Mercury 135 Vs Suzuki 115 Vs mercury 115

[Andrew13]

:) Back again and have narrowed down to 3 options to repower my flightcraft 5.4 sports cuddy. 1996 Suzuki 115HP (1 owner in very good condition), 1993 135HP Mercury V6, also in very good cond and 1995 mercury 115 4 cylinder. All are from reputable dealers in SA. Interested in peoples views about the 3 motors and which (assuming all in equal condition) one is considered to be the best purchase for my boat. Suzuki is $4000 fitted and others $4500.

[Angla]

Is there a chance they are all 2 stroke carby jobs. If so, then the Suzi sounds good. The mercury would push it a little faster maybe if thats what you want.

I have a 135 Mercury optimax pushing a 575 outsider which it does very well. Not over or under powered.

Chris

[Outsider1]

Hi Andrew13,

you need to check your Builder plate for maximum hp and/or weight for your Flightcraft, if you have not already done so. The Builder's plate will probably be located on the inside of your transom near the engine well. You need to check whether the 135 Mercury is within this maximum allowance otherwise you might compromise you insurance cover if you were to choose it.

Cheers

Dave

[Roughasguts]

I would go the Suzuki I have a 1995 mod 85 Hp and I can't fault it, it runs perfectly and goes hard when you wan't it to.

[Outsider1]

Hi Andrew13,

I had a look on Boatpoint and found the boat on the link below for sale which is a 5.4m sports Cuddy, I assume it is the same boat model as yours?. It has a 1993 115hp Mariner on it which should be the same motor as the 115hp mercury you are looking at. It is a private seller so might be worth a call to see what his experience and thoughts are with that motor.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/details.aspx?R=2938646

Seems that Flightcraft made mainly ski boats and the like. I suspect their hulls like a bit of power behind them. A couple of piccies of the linked boat below.

Cheers

Dave

[Andrew13]

Thanks Dave, that was a good suggestion and I got a bit out of having a chat with him. His 115 is a 4 cylinder and he was very happy with it. He previously had a 140HP on it and found it to be a bit heavy, which may be similar with the Merc 135 given it's a V6. I know with the old 115 suzuki it sat quite low in the water at the back so maybe the 115's are the better options. guess I just need to make a call and hope for the best, cheers.

[scorpionNQ]

The Suzi is the latest model, probably slightly better on fuel, and is $500 dollars cheaper. The 135 Merc may be too heavey, worse on fuel, and older. I would stay with the 115's. My choice as you know would be the Suzi. What ever you buy you still need to know the hours and compression! I would walk in there with $3500 cash, works for me nearly every time.
Cheers

[doublexl]

i think the merc 115 is a 2 plus 2 carb,and they are not a great donk to keep tuned.if the v6 can be fitted to your model that would be my choice of motor.good luck

[polky]

Go the suzie, good motors. Polky.

[goldentrevally]

Hi Andrew,

I have a 5.4 Flightcraft & it's a great boat, however... I have a Merc 115 2 stroke which is fast enough but it stinks to high heavens!! If I had the choice to start over I would steer clear of the Merc 2 strokes & definately go for a 4 stroke of between 90 - 115hp. You will want to watch the weight of the motor if it's over a 115 because the hull is very low profile. Especially if you are a long way out.

hope this helps. Mel

[goldentrevally]

I just thought I should add that the 5.4 Flight craft was built to carry a Merc 115hp so I think the 4stroke 115 Merc would be PERFECT for the boat. The price sounds really good too. I didn't realise you could get one that cheap.