Message 10 of 11
Posted by member Paul stevens on Thursday 29 January 2026

Hi Robert.
Thanks for your advice. After reading as many post as I could find, I have decided to fit a Mercury 80 plus trim tabs.
Insurance wise, I am trying to keep as close as possible to Hardy's 75 HP recommendation.
I read a post that stated the first few Bosun's manufactured were rated at 90 HP. This would include mine.
I have tried to confirm this with Norfolk Marine but they could not help.
I intended to purchase and fit a new engine myself. On contacting suppliers I was informed that engine's over 30 HP sold to individuals would not be covered by extended warranties'. Plus a computer is required to complete the installation.
I have ordered the engine from Whitstable Marine, they are Mercury main agents and just around the corner from me.

I have been dealing with them for over forty years.
Best regards. Paul.

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Message 8 of 11
Posted by member Paul stevens on Thursday 15 January 2026

Good evening all,
I have just placed an order for a Mercury 100 HP to replace my Mariner 50 HP.
The dealer is contacting Mercury to confirm the suitability of this engine for my Hardy 20 Bosun.
Any comments please.
Regards Paul.

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Message 6 of 11
Posted by member Hakan Balcioglu on Sunday 28 December 2025

Hi Robert, is your Suzuki 70HP long shaft or extra loft shaft version please? I have a Family pilot 20 and it looks like the stern can handle up to about 180kg weight engine and wondered if it should be long shaft or XL shaft outboard. The long shaft version would not have the propeller lower than the actual keel/bottom of the boat when the boat is horizontal at speed. Thanks in advance

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Message 4 of 11
Posted by member robert sneddon on Saturday 13 December 2025

Hi Paul
When i purchased the Family Pilot back in 2012 it came with an old 40hp which i used for the first two years. It was not powerful enough for sea use but the boat was purchased at Rochester and had been used along the Medway.
I had a chat to my local marina engineering company and they managed to identify a 2004 Suzuki DF70
which had come off a damaged sports boat with little hours use. Best decision i made, plenty of power if needed although i must admit spend a lot of time 5/7 knots. Noise level are good and can hardly hear it at tick over.
The Suzuki has been bullet proof and if i had to replace i would certainly consider another. It gets a yearly service.
I went for Bennett 12" tabs which work well however with hindsight maybe should have went for the next size up as the common opinion seems to be to fit the largest possible. i just went for the standard toggle switch control as i know how many seconds to takes for fully/half deployed etc.
Very straightforward to fit.
Hope this is helpful

Robert.

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Message 2 of 11
Posted by member robert sneddon on Thursday 11 December 2025

Hi Paul
I think you need to be looking at a 70 or 75HP engine. I personally have a Suzuki DF70 hooked on the stern and gives me plenty of power.
You don't mention if you have trim tabs fitted but I would definitely recommend them. I've got Bennett Tabs fitted and getting on the plane is always available conditions permitting.
Hope this helps.
Robert.

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