Mercury 125 tiller w/warrior 1890 BT

[bonz]

How will this motor work for backtrolling and just overall performance on this boat. Any disadvantages with this motor? It is a 2002 boat and motor.

[threewayguy]

Although I dont have a Warrior I run a 125 on a Ranger. Top speed is about 40mph trolling speed is about 2.1 - 2.3. It is nice to only have one motor when trolling, the turns are sharper and quicker with a motor that is centered, downside is this motor can suffer from fuel loading up and can just quit when trolling but generally starts right back up.

[Btfrk]

I run a Warrior 2090 but not the 125 Merc. I have a 115 Evinrude and forward troll about 2.0 and top at a best 40mph, typically 37.5 to 38mph. I think you will really like the hull on the boat, tracks well forward and reverse. The Merc should be able to troll down fine and should really move with the 1890 hull. The only negative I see is the 125 Merc is a carbed motor and may smoke a bit.

[Vikings Fan]

The 125 Mercury was and still is a very good motor. Technology has moved ahead and you certainly will find more fuel efficient motors available now. A 150 Optimax will give you about the same mileage as the old cross flow induction 125 offers. Or any new 150 for that matter. The 125 is easy to work on. Plugs are inexpensive and maintenence is easy.

Do yourself a favor and have a compression test done on the motor before buying the rig. If that is good, have the plugs, thermostats AND the water pump impeller replaced. Have the lower unit inspected. If you buy it, run a bottle of Mercury Ring Free through the first couple of tanks of gas and then use it regularly. You should be all right. Ring sticking due to carbon build up from excessive trolling can be a problem. especially if your thermostats stick open and the engine does not come up to operating temperature.

Teh 1890 warrior is a well performing proven hull. As for a 2002 boat I would have the boat structurally inspected by a competent shop. I believe that year Warrior still had a lot of wood in it. They have since gone to more composites in there models. Have the stringers, transom and floor carefully checked. That could save you a huge amount of grief and expense down the road. If there is problems with rotting wood stay away from the boat.

If everything checks out good you have a very fish able well performing combination.

One the walleyes will hate you for owning.

[peter8]

I had a 2002 1890DC w/ the merc 125. I can't help on the backtrolling part but overall performance was great. I ran a fin on the motor to help get it out of the water faster. Top end was about 47 gps and it would stay up on plane at about 17-18 mph. Best prop was a 20P hi 5 when loaded . You will love how that hull tracks and handles big water. Only glitch w/ the 125 was it's cold blooded but ran great once it got warmed up. You won't be disappointed!