Black max vs Tower of Power

[Gilera]

Correct me if I'm wrong but there seems to be some overlap between the lower hp Black Max and the higher hp Tower of Power in the late 80s. There are more BMs for sale around my area than the older inline 6s. How to they compare in the 135hp model. Is one easier to work on than the othet? Do the V6s still tequire the casing to be split to change reeds and rings etc ?

[rock]

V6 is easier to work on in my opinion. Only reason to split case on V6 is to access crank assembly. The inlines you have to split case to change reeds or access crank assembly. Pistons and crank assembly much easier to re-install on V6.

Rock

[LakeFever]

The V6 in any iteration is a solid step up from the inline. If given the choice between the two the V6 gets my vote every time

[merc1250bayliner]

I fully restored an inline a couple years ago and parts are expensive and a PITA to find. I got a v6 Mariner (same as blackmax) and you can feel a lot more power. Outboards are rated by horsepower but torque is more important and I feel like the v6 has more. Also if you go in the ocean the v6 has two switch boxes and 6 coils. The TOP has one of each. It might be the difference between limping home and paddling.

[Gilera]

I fully restored an inline a couple years ago and parts are expensive and a PITA to find. I got a v6 Mariner (same as blackmax) and you can feel a lot more power. Outboards are rated by horsepower but torque is more important and I feel like the v6 has more. Also if you go in the ocean the v6 has two switch boxes and 6 coils. The TOP has one of each. It might be the difference between limping home and paddling.

Great point.

[Gilera]

If it makes a difference, the last inlines, before they discontinued, had 6 coils and two switch boxes.

I thought so. I was sure the 86 model 90hp I looked at had individual coils and two switch boxes.

[Dave S]

V6 is better........for what you want.

[SPIDERMONKEY]

one advantage might be if you can snag a grey band (86/87) TOP 115, those are closer to 150 PTO rated HP then 115 due to the way mercury played with models during that time. You may find that you can grab a good deal on one off those and get a good power motor for what you would spend on a V6 if that matters to you. They do have 2x switch boxes and also have integrated tilt/trim. There is almost a cult following of the TOP's, but that is probably rooted more in nostalgia then performance.

[25two.stroke]

Stay away from distributor I-6s
Nothing wrong with the later CDI I-6s that have the same ignition system as the v-6s.

I-6s are lighter but make less power.

No reason to seek a I-6 over a V-6 really...get what you can find local.

V-6s are MUCH easier to work on.

[Gilera]

Thanks for everones opinions. Helps me a lot knowing what to look out for.

[Merc 2.5]

Get the black max v6. Only inline if u wanna restore original

[SPIDERMONKEY]

I have a soft spot of the I-6's...I think its the sound and the look. That being said, if its a non distributor I6 or V6 I think you will be happy either way. It really comes down to the condition of the motor. I wouldn't hesitate on either. Get whats available and in your budget.