Yes they were. And I have no idea why I ever sold mine. Had it on the back of a 22 foot invader deep V hull. Seated six people comfortably and still did 45 to 50 mph.
I have a 1985 cruise craft rouge 14ft with a 90hp mercury inline 6 2-stroke. We take it out every opportunity we get, never had a single issue. With a bit of TLC these things will last a lifetime, plus you can't beat that sound on WOT 👌
Back in the 80’s my father had 1979 Merc 115 and there’s just something about it that’s stuck with me. I Love the the performance and sound of them. They just have a presence that can’t be denied. Beautiful motors. 🤟🏻 I can smell it from here. ❤
I grew up and fished in a 1975 Savage bass boat with my Granddad. Had the same 115 Merc. Man, there's not a better sound in the world than that old "tower of power".
The double Ride Guide steering is sweet! Love how clean it comes out from underneath to the motor. A friends dad had a 20 ft with a 200 black max. He wrecked the transom on it. So he got a new 17 foot. Kept maxie put her on the new boat! So fast! That steering by Ride Guide is a must for these boats! Lesson for today. When going fast. Then slow down and chill. Remember to trim you motor back down before slamming the throttle! That’s how his dad screwed up the transom on other boat! Ha!
I have a 1962 merc 85hp straight 6 I’m restoring, awesome engines. I think the years with a regular magneto/distributor are the best engines. Don’t have to worry about the common red stator failures or a power pack. I blew a couple up and rebuilt them really easy, used a butter knife as a ring compressor, tricky with 6 pistons 😂. I’d love to have a tunnel hull with 2 or one of those 2 stroke v8 Evinrudes…. ❤
I'll tell you one thing the new Mercury's are real nice I mean a beautiful motors but I was born back in the '70s and I love the older Mercury's that long gated style instead of the more compact cuz you got one beautiful motor there I mean that brings back memories right there I mean that is a gorgeous Mercury I mean my dad was a Johnson man you always believed in Johnson's and I ain't knocking Johnson but I love Mercury this is something about a Mercury those some badass motors again you got one beautiful motor there I mean that thing is running like a screaming demon beautiful video love it
I had a Vector with a 130 Yamaha. It ran best with a Mercury Inline prop. 26" chopper. Special props made just for that motor. I had similar performance to this boat. Mid 70s.
Those in-line tower powers are a good engine I still have a 150 hanging in my shop that I’ve always wanted to put on a speedboat 1978 looks identical to that
@@bige8496 I just brought one home to work over and get back out on the water. I think I’ll need to put cylinders 1 & 2 back to specs. Any helpful hints?
@@martyhasz8776 if I remember the 1974-1977 where great years for production. When the Black Max 175 Hp came out in 1976 or 1977 I think it started to put a damper on sales for the 150 inline 6. I was just Kid when all this went down....But my Father had 2 boats both with 150hp Inline 6 and like I said it was a awesome motor...I don't remember him ever having any problems with them....Hope you get the motor running good...I think you'll be impressed with it.....The Mercs inline 6 90hp and 115hp motors where great workhorses also....The Good old days....👍......
Ah, I can spot Watkins Landing a mile away!! River was low that day by the look of the ramp, ya lucky ya didn't hit something!! Sweet set o' cylinders ya got there. I have a 98 3cyl 90hp Elpto but would kill for a T of P!!
And they will still never match the simplistic design and reliable power of a 2 - stroke. Obviously if I were running an offshore charter I’d run 4-strokes to obtain the quiet and efficient operation they offer but for my personal use , after owning one 4-stroke, I’ll keep my 2-strokes.
I remember (many moons ago) reading about Johnson outboard's prototype of a Wankel four rotor outboard. it put out something like 320+ HP and being a Wankel, it could rev to something in the neighborhood of 10,000 - 12,000 RPM. The trouble was it kept ripping the transoms right off the back of the test boats used back in the 1970's
I've watched your run a couple times to see what to expect from a 1980 Hydrostream Vector w/ a Mercury 140 inline 6. (2 more feet of hull, a bit more weight, offset by slightly more power at slightly higher RPM.) I've only been out once so far, for a measly hour before dusk, on a lake w/ a 40mph speed limit, but I'm already hooked on these beautiful and capable little monsters. Thanks for showing off your sweet black Viper & "tower of power". Dual steering cable retrofit straightforward / worthwhile?
1982 Tower of Power were awesome engines, I have one on my Procraft never had any problems with it in 20 years. Only cons is gasoline mileage. Buy Super Engines.
Based on the transom bracket the engine is post 1983, the cowl wrap is from a 76 or 77, the Front and top cover are post 1980. It is either a 90 or 115
@@christopherhampson265 Externally the 90 and 115 looked Identical. It is on a Jack Plate, but when I said Transom Bracket, I was referring to the the Transom/Swivel Bracket of the Motor. The Camera also has a wide angle lens, which will distort the Perspective a bit
I currently have a Stinger 75 short shaft that's needing overhauled. Found one of these for sale and not sure if I should repower with this or keep the Johnson. The electric tilt alone is tempting.
I've got a 89' 115 Mercury on a 17'5 Venture Vendetta. I went over it and installed, new everything (cosmetically speaking). Never been in the water. That boat weighs less than a half ton. Think it'll push it alright ? How fast will it push your rig and how big is your set up ? Also, I've heard that these are actually pretty descent engines. What's your opinion, are they ? Where would you rank it on a scale of 1 to 10 (btw, I mix oil in gas, took oil injection off). If I encounter a problem w/ the lower unit, I'll replace it. I like the sound of a 2-Stroke and their lighter so more power and less wait.
I used to race my Merc 115hp LE with a 24 inch SS chopper on a 16 foot boat and would get 6100rpm (off the speedo), but my boat was stripped out, only one seat & no windscreen.
I’d like to put these old school decals on my bad ass 08 225XS with sportsmaster lower unit! I’ve seen them on a alien cowl! They look cool! Blue or red!
That motor is threading the limit of how high that height adjustment is placed. The motor needs to probably come down at least 1 inch with that adjustable transom plate. If you see when poor water conditions hit the boat, the anti-cavitation plate is out of the water and the prop is losing grip.
The setup is near perfect,there is plenty of load on the motor,he’s running a surface piercing prop,more lower unit in the water equals more drag. Jacking the motor and using more pitch is the recipe for speed.
@@D7mSupra needs more grip? HahahH. Dude you have that thin diialed! What is the pitch on the prop? So its a 4 blade? I have a fresh 1500 powered head we rebuilt a while back, im gonna start putting the whole thing together this week. I have the 650 on my boat now. Its a 73 Bayliner Mutiny 16'
@@kalaharimine since i posted that comment over a year ago i have found out alot more thani knew before those inline 6 tower of power motor are awesome motors and alot better on gas than the newer v6s
Long as there's good water pump pressure, it's fine. Looks like it's pumping just fine. Doesn't sound like it's turning up the r's, though? Was that at WOT? Sounded like it was straining.
Love the video , that engine is awesome, love the tower of power mercs and the prop looks vicious , just wondering though if you dropped the engine down six inches would that increase the torque ? It's been years ago but my old 90 hp six cylinder Mercury had a twin blade speed prop on it and it sat up high but when I dropped it down about five inches the torque difference was really noticable and it didn't seem to effect top speed any
@@markharris4260 good for you ........thats not how we go fast ....fastest boats in world have props running on surface .....less drag = more speed .....custom stainless steel props with correct shape and pitch allow this type of setup .....this is black magic arts only those in the know can produce .....this is very specific setup for speed not a weekend take the family out skiing setup.....do some research and be educated ...
@@D7mSupra I'm setting up a viper with a 115 mariner tower of power after recore and transom this winter, got prop and jack plate advice? also what speed did you get?
Not too high on a high performance padded hull with surface prop. You can get 1/2 the prop out of the water assuming you can keep water pressure. Look up an arneson surface drive at speed
Too much motor for your transom. Watch close when you hit the gas, the foot of the motor goes toward the transom, and the transom makes sounds like if you keep doing it , you’ll ruin the transom and possibly sink.
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I think those Merc inline 6's were some of the best outboards ever made.
I am currently rebuilding my fathers '76. God bless them.
They are the best ever made
Yes they were. And I have no idea why I ever sold mine. Had it on the back of a 22 foot invader deep V hull. Seated six people comfortably and still did 45 to 50 mph.
I have a 1985 cruise craft rouge 14ft with a 90hp mercury inline 6 2-stroke. We take it out every opportunity we get, never had a single issue. With a bit of TLC these things will last a lifetime, plus you can't beat that sound on WOT 👌
Amazing motor’s probably the best of it time! Mercury was and always will be ahead of the times!
Back in the 80’s my father had 1979 Merc 115 and there’s just something about it that’s stuck with me. I Love the the performance and sound of them. They just have a presence that can’t be denied. Beautiful motors. 🤟🏻 I can smell it from here. ❤
I grew up and fished in a 1975 Savage bass boat with my Granddad. Had the same 115 Merc. Man, there's not a better sound in the world than that old "tower of power".
There's only 3 outboards that give me chills by the sound alone and these plus the 140 johnnyrude and the 300 v8 johnnyrude.
Johnson V8, Tower of Power, and Mariner Magnum, or Mercury Black Max if you don't like the Mariner decals and colors.
I'm so stoned listening to this over and over. I can feel the precision engineering.
Love that whine when she’s on top, great engines!!
The double Ride Guide steering is sweet! Love how clean it comes out from underneath to the motor. A friends dad had a 20 ft with a 200 black max. He wrecked the transom on it. So he got a new 17 foot. Kept maxie put her on the new boat! So fast! That steering by Ride Guide is a must for these boats!
Lesson for today. When going fast. Then slow down and chill. Remember to trim you motor back down before slamming the throttle! That’s how his dad screwed up the transom on other boat! Ha!
@@jaylarson152 i have stopped using this boat until it can be redone
inline six have no end of life. very good engine !
Best motor Mecury has ever made.
I've been running a 90 hp tower of power for 8 years now been a very good motor but lawd it loves the gas !
We have a 115hp Tower of Power and she is a Blast
We had the little brother Merc 500--but was my dad proud of his four-cyl 50 HP! Always polished to gleaming black, chrome, and crimson.
I have a 1986 Mercury 90hp inline 6 on a 1993 17' fiberglass fish and ski boat and I love it.
Tower of power love it love it the carb moan on these motors is awesome happy boating oh the Hstream is wicked too
I have a 1962 merc 85hp straight 6 I’m restoring, awesome engines. I think the years with a regular magneto/distributor are the best engines. Don’t have to worry about the common red stator failures or a power pack. I blew a couple up and rebuilt them really easy, used a butter knife as a ring compressor, tricky with 6 pistons 😂. I’d love to have a tunnel hull with 2 or one of those 2 stroke v8 Evinrudes…. ❤
The v8 evinrude is overrated.
The BEST engine ever made
I'll tell you one thing the new Mercury's are real nice I mean a beautiful motors but I was born back in the '70s and I love the older Mercury's that long gated style instead of the more compact cuz you got one beautiful motor there I mean that brings back memories right there I mean that is a gorgeous Mercury I mean my dad was a Johnson man you always believed in Johnson's and I ain't knocking Johnson but I love Mercury this is something about a Mercury those some badass motors again you got one beautiful motor there I mean that thing is running like a screaming demon beautiful video love it
Just found a fully refurbished power of tower for my hydro sport v90 and I can’t stop watching this. Best line of outboards ever
Those needle bearings allowed these motors to absolutely scream.
Sweet sounding outboard. You have that baby purring!
I have a mariner inline 6. It is a beast. Always been plagued with lower unit problems
Great Motor! The 115hp was sweet one to !
I had a Vector with a 130 Yamaha. It ran best with a Mercury Inline prop. 26" chopper. Special props made just for that motor. I had similar performance to this boat. Mid 70s.
Those in-line tower powers are a good engine I still have a 150 hanging in my shop that I’ve always wanted to put on a speedboat 1978 looks identical to that
I skied behind a 150hp inline-6 merc for years with my father in 70's-80's....That damn motor was Bullet Proof....👍👍
@@bige8496 I just brought one home to work over and get back out on the water. I think I’ll need to put cylinders 1 & 2 back to specs. Any helpful hints?
Mine is a 1977. Did you ever get your out?
@@martyhasz8776 if I remember the 1974-1977 where great years for production. When the Black Max 175 Hp came out in 1976 or 1977 I think it started to put a damper on sales for the 150 inline 6. I was just Kid when all this went down....But my Father had 2 boats both with 150hp Inline 6 and like I said it was a awesome motor...I don't remember him ever having any problems with them....Hope you get the motor running good...I think you'll be impressed with it.....The Mercs inline 6 90hp and 115hp motors where great workhorses also....The Good old days....👍......
Ah, I can spot Watkins Landing a mile away!! River was low that day by the look of the ramp, ya lucky ya didn't hit something!! Sweet set o' cylinders ya got there. I have a 98 3cyl 90hp Elpto but would kill for a T of P!!
Gotta know where you are.. been running that stretch my whole life
It's the most fun when you can see the bottom
Fantastic. I have a same year tower on 16 ' speed boat. Once trim pump replaced, I should spend more time splashing in the Bay.
The tower of power👍👍👍
Best merc every made
Nostalgia for sure, but the new Mercury V8 4 strokes are something else. Throaty, fast and fuel efficient.
And they will still never match the simplistic design and reliable power of a 2 - stroke. Obviously if I were running an offshore charter I’d run 4-strokes to obtain the quiet and efficient operation they offer but for my personal use , after owning one 4-stroke, I’ll keep my 2-strokes.
I had this motor on a malibu mark 2.Nothing could touch it 98 kmper hour .back in 70 s
I remember (many moons ago) reading about Johnson outboard's prototype of a Wankel four rotor outboard. it put out something like 320+ HP and being a Wankel, it could rev to something in the neighborhood of 10,000 - 12,000 RPM. The trouble was it kept ripping the transoms right off the back of the test boats used back in the 1970's
my grandpa had one of these 90hp on an old pontoon boat he called the "thunderbolt"
I've watched your run a couple times to see what to expect from a 1980 Hydrostream Vector w/ a Mercury 140 inline 6. (2 more feet of hull, a bit more weight, offset by slightly more power at slightly higher RPM.) I've only been out once so far, for a measly hour before dusk, on a lake w/ a 40mph speed limit, but I'm already hooked on these beautiful and capable little monsters. Thanks for showing off your sweet black Viper & "tower of power". Dual steering cable retrofit straightforward / worthwhile?
I can get more out of it.. the motor was lower and I had a 250 lb passenger during this run
A 140 inline 6 is crank rated, the engine in the Video is a Prop rated 115. The is only about 2 or 3 HP difference between the 2
A BEAST!!
Good for you!!
1982 Tower of Power were awesome engines, I have one on my Procraft never had any problems with it in 20 years. Only cons is gasoline mileage. Buy Super Engines.
A thing of beauty, especially when you trimmed up at 4.50. Nice going!
Based on the transom bracket the engine is post 1983, the cowl wrap is from a 76 or 77, the Front and top cover are post 1980. It is either a 90 or 115
It's a 115 w electronic ignition
Seems to be running a bit high up but maybe that's coz it's so tall 😄😉😀
@@christopherhampson265
Externally the 90 and 115 looked Identical. It is on a Jack Plate, but when I said Transom Bracket, I was referring to the the Transom/Swivel Bracket of the Motor. The Camera also has a wide angle lens, which will distort the Perspective a bit
@@christopherhampson265 It is high because it looks like he's using a SS Chopper prop, ideally that's how you get less drag and max performance.
Cool 😎 I understand less drag = more " SMILES PER GALLON " 👍👍👍
Perfect set up
I currently have a Stinger 75 short shaft that's needing overhauled. Found one of these for sale and not sure if I should repower with this or keep the Johnson. The electric tilt alone is tempting.
Can't beat those old merc. If they run, they run.
I’ve got a merc 1500 same as this, on a 1960s premiers offshore speedboat
Let that be the reason why a jack plate is essential
Sweet very nice rock on.
Awesome setup!!! Beautiful engine/boat!!! How many rpms?
I got a new tach I'm gonna install this year but def north of 6k
5800rpms
@@D7mSupra 5800-6000 is perfect
Best outboard of ever used were big mercury outboards
Mercury is a strong motor this boat is so fast it seems like it's riding on air the motor is so silent when it comes to a stop
I've got a 89' 115 Mercury on a 17'5 Venture Vendetta. I went over it and installed, new everything (cosmetically speaking). Never been in the water. That boat weighs less than a half ton. Think it'll push it alright ? How fast will it push your rig and how big is your set up ?
Also, I've heard that these are actually pretty descent engines. What's your opinion, are they ? Where would you rank it on a scale of 1 to 10 (btw, I mix oil in gas, took oil injection off). If I encounter a problem w/ the lower unit, I'll replace it. I like the sound of a 2-Stroke and their lighter so more power and less wait.
I have that on my 17 foot bass tracker and it tops out around 50 according to my Garmin fish finder.
can't wait to set mine up correctly and actually launch
Old school rules
Nice , what is your top speed ?
Hey, how many props have you tried? I'm re coring one over the winter and have an in line6 I plan to use, was thinking 26pitch chopper.
I used to race my Merc 115hp LE with a 24 inch SS chopper on a 16 foot boat and would get 6100rpm (off the speedo), but my boat was stripped out, only one seat & no windscreen.
Anyone have an idea why i cant get mine to stay running in the lake? Stalls everytime i go to put it into gear. Also hard to start.
very good video, how much is the final speed?
60 - 70 is not uncommon
this engine run with carburetor. not EFI probably ?
3 carbs
@@D7mSupra alright good setup !
Hey! Were did you get that lower unit?! I’ve been looking for one and came access your video. Also what pitch prop are you running and speed ? Thanks
snareLINEVI it is a stock gear case with a Bob's nose cone low water pickup.. 22p chopper
Thanks
@@D7mSupra what dimeeee you running also any mods to it?
So cool
Had a 115 merc on a 14ft,inch checkmate .boat 450 lbs. Motor 365. 63 on radar . Chine skipper.
I recently got a 140hp kinda looks like yours but I don't know any info on it
I’d like to put these old school decals on my bad ass 08 225XS with sportsmaster lower unit! I’ve seen them on a alien cowl! They look cool! Blue or red!
I've seen them.. would be bad ass for sure
115 was kind of a POS. Good for workhorse applications. The good stuff was 125hp, 140hp and 150hp in line sixes.
The adi 115 has higher porting than a normal 115
Swore that stern was busting off, you need to reinforce it or not punch it like that, nice motor.
Classic speed demon
tower of power baby! lol.
Probably the most powerful outboards made for hp, torque, and speed. The inline sixes are better engines over the V models.
If I could get one to push me 90mph then I would agree.. still very well engineered.. they paved the way for the v6
Can u imagine a modern 2022>>Tower or Power with 400hp...
They should call it the transom stretcher instead of the tower of the power .. ha ha
That motor is threading the limit of how high that height adjustment is placed. The motor needs to probably come down at least 1 inch with that adjustable transom plate.
If you see when poor water conditions hit the boat, the anti-cavitation plate is out of the water and the prop is losing grip.
It has a 14.5 diameter prop stainless chopper.. it had a lwp.. I know what I'm doing
Set up for speed
The setup is near perfect,there is plenty of load on the motor,he’s running a surface piercing prop,more lower unit in the water equals more drag. Jacking the motor and using more pitch is the recipe for speed.
@@D7mSupra needs more grip? HahahH. Dude you have that thin diialed! What is the pitch on the prop? So its a 4 blade? I have a fresh 1500 powered head we rebuilt a while back, im gonna start putting the whole thing together this week. I have the 650 on my boat now. Its a 73 Bayliner Mutiny 16'
@John Presnell lmao! Good one
tons of torque but major major gas guzzlers ..cost more in gas than it does to buy a newer cheaper on gas motor
Does it matter, It's for fun not business, Only issue is hauling the tanks.
@@kalaharimine since i posted that comment over a year ago i have found out alot more thani knew before those inline 6 tower of power motor are awesome motors and alot better on gas than the newer v6s
@@farmer87yj that's surprising given all that modern complexity.
@@kalaharimine its so true tho
How much bhp ?
WE CALLED THEM BIG HEAD MERCS BAD IN THEIR DAY HAD A 150 WHEN YOU WOULD OPEN IT UP IT WOULD HUM
Oh my goodness, my lipstick is poking out
Dude lower it down about another 2 to 4 inches and you'll increase speed and proficiency
Likes his rooster tails!
Lol
Nope, more drag - you can have it this high with a Chopper.
Your prop is half in the water, I can see it spinning, I think that you should trim down a bit
It's a chopper prop made to run on the surface
Long as there's good water pump pressure, it's fine. Looks like it's pumping just fine.
Doesn't sound like it's turning up the r's, though? Was that at WOT? Sounded like it was straining.
Looks crappy on the Jack plate
I guess that's why this video has so many views then
its up to high bro
You dont know what your talking about.. thanks for telling me how to set my own boat up
Love the video , that engine is awesome, love the tower of power mercs and the prop looks vicious , just wondering though if you dropped the engine down six inches would that increase the torque ? It's been years ago but my old 90 hp six cylinder Mercury had a twin blade speed prop on it and it sat up high but when I dropped it down about five inches the torque difference was really noticable and it didn't seem to effect top speed any
@@markharris4260 good for you ........thats not how we go fast ....fastest boats in world have props running on surface .....less drag = more speed .....custom stainless steel props with correct shape and pitch allow this type of setup .....this is black magic arts only those in the know can produce .....this is very specific setup for speed not a weekend take the family out skiing setup.....do some research and be educated ...
@@D7mSupra I'm setting up a viper with a 115 mariner tower of power after recore and transom this winter, got prop and jack plate advice? also what speed did you get?
Not too high on a high performance padded hull with surface prop. You can get 1/2 the prop out of the water assuming you can keep water pressure. Look up an arneson surface drive at speed
Too much motor for your transom. Watch close when you hit the gas, the foot of the motor goes toward the transom, and the transom makes sounds like if you keep doing it , you’ll ruin the transom and possibly sink.
That's not the transom, it's motor mounts. Factory hydrostream transoms will run a 200+ with 6 inches of set back for years.