Max Horsepower for '01 26 x

[Jimmyt]

Yes I was always curious over the start by hand comment I wonder how many outboards of 50hp could actually be started without power?

Depends on who's jerking the rope.

[Starscream]

I can confirm that an Etec 90, despite being delivered with a pull-start cord, is physically impossible to actually pull-start. Like, just forget it, there's no way. Maybe if you could tie the cord to the back of your truck...even then, just maybe.

[Jimmyt]

I can confirm that an Etec 90, despite being delivered with a pull-start cord, is physically impossible to actually pull-start. Like, just forget it, there's no way. Maybe if you could tie the cord to the back of your truck...even then, just maybe.

[Starscream]

Rigged! Lol.

All I know is I did all that and there wasn't a chance. I talked to the dealer about the ridiculousness of pull starting and they totally agreed.

[Jimmyt]

Rigged! Lol.

All I know is I did all that and there wasn't a chance. I talked to the dealer about the ridiculousness of pull starting and they totally agreed.

There was a guy near my high school that drove a vw without a starter. Pull started it everyday to go to work. Up until then, I wouldn't have believed that could be done either. He was a monster, and nearly lifted the rear wheels off the ground when he yanked it. It's amazing what can be done when there is no alternative.

Although, I'm not sure I could pull start a 25

[kurz]

maybe the problem is not the 90HP but the position you have to pull on a Mac26.

The Angle is so bat you all time pull too much upwards.

Ones I tested it out with a 60HP I made a long rope, stand in the cabin down, help with one foot against the ladder and the go. This was quite easy.

Finally I can do it outside. But it start all time at the second try. Don't know why.

But in these modern times... I will rarely use rope start, as I have a jump starter bat that really works fine.

[Jimmyt]

Also, it sounded like the battery still had juice in the video. Not sure how easily it would pull start with a totally flat battery.

You can bet I'll be sailing it back to the ramp before I try pull cranking my 60.

[Gazmn]

Here’s some nice Winter reading from 5 years ago.

While it tells my story with a ‘97 & I’m staying with the 115 ‘cause it’s on the transom. However, having gone bigger, the Etec 90 was enough & the oil tank is internal. The placement & filling of the external oil tank on the 115 can be an issue. I resolved it for me.

The 90 is a little... rougher. As it’s 3 cylinders vs 4. I like having the 4 cylinder. But the 3 is more than enough & good enough & then some. Either way, reinforce your transom & Don’t be an Idiot

This boat’s structure was designed to withstand 24MPH - not more. No Pounding

Regarding pull starting; it’s not possible with these models. Plan B is a Battery charger + generator, an extra 12V just for backup in your system [ you have More than enough charging capability with the Etecs] + one of those lithium ion charger jammies. I have all 3 & never used one. Because remember: 3 is 2; 2 is 1, 1 is none out alone on the water



Fair Winds Captain...

[sailboatmike]

I have a Mercury 75Hp 2 banger on the back, same weight (motor) as the 90Hp just detuned.

To be honest I wouldn't do that again, I didn't do enough homework, I carry a heap of extra weight for no gain.

Was thinking or repowering but going smaller, I think the weight saving of a 2 stroke 60 Hp around 1/2 the weight would more than offset the 15 Horsepower difference.

Not that the 75HP is a bad motor, kicks every time and runs well, I hardly run it much above idle most of the time and once we get out of the channel (5 knot zone) we hoist the sails anyway.

That being said the big motor with the big prop makes maneuvering easier but I dont think I would lose much.

[Snowdancer]

Stay away from a yamahaT25C. It has terrible vibration problems due to elimination of balance wheel for weight reduction. Besides noisier It is also slower under 10 mph than a 2005 Yamaha high thrust with a 12.25 prop.which reaches 13 mph on identical 1998 26 X.
Returning for a F50LA as only available with covid run on motors.

[Catigale]

The mercury 50 EFI pull starts easily but you need enough battery juice to run the fuel pump topressurise the EFI and run the computer. Can’t be completely dead.

[JaxMacX]

Yamaha 90 and 115 will need to be spaced back about 3”

Did you ever get the 115 on? If so, what was performance like?

[Sheppie62]

50hp

[Russ]

I put a 75hp sticker on it to not freak people out, and humiliate power boaters when I pass them.

[Starscream]

(Photo removed by request of author)

It's amazing how small the E-tec 90 is, in comparison. It's a shame they aren't being manufactured anymore.