Straight answers please

[SkiDeep2001]

Oops

[jjan]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the good info. After considering all the posts and doing a bit of research I am now toying with the idea of a Honda 90 four stroke as it appears to be the same weight as the 75 HP and there are some great deal on Hondas at the moment. Thanks to the info on this forum I now feel that the transom weight issue may not be as significant as the factory and some dealers would have me believe as long as I reinforce. At the moment there seems to be a $200 difference in price between the Honda 75HP and the 90HP according the their web site so one would be foolish not to consider 15 more horses for $200 if it would safely improve performance and fuel economy.

This brings me to my next questions, will the fuel consumption be better on this particular hull with a 90 HP as opposed to a 75HP given it won't work as hard, or would the 90 four stroke be an unnecessary overkill ?. I have only ever owned aluminium boats in the past which have had four strokes attached so there has never been a great deal of weight to push and fuel efficiency has been excellent . Although I have driven various other boats in the navy including sea boats with diesel inboards, rubber diving geminis with two strokes, twin engined RIB's. and of course war ships, I have never driven a dual purpose boat like the Mac. What this has taught me, is that every vessel has a different set of handling characteristics which need to be learnt and with any new vessel one should accept that they are a novice and should be initially cautious. Therefore, once again, I expect to find myself in unfamiliar territory regarding the handling, performance and capabilities of the Macgregor thus my questions to those who have experienced this boat and who can offer me sound advice on the best set up to achieve ultimate performance and efficiency.
Thanks in advance
J

[Kelly Hanson East]

J - take the plunge. with your experience level and your understanding that each boat has its own set of handling characteristics

There wont be a significant difference in economy between a 75 and 90 HP at a given speed, in the nominal operating range of rpm (2000-5000 rpm) - either engine will burn nearly the same amount of fuel to generate a given HP.

[SkiDeep2001]

However the stuff about launching and sailing in 20min if that is you biggest reason for getting this boat you will be sorry. I can now lunch and be sailing in 20min finally this year on my: macx: because I am renting a slip. This boat is transportable by trailer but to be able to launch like cuddy and be fully operational in 20min is laughable to say the least. If you do some modifications like quick release front fairlead you might get it down to 50min.

So wake up an hour earlier

[ROAD Soldier]

I got a better idea this year instead of wasting at least 2 hrs a day I will drive less then 5 min to my boat thats already in the water and ready to go. I will also save money in the process because it only cost me $125 a month saving me the gas of trailering and launching fees. I will also be relaxed and not swetty and worn out when it comes time to sail.

[Divecoz]

A Lot of choices to make, that's for sure.
I have a 05 M with the Merc 50 HP 4 stroke Big Foot with a 14x10 Prop. I can't go as fast as Beene does, but its not too shabby either. Beene thats a sweat video BTW...
I too slip my boat and can be out of the slip 5 minutes or under ( disconnect shore power as I head to the stern start motor, slip buddy catches one and tosses one .. done and gone )... and then there are days it can take hours and maybe a 6 pack ....It Just all depends on numerous variables.... I can rig or de-rig in about 30 minutes.
BUT! I dont have a rolling furler... Its all a matter of practice and finding what works best for you... If its in your yard so to speak just practice getting it all the way up from all the way down...BTW !!!! If you plan on some driveway practice ..... leave it hooked up to the truck!!!
I......... found out about the power of the wind at 20 to 30 feet up , in my driveway on what appeared to be a calm Saturday afternoon.
Neighbor thought it was interesting though...