95’ Malibu Flightcraft Outboard Re-powering

[AT11]

Hi folks, I’m looking for some recommendations for replacing the outboard on my 95’ Flightcraft Barefooter. We primarily use the boat for slalom skiing and other water sports.

The boat is currently powered by a 96’ 200HP Mercury XRI Black Max, with a 19 pitch high five prop. We would like similar performance and would prefer to get a new 4 stroke motor, but may be open to finding a newer used 2 stroke option. However, our main concern pertains to the increased weight on the newer motors since 96', which will likely negatively effect the wake. We also know that the bigger Mercury 4 strokes will require a ski pylon extender, which is not that big of a deal.

Below is our current motor specs / status, as well as those of a few motor options we are currently considering, let us know your thoughts. We are open to any recommendations.

Current:

200 Mercury Xri - Gear ratio 1.87:1 - 415 lbs
- Status - 514hrs - Brand new lower unit, broken-in this summer.
- At a cold start the motor runs like new, large loss of power once boat is warmed up.
- Almost feels like half the cylinders are firing at acceleration, but will have random bursts of power while going full throttle.

Mercury:

150 Pro XS - Gear ratio 2.08:1 - 456 lbs
175 Pro XS - Gear ratio 1.85:1 - 470 lbs
200 FourStr - Gear ratio 1.85:1 - 475 lbs
200 Pro XS - Gear ratio 1.75:1 - 505 lbs

Yamaha:

150 I-4 VMax SHO - Gear ratio 2.0:1 - 480 lbs
175 I-4 VMax SHO - Gear ratio 1.86:1 - 480 lbs
200 V6 VMax SHO - Gear ratio 1.75:1 - 529 lbs

[David - WI]

We had no issues skiing & barefooting behind Mercury's Flightcraft test boat with a 3L 225hp motor. Put an extra 100# person in the back of tbe boat and see who can tell the difference skiing?

An Opti would save gas, but why not fix the motor you have... it doesn't sound too serious?

[David]

We have the Gen 1 Etec 150HO on our 19' J-Craft. It will easily pull two slalom skiers out with a 17" 4 blade prop, two feet in bindings. If you can find one of those or a 150 or 175 Optimax, the weight penalty is small over what you have now. Note that the Gen 2 Etec 150 and the 3L Optimax engines weigh more.

BUT, if you go new Yamaha 4 stroke, you can get perfect pass. You might have to buy your Yamaha at Gordon Bay Marine though. J-Craft – Skiing

[Tomanytoys]

JMO…….
Check compression & leak down.
If the internals are healthy & happy I’d figure out the engine issues….quite likely tired / fatigued ignition components.
Once the engine is running like new I’d derig, clean up and refrigerator the boat with a new wiring harness and new wiring.
Give the thing a new lease on life. The boat & engine have lots left to give!

[rgsauger]

Welcome to scream and fly. Sounds like you have a fun rig. That is a great motor that has a whole lot more life in it. It is now 25 years old and if the ignition components are stock, they are definitely due for an upgrade. You might be able to spend a few hundred dollars on what you have and be very pleased with it. Running well when it’s cold and then rough when it’s hot is a classic indicator of electrical and ignition parts breaking down.

[wettek]

If the Mercury V8s weren't so tall they would be great. I know my next repower will be a Yamaha 200SHO, as if I got the Mercury, I would have to make my ski pole another foot taller.

[Turtleherder]

You should start another thread about your engine issues in the Technical Discussions sub area. Ask about the power drop out and I bet the Mercury guru’s can point you in the right direction for fixing your current motor.