Advice on boat /motor combo

[RWilson2526]

Well I decided i want to move up to a little larger boat. I have my bow rider up on ebay and I am surveying Wellcraft V-20's in the area. I have found 3 outboards within driving distance. 2 I am going to see tomorrow and the other 1 during the week. They are all mid 1980's and under $5,000. Assuming all come back with good compression and solid hulls which order would you rate the motor arrangement, considering ease of future repairs, any info on bad years for a particular brand and overall performance.

1986 - Yamaha 150 outboard (no idea yet if all original or any rebuilds)
1984 OMC Seadrive, 1.6 liter - rebuilt power head installed 2006
1985 235 hp Evinrude VRO - (no idea if all original or any rebuilds.(max name plate hp of hull)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wellcraft V-20

Re: Wellcraft V-20

omc seadrive definately out. run, run away fast. parts no longer supported, hard to get service.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Advice on boat /motor combo

Ok so I saw the 150 yamaha today. Hull was solid just needs a good cleaning. took $500 off the price to $4000.

The compression readings were as follows. I am not sure how the cylinders are numbered but I went from top to bottom and left to right.

100
100
99
97
97
97

I know I've read 100 minumum but being this close should I still be worried? It is a 22 year old motor I dont expect it to last forever but I would hope I could get 4-5 seasons at probably 30 hrs a year out of it and then consider a rebuild or repower.

The 2nd one I looked at was an I/o. Awesome dark blue gelcoat hull which I have never seen before which would look amazing cleaned up. unfortunately there were soft spots here and there and "the engine has problems starting" so that was enough for me.

any advice on the compression readings?