merc 9.9 vs 15hp

[Jim B]

According to the Merc. specs the only difference between the 9.9 and the 15 hp motors is the carberator they use on them. Does anyone know how to tell which carberator is which? I purchased a new 15hp this spring and it had a defective carb. Dealer replaced the carberator, motor runs great but seems it should go faster. I have it as a kicker on a Bayliner Trophy 21 ft Cuddy. Goes 6.5 mph wo. Any and all comments greatly appreciated. Thanks!! JB

[JEFF REED]

How FAST do you think a 15 hp should push a Bayliner 21 cuddy???? Seems to me that 15 hp is doing a fine job, besides what lure can you troll at 6.5 mph anyway.

[mlc]

Jeff, some folks use the aux. motor or kicker in case of a main motor failure. For example, your 15hp kicker could save your life if you get caught in bad a situation with a main motor failure and the high winds are driving you into shallow rocks or a cliff or it might keep your bow headed into the waves. A fisherman might see it as a trolling motor, but someone who spends time on big, open water might see it as an auxilliary power source that could save yer bacon. Jim's concerns are very real.

Take care,
mlc

[jeff reed]

TRUE....BUT that fact remaims he not going to go much faster than 6.5mph with that 15hp. If secondary propulsion at a speed higher than 6.5mph was his primary concern, he would be much better off with a 25hp pushing the weight of that glass Bayliner.

[Tom]

Does anybody know if you can upgrade to the 15hp carb from a 9.9 4-stroke? Any idea as to the cost of doing this? I would like a little more out of my 9.9 4-stroke also.

[Stan]

Whoa! That Bayliner (I am assuming a 2002, had one once) weighs around 2800 lbs without power or fuel. With an 82 gallon tank filled (500lbs) and a 400lb main engine , as well as the weight of the 15 hp, its now a 3800+ boat. 6.5 mi/hr sounds GREAT considering the circumstances.

Tight lines

[JIM B]

JEFF
THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE SPEED BUT BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE IF IT IS A 9.9 OR A 15 HP MOTOR NOW. IF THE CARBERATOR IS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE HOW DO I KNOW IF I GOT MY MONEY'S WORTH. AND I AGREE WITH MLC THAT I USE IT ALSO AS A BACK UP TO MY MAIN MOTOR ON LARGE BODIES OF WATER SO THE HP DIFFERENCE IS A BIG CONCERN. AS TO GOING WITH A 25 HP I'M LOOKING AT CONSIDERABLE WEIGHT DIFFERENCE. THE SPEED WAS JUST A COMPARISON TO HP.

THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS JB

[jeff reed]

Stan.......You be da Man with the PLAN.