Mercury 2 stroke 65/45 jet

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Creekchub

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Anybody got any feedback on these older two stroke motors. I got two used boats I’m looking at. One has a 4 stroke 60/40 and the other has a 2 stroke 65/45. I like the boat with the 65/45 better but the motor is about 10 years older, which really doesn’t bother me but wanted to see what the opinions are of the motor before I dropped the cash

Thanks
 
A little more power and probably a little lighter weight, usually a positive in a jet boat. The boat and expected load will play a big role in its performance.

Outboard Jets makes just about all the production jets you see these days. Their website is a trove of great info. Here is a link you should read about boat hulls and recommended power. Boat/Power Select

I estimated all the weights in my son's 17' G3, and the power just made the minimum requirement. Just under a 2000lb gross weight with a 90HP power head. I think the minimum does provide "good" performance. If he opted for the smaller 60/40 jet, it probably would have been a mistake.
 
I have the 60/45 2 stroke on my boat and it's a short shaft motor due to the boat being a jet tunnel hull. I think mine is a 1994 model and has been a good motor but I did lose the voltage regulator/rectifier 2 years ago and the stator last year. So I replaced all the ignition parts with CDI stuff and so far so good. The oil injection pump was leaking bad so I removed the gear inside and run it with premix. Even with it being a short shaft, I had to mount it 2-1/2" above the transom to tuck into the tunnel properly.lowe_trimmed1.jpg
 
how much noise and fuel usage can you put up with? Both are considerations, and even moreso with jets.
 
how much noise and fuel usage can you put up with? Both are considerations, and even moreso with jets.
I seriously dislike the sound of a 2smoke jet in action.

In this case though it may have to be weighed against the parts issue mentioned, though I have no expertise in this vein or several others.
 
I've had a 2 stroke Merc 60 /40 on an 1997 Xpress `1650 since 2002. Motor and is very dependable.
Every part is availabe used on Ebay or new and cheap. I estimate I've dunked my set-up a minimum of 600 times.

I moved batteries and helm forward and took-off the 2 of the 4 seats. The boat has two pedestal platforms.
it is beat to heck from river running for smallmouth bass. Top speed I ever saw going down river was 33mph one day one time when I had the liner perfectly adjusted. Going upriver It goes 28mph with 2 200 lb guys.
To save gas, when I am by myself I go about 27mph which puts me at 80% full throttle.

I would love a two stroke Mercury Optimax 115 with jet. But If it aint' broke why fix it ? So I fish with this outfit for 21 years now.
 

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