Is it too much

[trucktramp]

I just picked up an old Winner fiberglass boat about 16 feet long that is in need of a repower. The plate says that it will take up to an 80 hp motor. A friend of mine has an early 70's 85 hp Johnson that has been gone thru and runs good with no issues. He is willing to part with it for a good price ($700). Would this be too much motor for the boat since it is only rated at 80 hp max? I also have a possible line on a 55hp Johnson of about the same age and condition for about the same money. Would this be a better choice? I have always said that there is no replacement for displacement but I also believe in moderation in everything. Thanks for the advice.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Is it too much

I just picked up an old Winner fiberglass boat about 16 feet long that is in need of a repower. The plate says that it will take up to an 80 hp motor. A friend of mine has an early 70's 85 hp Johnson that has been gone thru and runs good with no issues. He is willing to part with it for a good price ($700). Would this be too much motor for the boat since it is only rated at 80 hp max? I also have a possible line on a 55hp Johnson of about the same age and condition for about the same money. Would this be a better choice? I have always said that there is no replacement for displacement but I also believe in moderation in everything. Thanks for the advice.

trucktramp; Welcome to iboats. I think you could go with either one. The 85 HP would be better for speed and power and would be my choice as long as I was comfortable with who I was purcasing it from. 5 Hp over isn't going to make any difference and the extra horses would be there should you need them. In case of a Storm or long haul across the water. You don't have to run it wide open unless you want to or need to but sure are nice when you want to.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is it too much

If the 55 is the three cylinder engine, BOTH those engines are sweethearts and you won't go wrong with either. 85 will not overpower the winner and at less than 10% over rated hull power, the local enforcement should not bother you-- they probably won't even notice. They will be more interested in PFDs and other safety equipment. However, it will be significantly heavier than the 55. On the other hand, "There 'aint no substitute for cubic inches" and the 85 will perform really nicely--especially if you want to water ski. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is it too much

legally, you are overpowering the boat, but i would do it. those extra horses will make a nice boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Is it too much

Let us know the exact year of that 85. You may want to avoid pre-1973 models as they are electric shift. That price seems high unless it comes with power tilt & trim. If someone wanted to buy my '73 Johnson 85 for $700 I wouldn't be able to get it yanked off my boat fast enough.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Is it too much

Only issue with the 85 is it is pretty heavy compared to the 3 cylinders.

If it were me, I'd be looking for a 70 or 75hp 3 cyl. Good chunk less weight for not much less hp.

But I'd have no issue with an 85 on a boat rated for 80.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Is it too much

If the 85 HP is in good condition, I would say that price is good. There are plenty of parts available (ebay and other websites) and the motor is pretty easy to work on if you are inclined to do so.

 

[CaptOchs]

Re: Is it too much

If the 55 is the three cylinder engine, BOTH those engines are sweethearts and you won't go wrong with either. 85 will not overpower the winner and at less than 10% over rated hull power, the local enforcement should not bother you-- they probably won't even notice. They will be more interested in PFDs and other safety equipment. However, it will be significantly heavier than the 55. On the other hand, "There 'aint no substitute for cubic inches" and the 85 will perform really nicely--especially if you want to water ski. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Agreed! Another consideration on an older boat is the condition of the transom. The 85HP would be heavier and push the boat harder than the 55HP. Your transom could wear out sooner with the 85.

If I were in your shoes I'd go for the 85. Boats (minus engine/trailer) are cheap enough and the 85 would be a lot more fun!