21 ft Manatee, new motor help

[futbal2332]

My grandfather has a 1987 manatee with a 1987 johnson 110, he wants to repower but doesnt know what motor he should get and what hp, his neightbor has the same boat with a johnson 90 and he likes it but i think he should go with a 115 for bay purposes, any ideas on what we should do?

 

[ezeke]

Re: 21 ft Manatee, new motor help

The 21' 1987 Manatee was rated for 170HP Maximum, which puts the 110 below 70%. There are more powerful V4 engines if you want to stay in the same motor weight range.

 

[futbal2332]

Re: 21 ft Manatee, new motor help

I cant find any information on these boats at all, i can probably get used 150 for a fair price or should he just buy new for the warenty, and what motor is worth the money not for the name

 

[rndn]

Re: 21 ft Manatee, new motor help

Most if not all new outboards are very well made. You may want to look at Evinrude E-Tec if you want to stick with 2 strokes. Many suggest you try to get to at least 70%-75% of the max rated HP for good performance. So 70% of the max rated 170 is 119HP and 75% is 127.5HP. Look for something around 130HP and up. Lean a little higher if you plan to go the 4 stroke route.

 

[flabum]

Re: 21 ft Manatee, new motor help

Merc Optimax 2.5L 135

 

[seabasser]

Re: 21 ft Manatee, new motor help

don't go etec they are junk....the 135 merc would be a good choice

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 21 ft Manatee, new motor help

Your current engine is 100 cubic inch model, maxed out at 110 hp. It's not much hp for a boat that size. If you step up to a V6 carbureated engine in that same vintage, you will find much more power, along with much higher fuel consumption. I'd look for a later model direct-injected V6 that the others have recommended. These V6 2-stroke engines are lightweight and have as good or better fuel economy as the heavier V6 4stroke engines. I would not be suprised that a 135 V6 engine may not burn more fuel than your current 110. Yamaha HPDI, Merc Optimax and Evinrude Etech are all direct inject engines. High torque, great economy, great products. You'll spend less on maintenance, (no oil/filter changes, nor valve adjustments) over the life of the engine vs a 4 stroke. I'd look for an engine sold and serviced by a local dealer you are familiar with.