196 with a Mercury XR6

[Ayc388]

I picked up a 2003 Mercury 150 XR6 for my 1972 196.

Anybody ever run one of those?

I previously had a 2002 Mercury 150 which was the same 2.5L but with a choke instead of enrichener (different boat).
There are allegedly other differences as this is supposed to be some what of a hot-rod bass boat motor in its day, making like 165 HP or something.

Anybody familiar with these motors aware of any other differences? Not much but guessing in other parts of the internet.

I'm sure it's more power than I need, but for the most part is a motor that I am generally familiar with.

[Fish Head]

I almost pulled the trigger on the same motor a couple years ago but my wife convinced me to buy new, long story.
I looked at some reviews and only could find basic but great reviews on the XR6. Rated to be a solid/sound motor.
I have the same 72 19’6 hull as you and almost done with rebuild.Very curious to know if you kept the 20” transom and how she sits with a 400lbs plus motor mounted. Do you still have a self bailing deck? Did you move weight forward to compensate? I have a new Merc115hp Pro XS ordered (363lbs) and I just bought a used CMC hydraulic jack plate (51lbs) so I am about the same weight at transom as you. Hoping to hear 400lbs + was not issue for you. Cheers

[Ayc388]

Boy, I would be just tickled if my wife even TRIED to convince me to buy a new motor, LOL.

Transom is still at 20", which is part of why I wound up with this motor (good deal, right size motor)

I am still at the ugly beginning of my rebuild, so I do not know how it will sit in the water.
I bought it with a non-running Tohatsu 115 2 stroke that is only 40# lighter - previous owner said it was fine.
Part of my rebuild requires me to replace all of the foam in the stringers, which seems to be more wet toward the stern - so might help the way it sits?

I will have a T Top on the boat which should also help.

My plan is to raise deck a bit so self-bailing characteristic should be better anyway.

I will definitely report back when I get the thing in the water, but I think it will be another month or two.