I had it on a 16 foot mirrocraft and I weigh in at just over 200 lbs. performance was abismal. ... could not compensate for that heavy engine in the back + my weight + a small battery. Great engine for a party barge or another boat but the 25 was NFG for my 16' . Hard to get on plane & constantly displacing water instead of riding on top, trolling of course was great.

Solution ? I took it to Port Colborne Marine (where I bought it new) and had a power trim / tilt put on it still NFG. Then had problems with the trim & tilt ...took the engine back for warranty work @ 20 hrs use...the thing got ripped off! While in a compound in Port Colborne reportedly patrolled by big bad gaurd dogs! Had the thing a total of 8 weeks! :evil:

It gets better ...they (the dealer Pt Colborne Marine) don't cover it it comes off YOUR INSURANCE.
WOW felt like I just got out of a maximum security prison in the deep south, with a cellmate named BUBBA if you know what I mean.

Bottom line it's a great engine but way too heavy stick to a smaller 4 stroke (15hp suzuki) or a 2 stroke for this application.

PS want to sell it to me ??????? I now have an 18.5 footer![/b]

big red · **Posted:** Fri Jun 21, 2002 8:25 pm

To all, thanks for the responses.
I agree that it may be best to go back to a two stroke 25 hp.

gnarlyseahag, I will keep you posted if i am selling I paid 3,800 + tax and would not like to loose any money on it. First I will see if the marina will exchange it, if not then I think I will need to sell it. The boat did handle like a charm with the 25hp 2 stroke that was on it, but it had other problems from lack of care from the previous owner.

cheers

big red · **Posted:** Fri Jun 21, 2002 8:30 pm

To all, thanks for the responses.
I agree that it may be best to go back to a two stroke 25 hp.

gnarlyseahag, I will keep you posted if i am selling I paid 3,800 + tax and would not like to loose any money on it. First I will see if the marina will exchange it, if not then I think I will need to sell it. The boat did handle like a charm with the 25hp 2 stroke that was on it, but it had other problems from lack of care from the previous owner.

cheers

Len · **Posted:** Sat Jun 22, 2002 7:46 pm

Figured I would add my 2 cents here.....I have a nice Merc 9.9 four stroke, bought it new for my 14 1/2' Alumacraft. I am happy with the motor and all but the weight is unbelievable! Wish I had done a bit of research before the purchase. With 2 people in the boat there is no chance of getting on plane and with only me it is not to impressive. Yes great for trolling, good on gas etc. I will replace this as soon as I can with a 15 or 20 hp 2 stroke and be much happier. Anyone interested in my 9.9 can email me. I might be up in July. lf2fish@aol.com.

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25hp 4 stroke 208lbs/14 lund/ handling suffers/help needed

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