Another newbie question

K

kolive

New member
I posted this same question in the outboards area but was not sure how many people from this post read that forum and we really got some good responses to our last question so I thought I'd double post.

We just bought a new Merc 9.9, 4 stroke,longshaft, bigfoot for our current boat and wondered if that would work for either a 22 or 25 CD. We must have all of 25 hours on the motor.

I have not read much about Merc motors being used on these boats and wondered if there was a particular reason. Also, is it totally out of line to have two different brands on the transom? Will the Borg come and get us?

Keith & Katie in Cowiche
 
That particular 9.9 Mercury is perfect for the CD22. The thing that makes it so is that it is paid for! It would be a little small for the CD25. I had a Honda 8 on my 22, and have a Honda 15 on my 25. I wouldn't want anything less than that on either boat on the Columbia River in the current.

I think with the recent partnership with the Sea Ray dealer we will be seeing lots more Mercurys on CDs inasmuch as they are made by the same corporation that makes Sea Ray boats - along with thirty or so other brands. I can count on one hand the number of CDs I know of today powered by Mercury. Why, I don't know.

You'll be fine with that Merc next to a Honda. We might rib you a little, but you'll be fine.
 
Thanks TyBoo,

We'll hang on to when we sell our Starcraft. Now to decide 22 or 25........I can't wait to get to the show and meet everyone, go aboard the boats again and tour the factory.

Keith
 
The merc will work fine for either the 22 or 25. I made a lot of trips to Catalina Island on my father's 26 foot sailboat--heavier and more windage than a C Dory 25 with a 1932 5 hp Johnson pushing the boat. I used a 6 hp on a Catalina 27 and have pushed a 62 foot, 60,000 lb boat at 2.5 knots with a 5 hp. The 9.9 and 15 are basically the same motor (Merc made an 18 which is also the same block as the 25--and larger displacement). Being a "Big foot" it has more torque.

I used a 3.5 merc on the C D 22--it will move the boat--but not fast--especially in wind or chop--but for slow trolling--the smaller engines work great! I even have it rigged so I can use the 3.5 on the TC 255 and used it to push a 28 footer in and out of our bayou on a regular basis.
 
You don't see many Mercurys on CD's because none of the dealers have been associated with Brunswick (to my knowledge). I have two Merc 90's and they've been like most of the other brands described here: flawless in operation.

Turn the key and go, that's the main thing with any of them.
 
Keith --
Some pre-thoughts on the 22 vs 25:

1. How are you going to use the boat?

2. Are you going to do a lot of long distance trailering?

3. What is your comfort level, in terms of space?

4. How is your boat budget? -- not just for the purchase, but for fuel, dockage, maintaining?

5. Are you comfortable with a porta potty, or do you require a marine head?

These are a few of the questions one needs to ponder when considering which of these two boats would best fit your needs. Obviously, in contrast to the great American myth, bigger is not always better -- it depends on you and your needs. And these can be pondered before the boat show. Others will pose more questions, I'm sure, and there are lots of folks who will advise on the answers, but, bottom line, you must do the choosing for your needs and budget. Just a few thoughts ... See you at SBS.
 
Right ON !!! Bill ....I could not agree more with you list... I wanted a 25 but decided to try a 22 first, then if needed trade up.... I really enjoy my 22 for all the reasons on your list... for our needs it is perfect.... especially that part about towing.... and expense of towing, storage and maintenance.
 
Thanks for the questions Bill & El,

Let's see how we do on the answers.

1. How are you going to use the boat? Fishing, cruising and exploring.

2. Are you going to do a lot of long distance trailering? Possibly, we would love to explore the Great Lakes, that's where Katie is from, plus other parts of the country where our kids are scattered. We tend to prefer the places away from most people as opposed to "camping in a crowd".

3. What is your comfort level, in terms of space? We actually like the time we spend in our 8' Lance Cabover camper.

4. How is your boat budget? -- not just for the purchase, but for fuel, dockage, maintaining? I would much prefer to pay for fuel instead of dockage and mooring. We would be happy to do some of the maintainance, but leave the more technical repairs to the pros. I really like the aspect of a trailerable cruiser. We are not wealthy!

5. Are you comfortable with a porta potty, or do you require a marine head? We currently have a Porta potty and see nothing wrong with it. Easy to clean and maintain. Have never used a marine head.

Showering, we accomplish by heating water on a stove and using a 5 gallon "garden sprayer" when we camp. Gives a good shower and is easy on the water usage.

We have a 3/4 ton Sliverado HD Diesel to tow with. It tows our horses and horse trailer just fine plus gets pretty good mileage. We are comfortabnle towing things.

Our ideal is to have a small footprint where ever we travel.

Looking forward to SBS to chat more.

Keith
 
Well, lets look at it a different way.
I suggest you buy the 25 out of the gate. You will be having so much fun with the boat that there will not be any time left for the horse. so sell the horse and horse trailer and buy the bigger boat. plus the feed bill for the horse will pay the fuel bill for the boat so when it is all sorted out it becomes a wash.
 
We all know the wife makes the call ! Thats how I got a 25 with a head and shower. What's up Roger. Only a few more days until the SBS. Can't wait. 8) I like those cheap sunglasses
 
Keith --

You've done your thinking -- good on ya! Now, at the SBS, you look them over, talk with the various owners, and make your decision. Looking forward to meeting at SBS.

And you'll recognize SEA3PO for more thoughts from him -- the guy with the big smile and the Hawaiian shirt.
 
Keith- I have a friend with Merc. 9.9 on his Walleye boat he loves it. 9.9 horse power is just dandy for tolling a 22' .Probably would work for a 25 but I don't know first hand.

For a couple the 22' is good boat. You don't have buy a huge tow vehicle for them. You can still do day trips with more people but I'd avoid camping on the boat with more than 3. It may be the perfect boat for the Great Lakes.

I hope to see the country someday with a boat in tow as well. :thup

Good boat hunting! :D

Chris Bulovsky

I
 
Chris,

Thanks for the merc feedback. We are planning on keeping it and seeing which boat we end up with. If it is the 22, we'll use it if it is the 25 we might trade it in for a 15 horse.

I was looking at your photos of Scout. OH MY GOSH! You did an amazing job of resurrecting the boat. How long did it take and how did it get that way in the first place. Scout looks great, as do all the fish. I caught a 12 lb white chinook from Lake Huron a few years ago. My biggest this summer was a 22lb from Vancouver Island.

Keith
 
Thanks Keith It took about a year and a half to rebuild. It was a slooooow process. Mostly because I had learn as it went. This boat ran out of fuel off Oregon St. then blew into shore and got pretty banged up.

22lb Salmon ? :shock: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: That would be fun!

Lake Superior fish are usually not huge but very lean.

Going to Isle Royale this spring in SCOUT hunting monster lakers and moose watching. :smilep .............Is it spring yet :cry

Chris Bulovsky
Washburn Wi
 
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