does anyone have experience with the mercury 5 hp 4 stroke outboard motor? ive read some scathing reviews. this is the motor on a 87 capri 18 i am going to purchase. i have to drive 500 miles one way and i wonder is it safe to transport the motor in the bed of my truck rather than hanging off the transom? thanks
mercury 5 hp 4 stroke
- Thread starter sailorsteve1
- Start date
You should never leave the engine in the transom during transport. Bed of the truck is much safer
A five hp is plenty for an 18 foot boat. If the motor starts and runs fairly well I see no need to replace it. Most of my friends who replaced their motors with new 4 strokes still have the same problems they had with the old motors which is mainly fuel. When they go back to the dealers under warranty it seams like they all clean the carburetor. So, make sure you use lots of fuel additive for the ethanol and when you think the boat will be sitting for any length of time run all the fuel out of the engine by disconnecting the fuel line from the engine while will still running.
And yes, I would remove the motor from the stern before trailering or until you feel the motor mount and transom can handle short towing trips.
And yes, I would remove the motor from the stern before trailering or until you feel the motor mount and transom can handle short towing trips.
I own a 2 cycle 3 1/2 tohatsu (POC) and while I look forward to the day I smash it to pieces with a large hammer it starts after 1 to 3 pulls and will not quit. You might be surprised how well it works. Run it into the ground !
