I have a [1999--please use four digits for year] Outrage 23 that I want to re-power. It currently has the original Mercury 225 EFI. I'm thinking of getting a Suzuki 300.
[To re-power with a SUZUKI 300 from a Mercury 225] what all needs to be done?
Give your thoughts on what needs to be done [when a boat is re-powered].
I plan to move the batteries to the console.
Is it true Boston Whaler put ballast weights in the [stern] of their single engine boats?
I've looked, but I don't see any [ballast weights in the stern of my 1999 OUTRAGE 23 boat].
Re-powering Tasks; Ballast Weights
Re: Ballast Weights
I have never heard of ballast added to a Whaler like you are talking about. I have a 1995 Outrage 24. It does not have any kind of ballast from the original single engine configuration. I really doubt [that your boat has ballast weights in the stern], but look in the bilge and see if there is something there.
[PLEASE MOVE THIS ADVICE ABOUT ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION AND WIRING TO A NEW THREAD IN SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL--jimh]
[What needs to be done when re-powering with a SUZUKI 300 from a MERCURY 225]:
My boat was rigged from the factory with batteries in the console and a battery terminal block near the transom. I [made this change] on several Boston Whaler boats. It is important that the battery switch be near the batteries, and that the cables and connectors do not cause the voltage to drop because of poor connections [and wire of insufficiently large gauge]. Heat shrimp everything.
[Someone else] will have to rig your new outboard for the warranty. In the process they will de-rig and pull your old one.
Archie
[PLEASE MOVE THIS ADVICE ABOUT ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION AND WIRING TO A NEW THREAD IN SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL--jimh]
[What needs to be done when re-powering with a SUZUKI 300 from a MERCURY 225]:
- use a [heavy-duty] terminal block for the battery cables from the console
- hook engine cables directly to a heavy battery terminal block
- mount batteries in the console
- run one set of heavy gauge cables, like 1-AWG or 2-AWG to the transom terminal block
- mount the block within reach of the outboard
- run the correct gauge battery cable to the block
- use multi-strand marine cable
- use the right connectors
- use shrink tubing on the connects
- use marine grade everything
- put battery switches in the console
- use the kind of tool you hit with a sledge hammer
My boat was rigged from the factory with batteries in the console and a battery terminal block near the transom. I [made this change] on several Boston Whaler boats. It is important that the battery switch be near the batteries, and that the cables and connectors do not cause the voltage to drop because of poor connections [and wire of insufficiently large gauge]. Heat shrimp everything.
[Someone else] will have to rig your new outboard for the warranty. In the process they will de-rig and pull your old one.
Archie
Re: Ballast Weights
Some Boston Whaler boats which could have twin engines and were sold with a single engine may have had lead ballast added to the stern in order to give the boat better static trim. This was usually done on boats with cabins, which might have had a down-by-the-bow trim when rigged with a single engine due to the added weight forward from the cabin superstructure.
I do not recall any OUTRAGE open cockpit center console boats that were ballasted.
I do not recall any OUTRAGE open cockpit center console boats that were ballasted.
Re: 1999 Outrage 23 Re-power
If you are interested in soliciting advice on electrical wiring and 12-Volt power distribution, please start a new thread in the SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL sub-form in the MARINE ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL forum section.
Re: Re-powering Tasks; Ballast Weights
You have asked a question that requires a very broad and comprehensive answer. It is impossible to get into details in a reply. I will offer very general advice.
When re-powering a boat with a new engine, the tasks that must be performed will vary. If the new engine is a different brand than old--as is proposed here--more problems must be faced. Usually there is not much compatibility among engine brands in rigging gear and accessories. The following items will likely have to be replaced if a new engine from a different manufacturer is to be rigged on an old boat:
RE-POWER NEW GEAR NEEDED
Note that many engine manufacturers require that the engine be installed by a certified dealer, and the dealer must either perform all the rigging or certify that the customer has performed the rigging in complete compliance with the required specifications if the manufacturer's warranty is to come into effect. Without dealer certified installation, the warranty coverage will not be applied in most cases.
When re-powering the boat fuel system should be very carefully assessed to make sure there are no air leaks, no restrictions, and no hidden problems. Problems in the fuel system of older boats can cause significant damage to modern outboard engines, and neglect of relatively inexpensive refits to the fuel can later cause huge engine repair bills--not covered by warranty. In the case of this 20-year-old boat, the fuel system must be carefully inspected and likely will need new hoses, filters, and fittings.
If the boat transom has the BIA standard engine hole layout, and if the hole location is in the proper position, and if, upon inspection, the holes are found to be well sealed, and if the transom, upon inspection, is found to be sound, strong, and free from any internal wood rot, softness, or decay, then the new engine can likely be bolted onto the transom using the existing mounting holes. When the old engine is removed from the transom, a very careful inspection and close assessment of the transom should be performed. Any deficiency in the transom should be repaired before the new engine is installed.
When the new engine is mounted, the engine mounting height should be discussed in advance and an agreement reached between the dealer and customer about the exact engine mounting height. Many dealers will, in the absence of such discussion, mount a new engine in the lowest possible position; this will be unlikely to be the best mounting height.
Once the engine is installed, a new propeller may be necessary. This is particularly true in the case of the SUZUKI four-stroke-power-cycle engines because of the use of unusual gear reduction ratio and a very large propeller aperture. I would anticipate needing to buy a new propeller. When soliciting bids for a new engine, ask that a sea trial be included and stipulate that a propeller or multiple propeller tests will be conducted until a suitable propeller is found and demonstrated in a sea trial. Although buying the propeller from the dealer may be slightly more expensive, if the dealer provides several propellers for testing, the added cost will be worthwhile.
Regarding engine remote controls: when re-powering consideration should be given to electrical or electronic shift and throttle controls (EST controls) if they are available as an option. Modern engines are often sold with EST remote controls. These EST controls are generally an improvement over the old-style mechanical controls linked by flexible cables. Re-fitting with EST controls may not be possible after engine purchase. Also, some models mandate EST controls.
Re-use of existing mechanical throttle and shift control may be possible. Generally the direction of motion of the linking cables and the particular fittings on the linking cables will vary among engine brands. Older shift and throttle controls and their associated cables that are about 20-years-old may be due for replacement, particularly if the controls and the cables were bottom-tier models. At one time Mercury was selling three tiers of remote controls, and the bottom-tier products were not especially great. Considering the total cost of a re-power with a 300-HP engine, I would not skimp on the remote controls.
Regarding engine instrumentation: when re-powering consideration should be given to modern electronic instrumentation using digital data networks. Literally all modern engines support this type of instrumentation. Among some brands and models, electronic digital networked instrumentation is mandatory.
Check the engine manufacturer specification for the engine cranking battery. It is typical for modern engines to have very specific requirements for the cranking battery, for the type of battery, and for the ability of the battery to provide a minimum cranking current in Amperes. Newer engines with four-stroke-power-cycle design will typically have higher compression ratios than older low-compression two-stroke-power-cycle engines, and will be more difficult to crank over during starting. If the present engine cranking battery in the boat does not meet specification or if it is an older battery, a new cranking battery should be provided.
If moving the battery location farther away from the engine, be CERTAIN that you consult the manufacturer's rigging guide to determine the proper minimum battery cable gauge necessary to comply with their specifications. Many modern engines will have trouble starting with low battery voltage during cranking. Note that it is never a good idea to include connections or splices or any other discontinuity in engine cranking battery cables. Buy the OEM battery cables of the proper gauge and length as stipulated in the engine manufacturer's rigging guide. Note this topic is covered in SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL, where topics related to boat electrical installations are located. See
Conductor Size for Power Distribution
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=578
Also see the REFERENCE article
Conductor Size for Power Distribution
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... rSize.html
When re-powering a boat with a new engine, the tasks that must be performed will vary. If the new engine is a different brand than old--as is proposed here--more problems must be faced. Usually there is not much compatibility among engine brands in rigging gear and accessories. The following items will likely have to be replaced if a new engine from a different manufacturer is to be rigged on an old boat:
RE-POWER NEW GEAR NEEDED
- engine electrical harnesses for remote controls and instrumentation
- engine remote panels for ignition switch, safety lanyard, warning lamps, aural alarm sounders, and so on
- engine basic instrumentation such as tachometer and trim gauge
- engine remote throttle and shift controls
- fittings for fuel hoses
- required fuel filters
- required measured maximum vacuum pressure in fuel delivery hose
- propeller fit onto propeller shaft
- propeller pitch and diameter
Note that many engine manufacturers require that the engine be installed by a certified dealer, and the dealer must either perform all the rigging or certify that the customer has performed the rigging in complete compliance with the required specifications if the manufacturer's warranty is to come into effect. Without dealer certified installation, the warranty coverage will not be applied in most cases.
When re-powering the boat fuel system should be very carefully assessed to make sure there are no air leaks, no restrictions, and no hidden problems. Problems in the fuel system of older boats can cause significant damage to modern outboard engines, and neglect of relatively inexpensive refits to the fuel can later cause huge engine repair bills--not covered by warranty. In the case of this 20-year-old boat, the fuel system must be carefully inspected and likely will need new hoses, filters, and fittings.
If the boat transom has the BIA standard engine hole layout, and if the hole location is in the proper position, and if, upon inspection, the holes are found to be well sealed, and if the transom, upon inspection, is found to be sound, strong, and free from any internal wood rot, softness, or decay, then the new engine can likely be bolted onto the transom using the existing mounting holes. When the old engine is removed from the transom, a very careful inspection and close assessment of the transom should be performed. Any deficiency in the transom should be repaired before the new engine is installed.
When the new engine is mounted, the engine mounting height should be discussed in advance and an agreement reached between the dealer and customer about the exact engine mounting height. Many dealers will, in the absence of such discussion, mount a new engine in the lowest possible position; this will be unlikely to be the best mounting height.
Once the engine is installed, a new propeller may be necessary. This is particularly true in the case of the SUZUKI four-stroke-power-cycle engines because of the use of unusual gear reduction ratio and a very large propeller aperture. I would anticipate needing to buy a new propeller. When soliciting bids for a new engine, ask that a sea trial be included and stipulate that a propeller or multiple propeller tests will be conducted until a suitable propeller is found and demonstrated in a sea trial. Although buying the propeller from the dealer may be slightly more expensive, if the dealer provides several propellers for testing, the added cost will be worthwhile.
Regarding engine remote controls: when re-powering consideration should be given to electrical or electronic shift and throttle controls (EST controls) if they are available as an option. Modern engines are often sold with EST remote controls. These EST controls are generally an improvement over the old-style mechanical controls linked by flexible cables. Re-fitting with EST controls may not be possible after engine purchase. Also, some models mandate EST controls.
Re-use of existing mechanical throttle and shift control may be possible. Generally the direction of motion of the linking cables and the particular fittings on the linking cables will vary among engine brands. Older shift and throttle controls and their associated cables that are about 20-years-old may be due for replacement, particularly if the controls and the cables were bottom-tier models. At one time Mercury was selling three tiers of remote controls, and the bottom-tier products were not especially great. Considering the total cost of a re-power with a 300-HP engine, I would not skimp on the remote controls.
Regarding engine instrumentation: when re-powering consideration should be given to modern electronic instrumentation using digital data networks. Literally all modern engines support this type of instrumentation. Among some brands and models, electronic digital networked instrumentation is mandatory.
Check the engine manufacturer specification for the engine cranking battery. It is typical for modern engines to have very specific requirements for the cranking battery, for the type of battery, and for the ability of the battery to provide a minimum cranking current in Amperes. Newer engines with four-stroke-power-cycle design will typically have higher compression ratios than older low-compression two-stroke-power-cycle engines, and will be more difficult to crank over during starting. If the present engine cranking battery in the boat does not meet specification or if it is an older battery, a new cranking battery should be provided.
If moving the battery location farther away from the engine, be CERTAIN that you consult the manufacturer's rigging guide to determine the proper minimum battery cable gauge necessary to comply with their specifications. Many modern engines will have trouble starting with low battery voltage during cranking. Note that it is never a good idea to include connections or splices or any other discontinuity in engine cranking battery cables. Buy the OEM battery cables of the proper gauge and length as stipulated in the engine manufacturer's rigging guide. Note this topic is covered in SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL, where topics related to boat electrical installations are located. See
Conductor Size for Power Distribution
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=578
Also see the REFERENCE article
Conductor Size for Power Distribution
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... rSize.html