Knickers in a twist, which engine?

[Kernow Buoy]

Can't decide over these 2.

Ribtec 5.85, mid 90's so not new by any means but in good condition. Presently has a 2001 Mercury 150 XR6. I wanted an Opti and looked for about 12 months but couldn't find what I was after so settled on the XR. I can now have either -

2005 Mercury 150 Opti, L shaft, 90 something hours lovely condition, 1 owner from new and just serviced by Greg Basson at GB watersports (merc dealer)

or

2007 Mariner 135 Opti, XL shaft, 240 hours but serviced and checked by Barrus themselves and not run since, again lovely condition.

My transom is presently cut down for a L shaft but is getting a bit scruffy and I'd like to get it tidied. It will also take on water when launching on a very steep slip or going astern at anything other than a real crawl or in any small chop, so if I was going to have it blinged I could have the cutout reinstalled to accept the XL at the same time, at extra cost of course. I have a large SS A frame with a forward brace attached to the deck which may well have to be extended if I opt for the XL.

Thought's please

[HUMBER P4VWL]

What's the max hp on the boat?

I'd have thought the 135 would be more than fast enough for a 5.85. They are the same block so similar torque I'd imagine low down. We have the 175, still same block, it would scream a 5.85 along.

If a new transom isn't costly I'd go for the xl 135 and higher transom. I used to hate the water over stern in the old 5.4SR

Once out of warranty you could just change the ECU for a 150 or 175 if you needed. About £1100 though new.

[Nos4r2]

What's the weight difference between the Xr6 and the longshaft 150 opti? If there's a big difference,bearing in mind what you said about shipping water that'd help me make up my mind pretty quickly.

[Kernow Buoy]

Max hp is either 150 or 120 depending on exact age of the boat! Ribtec dropped 30 hp off it in the mid 90's, there's 5.85's on the forum with either hp's stamped on them.
your right, I don't need the 150 over the 135 for performance, I do have a 150 now. I wouldn't consider an ecu change later, both engines are out of warranty now.

No's, weight difference is 25lbs, reckon that's enough to make her sit lower?

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Kernow

Max hp is either 150 or 120 depending on exact age of the boat! Ribtec dropped 30 hp off it in the mid 90's, there's 5.85's on the forum with either hp's stamped on them.
your right, I don't need the 150 over the 135 for performance, I do have a 150 now. I wouldn't consider an ecu change later, both engines are out of warranty now.

No's, weight difference is 25lbs, reckon that's enough to make her sit lower?

Doubt 25lbs will make much difference.
I see the quandry better now.

How much more will it cost you to fit the XL shaft and will you get it back if you decide to sell?

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Kernow

I wanted an Opti and looked for about 12 months but couldn't find what I was after

Nearly new for sub £3k. Funny that.

Go for the 150 and launch it slowly rather than bunging it in.
Fit a decent bilge pump.

I'd be wary of buying a used boat with a built-up transom.

[martini]

I'd go for the 150...

I don't think there was any major upgrades between '05 and '07 on opti's so no advantage there with the 135. Significantly less hours on the 150 and it's the correct leg length for the boat, if I had a transom that was built back up I'd have a stiff neck from turning round every 30 secs checking it wasn't about to come orf

25lbs (13ish kgs) I can't see make any difference at all

[C-NUMB]

If You would prefer the XL shaft, think a manual(or fixed) jack plate would fix the hight issue without the need for a transom job, at a decent cost?

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by C-NUMB

If You would prefer the XL shaft, think a manual(or fixed) jack plate would fix the hight issue without the need for a transom job, at a decent cost?

Thereby adding more weight and leverage to the stern.....

[Kernow Buoy]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

How much more will it cost you to fit the XL shaft and will you get it back if you decide to sell?

haven't priced it but of course I may have to have that A frame chopped as well, but no not going to get that back on a 15 yr old rib.

Originally Posted by Mollers

Nearly new for sub £3k. Funny that.

Yea but to be fair I've now got 1 boat and four engines

Originally Posted by Mollers

I'd be wary of buying a used boat with a built-up transom.

Hadn't considered that.

Originally Posted by martini

if I had a transom that was built back up I'd have a stiff neck from turning round every 30 secs checking it wasn't about to come orf

err.. or that

And thinking about the water slopping in easily, flip side is if I stuff the thing then I suppose it will also exit more easily

Sounds like the 150 so far, glad I asked