Finally Powered to my liking!

[mallardjusted]

I bought my 26X in 2006. Unfortunately, not long after I bought it I started having knee problems. I took the mast off the boat and stored it in my back yard. After 4 knee surgeries, two of which were knee replacements, the mast will stay in the back, and my boat has become a "Power Cruiser" instead of a Power sailor.

Two things that I didn't care for was the 1) trailer: cheap, low weight capacity, painted steel trailer, and 2) the top end power performance of the 50 horse outboard.

First up I bought a new trailer about 3 years ago. It's a Venture aluminum, dual axle trailer with waterproof LED lights. It has a 5900+ lb capacity, and tows the boat fabulously. A real nice upgrade!

Since then I have been gathering data and saving pennies to upgrade the 2000 Suzuki 50 outboard. The outboard itself always ran fine, but I was looking for some more muscle-power. After gathering and analying specifications and user reviews through many different sources, I recently purchased a Yamaha 70 outboard. It weighs only 257lbs (vs 238 for the Suzie 50, 320 for an e-tech 70, and 341 for a Suzie 70), and has a physical profile similar to the 50.

I had it installed at the dealer, and we still need to make one more prop change to get near the top-end normal of @ 6000 rpm (specs are 5300-6300 rpm top range, and the dealer likes to get them near the 6000 mark). Even so, I maxed out at 22 mph the other day. With the Suzie 50, 17 mph was tops. Man, does it get going! I really like the fact it swings a little bigger prop and gives me better steering control at docking speeds, too. Anyway, I'll try to get pics somewhere down the road .....

[mastreb]

Congrats!

[fouz]

Thanks for the report on the Yamaha 70. I have been wondering about its performance on a for awhile now.

Was that speed heavy loaded? No ballast?

[mallardjusted]

Was that speed heavy loaded? No ballast?

That was light to medium loaded, 2 large adults, and no ballast. It kooks like I will get 5 to 6 mph better top end in the long run. With my Suzie I would cruise without ballast at 13-14 mph, topping at 17. It's nice having the higher top end speed option, and cruising at 16-18 makes it seem like I'm actually on plane! The light weight and smaller profile of the 70 were key factors in my decision.

[DaveB]

I think you got it. I couldn't find a dealer to put on anything over the Manifactures 50hp.
So I put on a 50hp Merc. Bigfoot. I have a very heavy boat and max out at 17-18 mph and boat wants 16 mph at cruise.
I wanted the Suzuki 90 .
Looks like the 70 will do well on your MacX and they just came out with it at the time I got the Merc.50
Enjoy the ride.
I enjoy 8mph cruise but at times would love 16mph but not at burning fuel.
Dave

Was that speed heavy loaded? No ballast?

That was light to medium loaded, 2 large adults, and no ballast. It kooks like I will get 5 to 6 mph better top end in the long run. With my Suzie I would cruise without ballast at 13-14 mph, topping at 17. It's nice having the higher top end speed option, and cruising at 16-18 makes it seem like I'm actually on plane! The light weight and smaller profile of the 70 were key factors in my decision.

[dlandersson]

I actualy like 6 knots - just below hull speed. Seems to cover water well and fairly economical.

I think you got it. I couldn't find a dealer to put on anything over the Manifactures 50hp.
So I put on a 50hp Merc. Bigfoot. I have a very heavy boat and max out at 17-18 mph and boat wants 16 mph at cruise.
I wanted the Suzuki 90 .
Looks like the 70 will do well on your MacX and they just came out with it at the time I got the Merc.50
Enjoy the ride.
I enjoy 8mph cruise but at times would love 16mph but not at burning fuel.
Dave

Was that speed heavy loaded? No ballast?

That was light to medium loaded, 2 large adults, and no ballast. It kooks like I will get 5 to 6 mph better top end in the long run. With my Suzie I would cruise without ballast at 13-14 mph, topping at 17. It's nice having the higher top end speed option, and cruising at 16-18 makes it seem like I'm actually on plane! The light weight and smaller profile of the 70 were key factors in my decision.

[Whipsyjac]

How about an update with your final prop selection etc? There's a lot of interest in that motor due to it's light weight.

Thanks,

Willy

[Boblee]

Is that Yammy a 2 stroke and if so how do they compare for economy to the Etecs?

[SENCMac26x]

This was a good read, I'm actually get a Yamaha F70LA for my 2002x next week. If you don't mind my asking, what prop did you end up deciding works best?

[mrron_tx]

Just a note about the Suzuki 70hp. I have the DF70A model and have given up on finding a SS prop for it . Either the pitch is way off or the spine is wrong.... Mine is a fifteen spline....the one boats.not sent was a thirteen. That is My only gripe about My motor . Ron.

[Boblee]

We never use SS props, I work on the theory that I would rather break the prop than the gearbox or something else and almost every year our two props need fixing for one reason or another, logs and rocks or even the ladder left down can be pretty hard on props.
With the power thruster back on at least the ladder won't be a problem but skimming high unmarked rocks etc is still there.

[mallardjusted]

Is that Yammy a 2 stroke and if so how do they compare for economy to the Etecs?

It is a four-stroke, the same footprint as their 50 and 60 hp outboards.

I do have the new prop, but have been extremely busy and haven't had it back in the water. I'll look on the box and/or prop to get the numbers on it .......

[Boblee]

If I had plans to keep the boat I would probably try to put one of them on with their weight and extra power when needed they should be perfect and being a 4 stroke should be just as or better economical especially at the lower speeds.
You shouldn't have a problem finding props over there but here it is a real problem even if we can find one over there they may not want send them or it costs a fortune in postage.

[SENCMac26x]

I hate to be a pain, but I'm getting my new Yamaha 70 soon and would love to know what prop worked for you

[mallardjusted]

SENCMac25 .... I hate to be a pain, but I'm getting my new Yamaha 70 soon and would love to know what prop worked for you

Sorry ..... The Michigan aluminum 101036 (14" x 11P) was ok, but on the higher end (6200-6300) for rpm. The Michigan 10132 (13 1/2" x 15P) is what I have to try now ....... I just need to get it in the water!!!!!! I'm hoping to max out at about 5800 rpm ....