TOPIC: My first Bearcat

Knowing nothing about these the first one I bought had some issues, biggest problem was it was froze up. This one started life as an "F" model and after talking with BillR the block had been changed out with an early block. I freed it up and fired it off, two cylinders had low compression, turned out bad exhaust valves. On disassembly the block was also cracked, the block was so rusty it didn't leak! Found a fellow in town that had a really nice "A" block, pistons and parts which I bought. The block was like new. Engine was completely disassembled and the block replaced. Everything was checked and no new parts were needed. I fired it off last fall, it seemed to run fine. Yesterday we had sea trials, the first three hrs were trolling, we caught our limit of trout and the engine ran flawlessly at idle, smoothest so far of my many engines. Went on to some high speed runs and then developed some issues. Determined dirty carbs was the issue. Choke also quit working. Carbs were cleaned last night, ignition switch disassembled and cleaned. It now seems to run out well on the top end and the choke is working fine. We'll find out Sunday when we try it again. I was nervous about this one as the only parts untouched were the valves as there was no leakage. I also had the gearcase apart the replace the housing due to a broken skeg. This was also checked this morning for water, it was all gear oil. I'm pleased with the way this turned out, got see how the internals are set up, how to setup the towershaft and cam gearing. I also know what I have and this will likely be the engine that will see the most usage.

Cool!
Got a call from a fellow 4 stroker yesterday, he's got a nice Whaler with the original Bearcat on it. He's been out with his wife and enjoying cruising with the Bearcat and was comparing it to his other boat with Yamaha 90hp 4 stroke. Says it's noisier but he still can't believe the fuel economy. On a Whaler 16 and he's cruising it at 4000rpm 20 knots with wife, pretty relaxed rpm for that speed. He's also got a nice idle.
He didn't get a limit of trout like you though!!

Fuel economy is amazing, I don't think I used a gallon in 4 hrs. Cost me more to transport it than actual usage! Two co-workers (Paul) were fishing from a 12' Valco with a 5.5 Evinrude and couldn't believe how slow that big old 55hp was pushing my boat. Hell there was a guy with a newer 5 to 10hp towing a bucket, I was trolling slower than him. Newer engines might be quieter but this engine is much quieter than the 40hp Johnson it replaced. Never fouling a plug, no smoke, fuel economy, and no need for a kicker IMO more than make up for the common complaint of the weight of this fourstroke.

BTW Paul's 115 went to the shop (different one since he didn't trust the last one after I found the water in the fuel that they overlooked), they say the fuel pump diaphragm had holes. Could be, as you were saying it sounded like a lean condition. Anyway he should have it back soon and I hope it will solve his problems.

Too funny, towing a bucket!
Yes the ol 55 is quite the performer in its element.
Boy it's nice not breathing fumes, I always say that is an underestimated benefit at trolling speeds where you aren't able to outrun the blue haze...

Sunday's run went flawlessly from idle to WOT. On to the next one!!

How much fuel did you use Sunday??

We were out for 5.5 hrs, blasted to the hot spot at full speed for about 1/2 mile, same on the return, the rest was trolling, looks like maybe 1 1/2 gallons.

That's about as calculated, 1.1qt per hour x 5.5 = 1.51ish
Amazing isn't it.

After running these I keep telling myself I should have bought one years ago! They may not be for everyone but for what I use them for it fits perfectly. I fought my 40hp Johnson for years, jet changes etc to get it to run smoothly. Had to use a trolling plate. Not knocking two strokes as the '57 18hp Evinrude was the sweetest running two stroke I've ever owned.