Hi guys. Strongly considering replacing my 2004 Merc XR6 (150 hp). I have been very happy with the performance over the 21 years I have owned it but, like me, age is taking its toll and the old girl is just not as reliable as I need. Seems I spend more and more time wrenching on her and this past annual Florida fishing vacation, I had to be towed 5 miles on Lake Toho to Southport. As I will be a young 80 this September, I plan on heading to Florida again next January and want to have as much reliability as I can muster.

Obviously, it's been a long time since I was in the market and I'd like to hear some suggestions from those of you who have sampled some of the new Mercury technology.

Mercury has earned my loyalty so only interested `in Merc at 150 HP.

I'm gonna start researching what's available on my own but appreciate real life experience.

Look forward to hearing from you and thanks in advance.

@Nitro 882 What size boat do you have? If you’re paying for a new engine, make sure you get the maximum horsepower it’s rated for. I just learned that from Ajay and some of the other guys. It’s better to have it at the top end — it might be a couple thousand more, but it’s worth it.

I repowered the Lund Pro- V bass in 2018.

Love it.

Here's the info

A-Jay

I'm sorry I cannot speak to the current version of the Merc motors as mine is 10 years old this year. I just wanted to say I'm heartened and encouraged by your post. I am 56 years old and I earnestly pray that I am repowering my Ranger at 79 years old for another 20 years of fishing. God bless and good luck to you, sir.