Shetland Blackhawk

[Retaco_04]

Hi,
I would appreciate any opinion on which outboard would be suitable to re-engine my shetland. It currently has a 1986 Mercury Inline "tower of power" 90hp. The problem is that it is extremely thirsty. It is great fun as it can push the boat to around forty knots but with the price of petrol I think it time to go four stroke.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I have been looking at the Honda 50hp four stroke but I am concerned that it wont have the push to get the high top end.

 

[sarabande]

umm, the website says it can take up to 115 bhp, but there were lots of new 'green ' o/boards at SIBS around 50 to 60 bhp with impressive torque and low fuel consumption figures, and some new propeller designs IIRC. I looked at Mariner and Honda - an extensive range best guided, I guess by your wallet, and by how much you want to rely on expensive electronics to control fuel consumption and emissions.

I agree that something around 50bhp is going to make it shift at a reasonable speed though not blistering.

 

[Kawasaki]

I would go for a Yamaha 90 if I was re engining a Black Hawk and wanted 4 stroke
Or an Evinrude 'E Tec'.
In the 80's I had one, with a 115 merc on the stern.
It was needed when all the Family were aboard and all the 'kit' plus we punch 8kts of tide around here sometimes.
Don't be too put off with modern 2 strokes.
A 200 yam on the back of a 20 footer I use regularly returns 4 galls an hour at 22kts
Plus a 25ft RIB with a 300 hp uses 5 galls an hour cruising at 24kts.
Plus the power to weight ratio is better than the 4's
Suzuki make a good 4 too
For me, although nowt wrong with them the Hondas feel a bit 'flat' compared to tothers, just my opinion!
There is no comparison with the modern stuff compared to your 'Tower of Power'!
Oh by the way the Towers fetch quite good money seconhand!