Mercury Saltwater series 90hp 4 stroke

[Makita]

I just purchased a 2004 90hp merc on a Trailcraft 540 sportscab. Can anyone tell me the good the bad & the ugly on the outboard, its done 170hrs & looks near new given its age. Cheers guys

[Jarrah Jack]

Google "cats arse mercury outboard" or mercury outboard problems and you'll come across some interesting problems, worth knowing about. Spaniard King has diagnosed it on another thread.

[Dan5]

Keep an eye on the transom of that boat aswell..........they had a few issues around that era....cracking bending etc,the 90 should'nt be too bad.......the bigger HP engines gave them a workout though.

Dan

[Makita]

I have been looking everywhere for reviews etc on the outboard before I put a deposit down but I haven't been able to find many on the saltwater line. Do the carb models have any markings to distinguish them from the efi models ? I have been bitten once before by a merc black max and really don't want to go down that road again . Any info from guys that have owned one would be muchly appreciated , also has anyone had any experience with the trailcraft ? Thanks again

[Richo1]

Merc 40 & 60hp 4stroke EFI have been faultless for my father in- law and myself his 60 has done nearly 200hrs and my 40 about 60hrs no problems so far.

[gofishin]

I believe that era Merc 90 used a Yammy 100hp engine/block, but the leg etc was all Merc (and quite a bit heavier than the Yammy equiv). Same for the Merc 70 (80 Yam block).

Sorry can't tell you if they had a bad rep or any dodgy bits coz I don't know :). Garry or Jim are your men there.

[Makita]

Cancel that first post I decided it wasn't for me !