SUZUKI 90 vs MERC 90 4 Strokes

L

legs

New member
Hi Guys.

Many thanks to all who post valuable info on this forum. It's been a blessing to gain first hand info.
I'm considering putting either SUZUKI 90 or MERCURY 90 4 Strokes motors on a Benguela 530 Cat.
The ZUKES have proven themselves it seems and MERCS are the new kid on the block, BUT with incredible specs.
The MERCS are the Command Thrust gearbox with the new 2.1 litre block.
The ZUKES are standard with a 1.5 litre block.
Price comparison between the two is not a consideration at this stage.
Boat will be launched at DBSC and KZN North Coast surf launches.
We do a fair amount of trolling with plastics for the usual gamefish.

Any opinions would be appreciated.
 
S

Spin Doctor

New member
Either will give you good service. I have run both brands and was happy with both. If you are drawn to the mercs then just be sure that you have someone who really knows how to work on them. You may also want to have a look at the prices of spares (a new merc gearbox can set you back big time.
Just a thought: The benguela 530 isn't a very big boat. It should go well on smaller motors, esp if you go for high thrust models. Big saving in weight and money.
 
I

IWyk

Sealiner
Running a smaller boat with 50's I prefer 2 strokes. I am considering a bigger boat and if I go 4 stroke it will be Zukes.
 
L

legs

New member
Thanks for the advice Spin Doctor. The Mercs weigh the same from 80-115hp as they use the new 2.1 litre block. Unfortunately the 80hp doesnt come with a CT (Hight Thrust
gearbox). Although the Benguela is only a 17.6ft boat she is relatively heavy (870kg Front Console) no T-Top or any
other gear.But lighter than an Ace Glider 530. My neighbor has an Ace Glider with Optimax 125s and he says he wouldnt go lower than 115s on his boat. He used to be charter operator in Moz. I agree 1000% on a good mechanic as I have had my share of "Bush Mechanics".

The Mercs look more appealing spec wise as they have more displacement which should hopefully assist with more torque to plane more easily at lower revs while trolling. As the Merc is the New Kid on the block there seems to be very little experience with these motors so far.
 
Q

QuQ

New member
Suzuki 90, at 155kg, is the right motor for that boat. More than enough power (even the 70hp derivative is more than enough). Remember the Merc NON CT weighs 163kg, they don't specify the extra weight for the bigger gearbox. You could do without that additional weight. Below is a link to a test of this very boat with the 70 Suzuki's (same motor as 90hp, just detuned) where the scribe reckons they are very powerful on the boat. The 90's would therefore be blitz. In this instance, I would say go with Suzuki.
http://www.africanangler.com/sb_boat_tests_view.asp?id=186
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top