Mercury 420 Ocean Runner - First outing

[Tellum]

Well went out today for the first time with new 30hp and console and bench setup. I have been contemplating doing this for a while, after 4 hours on the water today I am glad I done it. I was worried about losing space compared with the open tiller setup I had previously , but it wasent really an issue, there is storage under seat ,behind seat and a little space in the battery compartment for first aid bits and there is a shelf under the wheel. I don't need a large fishing box for all my gear and food etc taking up floor space. Also I would normally have a small carp seat to sit on, that's no longer needed. So a lot less clutter lying around, everything has got it's space. I had a chat with the fitter and he placed the console and bench 6 inches more forward then he would normally, this suits me and hopefully help trim. It feels so much better driving the boat , stood up holding the wheel gives great visability while going through moorings etc. It's also nice to have something fixed to hold onto when going through a bit of chop , or to lean against or sit on when fishing. Just need another weather window to get the run in period done , then see how she handles.

[sonny1]

hi tellum, i have the same boat, same engine but tiller steer, have you lost any top end speed by adding extra weight.

[Salty Pete]

G'day Tellum
I have only ever used a tiller on a hired boat, didn't like it at all. That looks like a good setup and I hope you have many hours of fun, and post more pics and even videos.

[Andy]

Totally different boat ya got know, you should really enjoy ya fishing !
Much more comfortable. You should find plenty of space behind ya seat for a cool box , I found one to fit exactly into the gap once the engine is lowered.
You have a different console to me, but I find viewing the same, and those grab handles are worth it !
Ye Ha !

[Tellum]

Sonny1, when i get the run in period done i will let you know top speed. My open tiller version had a 20hp on and done 20mph so if I can achieve that with this setup I will be happy. I reckon it will do that no problem. Yesterday in a calm part of the fowey I took it to 3 quarter throttle and shot up to 18 mph, then I came back off the power, still need to be gentle for a bit longer. The original tohatsu large tank wouldnt fit under the seat so instead of fitting a different model tank i opted for two 12 liter tanks side by side, this gives me the option of usung 1 tank and create space under the seat and save weight, I could place a 5 liter spare tank in the anchor locker .These engines are so fuel efficent i think i will only need a 12 liter tank for a days fishing. .Andy , the space behind the seat is very useful with the whole setup pushed forward I can stand up fishing in that area if I wanted, although I think I will be on the seat mostly . I am looking for a coolbox/crate to fit snug in the space below the engine.

[Andy]

Got this off ebay, to join my coolbox collection ! Seems big enough for a days fishing. I use a seperate small one for bait, to save me turning around all the while.

Approx size, 14.5" Deep x 14" High x 21" Wide

I run a bungie thorugh the handles to either side of the boat just to be safe

[sonny1]

hi tellum, do you live near fowey?. i was there last year with my sib. took it for a week but for one reason or another i didnt get it in the water once,gutted. i must admit i do like your setup,my mind is in overdrive now. when i first took my boat out back in may a few of us went out from near southampton round to sandown iow ,about five hours travel time .i had 25 ltres starting out and got back with about 3 or4 litres , i was happy with that although it was my first outing so i was going really steady. good luck anyway

[Tellum]

About 18 mile from fowey, use that slip the most, better choice for fishing. About 8 mile from looe, bit more limited with tides for launching. Then there's saltash into the river Tamar, about 10 mile away. So quite lucky really,. I can be on the water down fowey within an hour if roads and slip not to busy.

[Tellum]

Well 7 hours into my 10 hour run in now. Took the rib to the Tamar today for a change, I am at the stage now where I can run at 3 quarter throttle with 2 min blast at max rev. So I took her for an hour at a steady 6 to 10 knots to warm her up well, then I went to find a quiet section of the river. I then slowly pushed the throttle forward 15 knots, 18,20,22,25, then all the way 27 knots and then beeeeeeeeeeep so backed off. Tried again but the same shot up to 25 knots, will do a bit more but it beeps. I checked the handbook when I got home and it says its going passed it max revs so it beeps to warn then you can't get any more from the engine.
Why?
I am wandering whether I needed to trim down a bit, maybe the engine was sucking in air?
I will try this before I call someone.
Surely a new engine will be proped right and would perform without the warning alarms.
Just me in the boat with some fishing gear

[warder54]

Hi, had this with my F-Rib 360 and Tohatsu 20 efi. I was under propped and motor was hitting the limiter. I had to go up 3 pitches (to a 12p prop) now runs sweet. if you have a rev counter (or get a tiny tach) see if you can borrow a prop to test. You need to be running at or close to the outboards max recommended revs for best efficiency, and less stress on the engine. Your local dealer should be able to advise, and may even have props available for testing.
Outboards tend to come supplied with the most commonly used pitched prop, which as you've found out, does not suit every hull design/weight etc. The 9p would have been a perfect match to my Honwave 380ie (air hull) more draggy than the efficient F-Rib slippery hull.
Good luck