26X Repower Questions

[macowneril2015]

I have a new Mercury Pro XS 115 CT I’m installing on my 2002 26X. Not much to report yet but I can keep you posted on my progress. Another owner nearby has a Mercury 90 which is the same size and weight as mine so I’ve been able to see how his was installed.

What shaft length are you installing and does the outboard with the larger cowling fit properly on the boat? I am nervous the 60 HP I was planning would not fit well as I slip the boat and when trailering.

[macowneril2015]

What horsepower to buy? Something between 10 and 115 hp, based on who you're asking. I've got a 60hp Etec that will push my boat right at 20 mph with 4 adults and no ballast (mast and rigging in place). If you want to plane, probably 60 hp should be your minimum. If you want to ski behind it, maybe a 70-90 hp selection. At the upper end (beyond 70hp), most folks are putting in some form of transom reinforcement. I'm stating what others have done - I'm not recommending anything over 60hp, because that seems to be where the Macgregor dealers stopped. But, lots of our members have 90's and above, and have run them successfully for many years. You may be somewhat limited by what the dealer is willing to mount on the boat.

I would buy a motor that had readily-available, honest, factory service near you. I think Mercury makes a pretty good outboard. I would want the dealer to service the outboard until the warranty runs out. But, that's just me.

The shaft length is generally determined by your transom height where the motor is mounted. Here's a fairly good discussion that includes some sailboat thoughts (read to end).

https://towers4boats.com/how-to-measure ... ft-length/

Start with the dealer's recommended prop for a pontoon boat of equal weight. Talk to them about loaning you a prop or two to test on the boat - to get zero' in. Never hurts to ask. Can't really even start guessing at props until you've picked a horsepower, lower unit gear ratio, and max rpm.

I appreciate your insight here and on my other posts as you and the others here have saved my butt more than once. Is it safe to say that if I stay at 60 HP which is the plan, I will not need to add additional reinforcement I know the holes are relatively small? Do I need to be concerned that the old 2 stroke 50 HP manual says weight is 89 KG which is around 200 Lbs and the new 60 HP is around 250 Lbs? I am still stuck on figuring out shaft length as I am aware from my boat and a little out of my element on that but the 2 options are 20" or 25" I am inclined to use the 20" shaft as it appears that is what others have used here.

[Jimmyt]

Is it safe to say that if I stay at 60 HP which is the plan, I will not need to add additional reinforcement I know the holes are relatively small? Do I need to be concerned that the old 2 stroke 50 HP manual says weight is 89 KG which is around 200 Lbs and the new 60 HP is around 250 Lbs? I am still stuck on figuring out shaft length as I am aware from my boat and a little out of my element on that but the 2 options are 20" or 25" I am inclined to use the 20" shaft as it appears that is what others have used here.

Transom will be fine with a 60 hp.

I would measure your boat to determine the correct shaft length. In my opinion, if you will be using it in rough water, I would get a long enough shaft to put the cavitation plate at, or slightly below, a line parallel to the bottom of the boat. Mine is exactly parallel when trimmed such that the prop shaft is parallel to the bottom of the boat (at the transom).

[macowneril2015]

Is it safe to say that if I stay at 60 HP which is the plan, I will not need to add additional reinforcement I know the holes are relatively small? Do I need to be concerned that the old 2 stroke 50 HP manual says weight is 89 KG which is around 200 Lbs and the new 60 HP is around 250 Lbs? I am still stuck on figuring out shaft length as I am aware from my boat and a little out of my element on that but the 2 options are 20" or 25" I am inclined to use the 20" shaft as it appears that is what others have used here.

Transom will be fine with a 60 hp.

I would measure your boat to determine the correct shaft length. In my opinion, if you will be using it in rough water, I would get a long enough shaft to put the cavitation plate at, or slightly below, a line parallel to the bottom of the boat. Mine is exactly parallel when trimmed such that the prop shaft is parallel to the bottom of the boat (at the transom).

Am I correcting in saying that it is the measurement of the transom essentially? I think I may be overthinking this. I may also be struggling since I am not near my boat and I cannot visualize what I need to do. I apologize for all the back and forth.

[Jimmyt]

Am I correcting in saying that it is the measurement of the transom essentially? I think I may be overthinking this. I may also be struggling since I am not near my boat and I cannot visualize what I need to do. I apologize for all the back and forth.

Yes. The transom height where the motor clamp sits, is the dimension you're looking for. I have an M, so I can't give you a measurement. But, it is easy to get when you are at your boat. If your transom height measures 19.5" for example, I'd suggest a 20" shaft length. The installer may fine tune the install by mounting the motor slightly higher to get it just right.



No apology necessary. We are all here to help each other enjoy their boats. There is always something to be learned (my way of saying I don't know everything; and often learn something in these exchanges).

There's a quote that says something like: "The only stupid question is the one you failed to ask".

Keep the questions and posts coming. Don't forget the trip posts with pics! We all love to see folks enjoying their boats and being out on the water!

[macowneril2015]

To close this loop it was around 19.5" so a 20" shaft was sufficient. I appreciate everyone's help here it was appreciated.

[socalmacer]

I am the original owner of a 1996 26X and still am using the original Honda 50HP outboard. It still runs great and have had to do minimal repairs over the 25+ years of ownership. With replacement parts (maintenance related) getting more difficult to find, I will be looking to replace this with a new Honda or Yamaha 70 or 90HP as I understand they are similar in reliability. Anyone have a preference/experience with either of these outboards and recommendations? Thanks.

[dlandersson]

Focus on dealer support in your area. Which is best?

I am the original owner of a 1996 26X and still am using the original Honda 50HP outboard. It still runs great and have had to do minimal repairs over the 25+ years of ownership. With replacement parts (maintenance related) getting more difficult to find, I will be looking to replace this with a new Honda or Yamaha 70 or 90HP as I understand they are similar in reliability. Anyone have a preference/experience with either of these outboards and recommendations? Thanks.

[macowneril2015]

Focus on dealer support in your area. Which is best?

I am the original owner of a 1996 26X and still am using the original Honda 50HP outboard. It still runs great and have had to do minimal repairs over the 25+ years of ownership. With replacement parts (maintenance related) getting more difficult to find, I will be looking to replace this with a new Honda or Yamaha 70 or 90HP as I understand they are similar in reliability. Anyone have a preference/experience with either of these outboards and recommendations? Thanks.

I second this, was one of the reasons I upgraded as there was no Tohatsu/Nissan mechanic within a 45 minute drive that would touch my engine. Taught me a lot about 2 stroke engines but now that I have this new engine it is great. Technology is incredible and having 15 mercury dealers within 10 miles and even the manufacturer a few hour drive is nice. I would add that if you are slipping the boat make sure the engine can tilt to clear the water, my mercury's cowling is a but big but still clears the water but if I tilt too much it hits the helm seat.

[Gazmn]

Ahh… Repower time

You’ve already gotten some good advice. Find. Local. Motor. Support. First. Second decide how much you wanna spend. How many people and weight that will be your cruising weight. What is your gas storage scenario. I run with 4 Tempo 5.5/6 Gal portables. Determine what an acceptable cruising speed is for you. ‘Cause while WOT may clean out the carbon in cylinders, it is rarely dun -unless I want to carry 2 or 3 tanks for refill. Cruising speed for me is ~2700 at ~10mph, 15 tops, for anywhere I’m going. Those tanks run out faster as u increase cylinders

While I may not go that far, ~ 3-5 mis / outing; I expect to carry home and refill a tank a week. And more time than not I bob on my mooring

With all this being said, I’ve had the PO’s 35HP, a V3 ‘06 90 Hp Etec and currently run a V4 115 Etec Pontoon. The 35 was carbureted and I swapped out first year, 17 years ago. It had dirty carbs and burned me once. I RE powered to a V3 Etec 90 in ‘06. In hindsight, This was my Most Efficient motor. I ran a 13 spline prop but can’t remember their diameters. I’m guessing 12 or 13” diam, low pitch. I carry A lot of “Shtuff”, have a 260W Solar array and a high Bimini. Even when I was sailing, I had raised my gooseneck about 10”s. Look in my post history. For me, it was Well worth it for cabin comfort. I use a 4 bow 8’x8’ Bimini that’s connected outside of cockpit, along the top of my rubrail.

I cruise, hangout on my boat 98% of my 17 year ownership. I don’t/ haven’t sailed often. This year,and probably following, I’m going “Commando” and have left the sail hardware at the house. I’m not filling my ballast, in fact, I capped it with a 4” cover and ride high and dry.

Back on topic, I bought my V4 115 Etec in 2015. While there is no going back and I like spinning a 15.5 x 13 prop, this is the top of what I’d hang off a Mac transom. I don’t like having an external oil tank, but I only I fill it once a season, so far. Lastly, 4 strokes are Really Quiet! But require more maintenance… But are more enjoyable on the water, while driving. I can’t hear my radio or talk when I’m moving with my 2 stroke. But I like being able to Winterize in my driveway, at end of season. So far, so good. PS. Learn how to change out your lower unit oil

TLDR:
Decide your budget and local support. Go as big as you dare. I only get 25MPH with my setup; Which affects higher speeds but I’m not looking to run this boat higher than it’s specs. I’d also look into a 5-12” Jack Plate with wedges, depending on steering variance to open up your rear access area. After warranty goes I’d put on some type of wide “dole fin” to help with trim. Pick a practical RPM/speed.

Hope I didn’t just ramble but that this was informative. YMMV.

My .02