115 HP 4 stroke - Selecting a new one?

Redmangeoff · 01 June 2013, 07:08

Guys greetings from Sydney Australia. Just got a new RIB imported from China with a deep V Hull. I am just starting to think about fitting it out and have know idea about which motor to get. Any advice would be great. Generall I am told you can not go wrong with a Merc, Yamaha or Suzuki. I am also told the new Suzuki has a significant breakthrough with fuel efficiency. Advice would be appreciated. Main use is wakeboarding/tubing, fishing and cruising around the harbour and river, Regards Geoff

kubcat · 01 June 2013, 08:14

Congratulations Geoff on the new boat.

If you are looking second hand your options may be limited but if you are looking at a new motor go for one that has a reputable dealer not too far away. To me that is really important, probably more so than the name on the cowl.

I would hazard a guess that there will not be a huge difference in fuel economy between the 4 stroke 115's.

One more thing. Having just repowered a 5.6m rib because even though I complied with the engine weight limit it was very unbalanced, I would say to look carefully at the weight of the motor.

Redmangeoff · 03 June 2013, 12:13

Decided to go with the latest Merc as seems to be the most common one around to get serviced etc. Good point on the balance. The RIB I am getting is out of China and has a very deep V Hull right to the stern. Apparently used by the Chinese military. The hull is rated at a max of 115HP. I was toying with the idea of a 150HP even though it would void warranty on the hull however there is nothing worse than the boat being out of balance. Thanks for the feedback
Regards
Geoff

kubcat · 03 June 2013, 12:23

I just took a 200hp off my 5.6m aluminium rib and put on a 90hp. I could not go over 3000rpm with the 200 so I haven't lost any speed and I don't get the boat filling with water when I stop. In my case though, the bare boat is about 140kg and the 200 Suzuki weighed just over 200kgs. The Tohatsu 90 weighs about the same as the boat.

You can't go too wrong with a new Mercury.

Post photos, would love to see your boat.

thomas · 03 June 2013, 12:40

I had a one of the newish Merc 115 EFI's on my last boat, great engine.