Fisher Dean Silvester had a specific set of feature improvements in mind while considering the best Mercury Marine engine to power his 2006 Quintrex.
Dean’s Quintrex, previously owned by his father, had been powered by a faithful Mercury 25hp FourStroke since the mid-2000s. However, after making some upgrades that increased the boat’s weight, the outboard no longer met his needs.
Wanting to travel further and faster, he went to Ship & Sail in Gladstone, Queensland, and chose to upgrade to the Mercury 40hp FourStroke for better fuel efficiency and performance on longer water journeys.
“The 40hp was the perfect engine to repower with as it gave me all the extra power, speed and fuel efficiency I needed for longer days out on the water,” says Dean.
“The 25hp worked fine for my dad, but for my needs, it was a bit small and lacked the power I needed.
“I landed on the 40hp because it gives me enough power, and the weight is suitable for my boat while providing the fuel efficiency to get me where I need to go.”
Mercury’s 40hp FourStroke offers more low-end torque, increased fuel economy, and great overall performance. The outboard has an enhanced fuel injection, boosting efficiency and an electrical system with a high-output alternator.
Switching from a 60.1kg 25hp to the much larger 98kg 40hp meant Dean saw an upgrade in the engine’s RPM from 5400-5800 to 5500-6000.
“I did not replace this motor because of the hours. I replaced it because of the size and horsepower for what I need it to do,” says Dean.
“I looked at the physical size to ensure my boat could handle that weight, and I analysed how much horsepower I need and the fuel efficiency I want to achieve. The Mercury 40hp met all my requirements.”
Dean worked with his dealer, Ship & Sail, to find the engine right for him. Despite his research, he says he stressed the importance of involving a dealer in the repowering process with Ship & Sail assisting to ensure he got the right motor to suit this boat without spending unnecessary money.
“Even though I was going from one tiller steer motor to another, involving a dealer in the repower process was important because they can water the test the boat and set up the prop,” says Dean.
“The prop needs to easily get the boat on the plane and achieve the top end in fuel efficiency you want.”
Dean suggests that anyone looking for that little bit more power for their boat should carefully weigh up the options.
“If you have an older boat that you love, think about repowering it rather than buying a whole new boat,” he says.
“Alternatively, if you think a boat is underpowered or your engine has a few too many hours, think about the repower option.
“I love that I’m still in my dad’s boat but now with more acceleration, economy and performance than ever before.”
Photography: Mercury Marine