Motor upgrade thoughts or suggestions!

This topic has 9 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 3 months ago by jignpig.

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March 8, 2012 at 1:52 am #462588

chasescottwill
Participant

I really want to upgrade from a 115 to a 150 on my caracal! I have heard from several people that my “little” boat with a 150 is a fast lil guy! I currently have a 2007 merc 115 optimax bought brand new in 08 with very low hours and still in warranty till 2013. My question is what would be the best way to go about selling my motor and finding a good merc 150? Would a dealership consider a trade+ cash?

March 8, 2012 at 2:07 am #462590

PhilAddison
Participant

you may get some action from a dealer at trade plus cash, but personally i think youre going backwards. I think you will be surprised at what your engine will bring vs. the cost of a new engine. Have you thought about selling the whole rig and purchasing a cat with a 150 already mounted on the transom? Good luck!

March 8, 2012 at 4:15 am #462593

rlb8s
Participant

Mercs new 150 four stroke looks like a winner. Make sure you give it a serious look should you decide to pull the trigger on a new 150.

March 8, 2012 at 4:29 am #462595

gasaxe
Participant

i think i would look to sell the 115 to an individual before trading in. That size motor should be a big draw to the pontoon crowd looking to repower. I sold a older carb 120 off of my deck boat to repower to a 200 and it was gone in 2 days after listing in the local paper.

March 8, 2012 at 4:52 am #462597

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I think Phil is on the money. I think you would be better off selling the whole rig and stepping up to a rig with a 150 on it. A Sabre with a 150 would be a little bit bigger and probably a good bit faster.

March 8, 2012 at 5:33 am #462598

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Dollar wise it would be a wise suggestion to consider both options. Unless your stuck on the Caracal hull the repower is going to be costly in comparison to replacing the rig, and the older repowered rig would have limited resale.Last edited by Bass Cat Boats on March 8th, 2012, 1:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

March 8, 2012 at 12:03 pm #462599

Bama96
Participant

The new Margay Package with a 150 would be an option. Before you go spend 12-13K on a new 150 I would look at trading for a new/newer rig with warranty.

March 8, 2012 at 2:07 pm #462601

pantera296
Participant

Id say youre looking at a $7,500.-$8,000 difference range to trade in your 115 for a new 150 ProXS. Only you can decide if you like the Caracal well enough to keep it several more years as this investment wont payoff in the short term if you decide to sell or trade it for a newer/ different rig…

March 8, 2012 at 2:24 pm #462603

sabreski
Participant

If you still like your Caracal (awesome hull by the way), I would look for an older Merc 150 EFI or Xr6 2000 year or so. If you could find one at a dealer (hopefully close to you) would trade out and or part with some cash. I am not sure what years, but I think some of the early EFIs dont have a rev limiter-hopefully someone with more knowledge can elaborate. Put one of those bad boys on (light weight) and you should be mid 70s and a handfull to drive! I think you would be better off this way than a new 150 on an older hull should you part ways with the whole rig soon.

March 8, 2012 at 3:56 pm #462605

jignpig
Participant

If your Caracal is in very good to great shape AND your fishing needs or waters indicate smaller is better, then a newer used EFI or XR6 in the early 2000-2005 years would be a good option.You will take a hit in any number of ways with a repower….The engine you have now you will get less for since it is used and that is money lost on the original investment in the engine.A new engine will be more costly and you will take a hit at resale if you do not plan on keeping for at least 4-5 more years, though a “warranty” may soften the blow at resale. But the next buyer is looking at the overall picture of a 20 y/o boat and he will target that as the price point, not the newer engine, which is a double whammy.A newer used engine you would be out less but also no warranty/guarantees either.But a 150 on a Caracal, properly set up, and with driver SKILL, can be the cats meow!96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
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