'90 Evinrude 150 or '79 Johnson 175?

[crmoyer]

I just bought a "new" boat and based on a conversation I just had with a local outboard remanufacturer, for about the same price (and same warranty) I have two options: <br />1) have the '79 Johnson 175 that is on the boat rebuilt (does not currently run) <br />2) trade in the current motor and buy a rebuilt '90 Evinrude 150 that he has in stock.<br /><br />Here are the benefits and drawbacks as I see it:<br /><br />Option 1) 25 more horsepower than option 2, and I can use the existing controls and gauges, but parts may be hard to find for a '79 motor?<br /><br />Option 2) I can use the existing controls, maybe have to buy new gauges?, newer motor and parts easier to find, but 25 fewer horsepower<br /><br />Are my assumptions correct and what would you do, remember the price is almost equal between the two options.<br /><br />I am a novice if I'm overlooking something here please let me know, thanks in advance! <br /><br />CR Moyer

 

[dkondelik]

Re: '90 Evinrude 150 or '79 Johnson 175?

JUST MY opinion.<br /><br />I've herd less then glowing reviews on the '90's JohnyRudes. Quality issues before Backruptcy. Then Bombardia buyout and things gotGOOD. Don't know if the "BAD TIMES" date back to 1990 though.<br /><br />Parts should not be a big issue for either. Plenty-O parts for '79.<br /><br />Could prove helpful if dealer can show you BOTH of the motors running on a boat.<br />Any warranty options on either of them?<br />If not, and good compression and spark, I'd go with the '79 if they get it running right. (I am a bit biased though, I understand the older ignition systems much better then the newer ones)<br /><br />Stick around for a while.<br />I'm confident that more experienced and informed responces are en route.<br /><br />Good Luck<br />HAVE FUN!

 

[crmoyer]

Re: '90 Evinrude 150 or '79 Johnson 175?

same warranty for both options - 6 months, not sure of all the details, but sounded reasonable

 

[Joe S.]

Re: '90 Evinrude 150 or '79 Johnson 175?

You're forgetting one thing here, the 1990 150HP is rated at the prop whereas the 1979 175HP is rated at the flywheel. Thus these engines are basically equivalent in power since your 175HP is really 155HP at the prop. The benefits of the 150 may be slightly better fuel economy and smoother runability. Furthermore parts should be a little easier to obtain.

 

[dkondelik]

Re: '90 Evinrude 150 or '79 Johnson 175?

Valid pointon the HP Joe S.<br /><br />As for parts, I've had no problem sourcing for '66 and '55 JohnyRudes. Godda belive that there would be little concern for '79<br /><br />Any thoughts on "The BAD Years"?

 

[DJ]

Re: '90 Evinrude 150 or '79 Johnson 175?

Ditto Joe S..<br /><br />The performance should be very similar.<br /><br />If it were me, I'd go with the '90' model year.

 

[crmoyer]

Re: '90 Evinrude 150 or '79 Johnson 175?

Thanks everyone for the input!<br /><br />C Moyer