Motor Choice

Norm S · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 4:24 am Post subject: Motor Choice

Here is my situation. When I purchased my 18 it came with a well worn and questionable 1984 50 horse Evinrude. The second time out it lunched a head gasket. Seafair was a week away so thru a friend of a friend I bought a clean similar vintage 70. It has been a PIA has never run right. I have put a ton of money and time into it and am just about done! I am just about ready to bite the bullet and buy a new motor. I Love the idea of the new E-tecs but reality is the 18 is a 2 yr boat till I can move to a 22 or 25. I think that the average buyer will be more in tune with a 4 stroke Yamaha. The one good run I got on the 50 seemed adequate with 4 people and minimum gear onboard. I've yet to get a full power run on the 70 so don't have a point of comparison. My hull is rated for a 70 hp max. My question is should I look at a 75 or a high thrust 60. In addition to the price diff I'm looking at about 130# diff between the 2. I did note that trim tabs are a must and will be putting them on very soon. Please!!!! all input is welcomed. If I'm going to spend the bucks I want to do it right but also don't want to go into overkill if it's not needed.
Norm

gljjr · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 4:45 am Post subject:

Well I sure can't help with the decision but I have a question for you. What is the problem with the 70? And what have you done to try and get it working correctly? I may be able to help you fix it...

IMHO: Since you are planning on selling the boat in a couple years don't put too much into the motor. Having said that I would go with a 4 stroke as most people seem to want that (me included although the ETECs are intriguing). I would also get the maximum HP the boat is rated for. There is nothing wose than not having enough power in a boat.

flagold · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:09 am Post subject:

"IMHO: Since you are planning on selling the boat in a couple years don't put too much into the motor."

Ditto: don't put money into something you plan to sell -- getting it fixed up cosmetic-wise and selling now is usually the money-ahead option. Very few re-power and sell immediately plans pan out for mere mortals -- dealers can get away with it on occasion, but even then it's tight.

Good luck -- put that money into the next boat!

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:59 am Post subject:

Norm-

I agree with the basic premise of not sinking too much money into a boat you plan to sell.

But if you're planing on buying a used 22 and can't get either of the two motors you've got to work reasonably well to include them in a resale, then here's an option:

Buy a used 22 with a workable used older motor and put that motor on the 18 and sell it and then buy yourself a new 75 or 90 four stroke for the long haul on the 22. Sell the older motors as parts motors, if possible, or take them apart and sell the parts on ebay.

This, of course, assumes you can swing the operating cash to make it work and will have a competent mechanic available to assess the quality of the used motor on the 22. Could work if you're careful and buy and sell carefully and patiently. Joe.