2009 Suntracker Party Barge 26 Engine Concerns

[trackin-n-havasu]

Just wondering if anyone has heard of any issues with the Suntracker party barge's 135 hp mercury engine. I just blew my SECOND engine and only have had the boat out about 20 times. I am wondering if it is underpowered??? I have the Alpha One drive on it. Both times it has blown I was only going 3/4 throttle (20 mph). I am running the prop that came with the pontoon. Thank You

[Heatman]

I have not heard of any problems with them. There are a few members on here that have that engine. Hopefully BMR or someone will chime in. I know he speaks very highly of them.

Welcome to the forum!

[lakerunner696]

Prob has something to do with closing the Mercruiser plant in Stillwater, Ok and moving it to Fondle a lot

[badmoonrising]

I have 2 boats with the same Mecruiser 3.0 liter motors. 11 years on one boat and zero issues. Second one is an '06, also zero issues. Never heard of any of them ever "blowing up". These are pretty reliable, bulletproof motors. More reliable than most outboards out there.

I am betting that it is an installation issue if it happened twice. What exactly happened to the motor ? (threw a rod, ingested water ?)...if the exhaust elbow is too short for the application or the installer fails to install the correct one the motor can ingest water back through the exhaust...bye bye motor.