Question about Mercury 90hp
 

Now i'm not a fan of mercury at all but I was looking at a 90hp that is on and 17' express aluminum haul. It is a little sluggish to take off I was wondering does this sound like a carb issue or could it be something else? Compression checks out and all that is fine with the motor and once it takes off it runs great its just very sluggish out the gate?


Anyone have this issue before or opinion on the matter?

Could very well be dirty carbs. Could also be the wrong pitch and/or prop design for the boat.

Thought about the pitch also but it just seems like its the motor that is straining

Without hearing the motor I'm saying prop. Could be carbs or fuel filter but if I was betting its a prop vs hull problem. May jump right out on a different hull.

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interesting have you guys had much trouble with mercury before I actually haven't owned one that didn't give me trouble yet

I had a 90merc on my 17ft express and it hopped out the water... it had a 21p stilletto prop. Ran 53mph also.

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I've ran nothing but merc to date from 25 up to 125. I've never had a problem. The boat I have now with a 40 tuned to 60+ gave me fits til I got the prop right. I'm no prop expert by any stretch but I've seen what a huge difference a prop will make. Contact Cajunchristian. He's very knowledgeable.

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This is the boat i'm actually thinking about purchasing it. Guy is asking 3000.00 for it but just wanted others opinions about the motor issue

What brand and pitch is the prop? Also what year is the boat and motor?

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that 90 ought to throw that boat on step with authority. and haul butt on top.
either it's a prop issue or dirty carb.

if u don't want it let me know where it is, for 3k it's a great deal.

Ditto

yeah I think i'm gonna go grab it for that price

Don't make a 3000 dollar mistake, get compression check bad cylinder or two will jump the price up quick to have it fixed.

compression check was done already its fine on that aspect its just the sluggishness at the start i'm worried about

Ok sounds good

I plan on using it to fish big lake hope she handles light chop pretty well

the boat and motor is a 1999

the Prop is a LASER 2 with a 24 pitch prop!

There is your problem,too much pitch. Once it does plane out how many rpm's does it turn up at wide open? Needs to be 5,500 or close to it.

Run away from it. Under no circumstance should you buy that boat. However can I have the guys contact info lol. I agree with montauk, sounds like a pitch problem.

Yep. Prop for sure. I don't know anything about the laser prop but that 24 pitch is killing you for sure. Drop down to a 21 or do and try it.

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You can buy a new prop and gets the carbs cleaned all issues taken care of with the motor for $4,000. Id buy it.

To get the right prop you need to take RPM and Speed readings at every 500 RPMS. This will be crucial to determining what prop you need.

Thank y'all for all your help answering theses questions guys I appreciate it

It's between this boat or one other one not sure which one I'm gonna buy yet

Have to make my decision soon

Try putting Yamaha stickers on it.

Trust me if it was that easy I'd buy a case of stickers! Ima feel so weird fishing with a Merc

Those old astro's are known for weak transoms.

Prop
 

That motor will carry a 19 just fine.

Between those 2 choices I'd say the Express all day long.

The 24 laser is way too much prop. Probably 20 would do fine. Overall the laser is a good prop on those boats and don't be afraid of the Merc.

Looking more and more like the express will be the way to go the other one sold today so pretty much just have to decide if I really want aluminum again or if I want to hold out and find a bay boat!

Ive read some Mercs had Yamaha Powerheads around that ere.

4 strokes..