"Lite" Frame vs. Non-Lite?

[Centxhunter]

What is the difference, is it the weighting of the motor, and where the balance point, or some other factor?
In particular, looking at a MB45 Lite..

[BoatDR]

I assume you are looking at a used motor because the Lite models have been discontinued for about 4 years now...........Breif history lesson: the Lite was desinged and offered in 06 till 07, it was replaced in 07 for an extremely short period of time by what they called a 35 Mini, but because of some misconceptions about it (mostly because there is nothing smaller or mini about it) they made a few changes to it and the name of it now is the Louisiana Special Edition.


In comparing an old Lite model or current production LA Special to a Sport model: The Lite is a balanced frame (it takes less than 10# of force on the handle to lift the prop out of the water), where as the Sport is a weighted back design. The Lite (because it is balanced) is equipped with a smaller/lighter duty power trim, the Sport has a hydrualic trim made by Mercury. Because of the lighter trim the Lite is slightly lighter in weight, but only by about 20#. Other than that, the both have the exact same handle, belt box, belt, clutch, lower drive/outdrive, and propeller.

[270Handiman]

Andy,

As a followup to your history lesson, where doe the "balanced Hyper" fit into the equation? Is that what turned into the mini?

[BoatDR]

Andy,

As a followup to your history lesson, where doe the "balanced Hyper" fit into the equation? Is that what turned into the mini?

Going back to the very beginning of the Hyper's history. The Hyperdeive was a balanced unit, and it was avalibale for sale starting in the spring of '04. When it first came out we were more amazed it how much faster it was, and easier it was to steer over a longtail that we didnt bother to ask the question of "how to make it better." However in Glenns constant persuit of perfection he did some brainstorming (with various dealers) and decided to change the transom mount to make it a weighted back design, and also incorproate a clutch into the belt box, which in '05 he stopped selling the hyperdrive and introduced the Sport. In soupy mud and vegitation it was the cats a$$, HOWEVER all the dealers up north starting compalining because in areas with hard bottom (sandy streams, rocky/gravel beds, or timber) having a balanced unit was more desirable because you constantly have to lift the prop out of the water so you dont go thru a prop a hunt........SO in '06 the Lite came back, and where my first post started at.


Per the Mini, I assume you are referring to the current Mini model (for the 14-27 hp), and it came about as there was request for people that had boats that were smaller than a 1648. It is a completly scaled down version of the larger HD motors, smaller belt box, smaller lower drive, lack of power trim makes the transom mount 1/4 the size, and smaller prop too..........The only part that is the same on a Mini as the larger HD models (sport, lite, hunter, la special, and old hyperdrive) is the clutch, belt, and bearings and seals in the drive.

[deadbird8]

The balanced frames handle differently than the sport. Make sure you test drive, I personally prefer the sport.

[marc]

Also the lite has a lot more tiller torque ..I put up with it for 5 years ...I now have the mercury sport and love it...but once in a blue moon I do miss the ease of pushing the handle down to lift motor when running

[270Handiman]

The balanced frames handle differently than the sport. Make sure you test drive, I personally prefer the sport.

Yea, I know, I'm getting a new sport, I was just thinking that the only motor I have ever run was a Hyper. I never ran your old 35, just the 45 on the other boat we hunted out of all the time. Even at Caddo in 2010 when I ran it, that was before ya'll changed it over that fall. I do remember that sucker being tough to drive, just didn't have anything to compare it to so I figured it was just me, lol.

[Centxhunter]

The balanced frames handle differently than the sport. Make sure you test drive, I personally prefer the sport.

I noticed that, but being a MM nube I did not know what to expect. Can the frame or whatever changes the balance point be changed? I am either gonna build up my left arm, or..... Sure do like the power and ability to maneuver the engine.

[deadbird8]

Yea, I know, I'm getting a new sport, I was just thinking that the only motor I have ever run was a Hyper. I never ran your old 35, just the 45 on the other boat we hunted out of all the time. Even at Caddo in 2010 when I ran it, that was before ya'll changed it over that fall. I do remember that sucker being tough to drive, just didn't have anything to compare it to so I figured it was just me, lol.

He changed to the Sport frame and was night and day happier with it because of less tiller torque and how it handles in a turn.

Can the frame or whatever changes the balance point be changed?

Yes but its expensive- its changing the motor mount and adding the Mercury trim.