1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011
2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260
3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22
4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.

Merc 4 stroke 2006 Engine Problems / Value
289fia	#1  Posted on 07/28/22 - 6:41 AM
Member Posts: 33 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/26/22	Currently looking for a Montauk 170 and am looking at a 2006 with a 90 HP Merc 4 stroke with under 200 hours. Very nice boat, clean, well maintained, however I have heard that the "2003-2006" Merc engines were problematic and since they are expensive to replace ($11,000) I am looking for information on how problematic those engines might be. Did they have SERIOUS issues ... if so then I should simply look for another boat. Thoughts?
butchdavis	#2  Posted on 07/28/22 - 7:02 AM
Member Posts: 826 Comments: 0 Joined: 11/22/11	I have not heard of problems with that engine. Unless I had some pretty good reason from a trusted source I would not pass on the engine. 200 hours is a piddling amount of use. Unless the seller has complete maintenance records I would have an annual maintenance done in a Mercury Marine shop to include replacement of the water pump impeller. You can perform a compression test on the engine to get some idea of the internal condition. At the very least I would insist on a water trial of the boat and engine. Butch
289fia	#3  Posted on 07/29/22 - 4:34 PM
Member Posts: 33 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/26/22	Butch ... thanks for the comments. I just found ANOTHER boat ... and have it under contract pending sea trial next Tuesday: -2007 Montauk 170 -2007 Mercury EFI (not the Yamaha power head) with 101 hours on BOAT AND MOTOR. -Boat has been stored in a garage and only taken out when used ... for an average of 6 hours a year for the past 15 years. Gel coat is like new, cushions are spotless, motor looks great. Cannot wait. As soon as I get her ... I will do an epoxy barrier bottom coat and bottom paint as I plan on keeping her in a wet slip covered at a marina on the St Johns River (fresh water).
Phil T	#4  Posted on 07/29/22 - 5:59 PM
Administrator Personal Page Personal Album Project Albums Posts: 6988 Comments: 6 Joined: 03/26/05	The reported issues with the Mercaha 90 had to do with the carburetors installed by Mercury on the Yamaha powerhead. Some of the carburetor passages were small and prone to clogging when the boat was infrequently used. Some owners had issues with clogging/bogging down. Owners reported by adding the Mercury product QuikKleen eliminated the issues completely. 1992 Outrage 17 I 2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+ 2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
289fia	#5  Posted on 07/30/22 - 6:28 AM
Member Posts: 33 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/26/22	Montauk 17 bought pending sea trials.