Hounddog wrote:
Since we are talking mostly about T750 motors. Here is a list of possible entries.
Number 1 choice is the OMC 60 hp 2 cylinder. IT IS 60 hp at the prop shaft. There are a number of different blocks, mids and gear cases. The motor was produced up into the 2000s. Lots out there to buy and lots of parts available. It has a big advantage because the motor is raced in SST 45 and there is a lot of information on how to get max performance. A spec motor will be over 67 hp.
3 cylinder 43 cubic inch Yamahas and Tohatsu/Nissans. they are 50 hp and very well designed. Costly to buy and not a lot of parts. Tohatsu is the motor of choice in Europe for T750. It has a very wide range of performance because of the large production. I good one can be 59 hp.
2 cylinder Yamahas, Mariners and Tohatsu/Nissans. The models are similar. Some are crank rated others are prop shaft rated. Normally a "C" motor used for commercial applications. They are 55 hp. Very strong built with heavy rotating assemblies. Heavier, but they do have very good mid range power. Rare to find a 15 inch model. There is a 19 inch which is good on a 24 transom VooDoo.
3 cylinder twin carb Mercury. Poorly designed motor. In STOCK form it would not be 60 hp at the prop shaft. On the same boat it performs similar to the PRO 50 Yamaha. Could have a bit more top end, but it does not have the mid range punch.
Green motors...ETEC, EFI models and Mercury 4 stroke.. We don't have any history.
I was under the impression the 2 cylinder omc that most of us run from pre 86 were crank rated and not prop rated. I though the switch over to prop ratings took place in 86-87 depending on the engine and manufacturer.
I'm not sure the OMC is the number one choice based soley on performance, maybe performance and availability of cheap motors/parts.
I want to see one of the 3 cylinder yamahas or tohatsus out on the course I think they will be tough to beat, the exhaust system on them is superior to the two cylinder omc. Maybe one day Dok will build a 50 yamaha to try out.