Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

[mtsumedi]

Scenario:

1985 Bayliner Capri 1600 16' Bowrider exactly as the one below:

Engine on the boat is the Force and it has no tilt/trim. I know they are obsolete and it seems to be fairly hard to find parts. I own a 1992 Evinrude 60hp that is on another "crappy" boat that I rebuilt the controls and bought a stainless prop for.

I don't want to go to a smaller hp motor but I can get the Evinrude on it for next to no money involved and have an engine that I can work on and get parts for if needed.

I have been told that they changed engine hp ratings in 1989 and that at the prop they both should be pushing the same kind of power or fairly similar. Anyone have any experience with this? What would you do?

 

[Zeeter]

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

The hp ratings changed from powerhead to prop ratings in 1983.

Although the Evinrude is a much stronger engine than any similar Force.

 

[mtsumedi]

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

I'm also wondering if the Evinrude weighs less too also helping to offset the hp difference.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

The way I see it, replace the Force now with the Evinrude, or wait until it breaks. Either way, it'll be on there somehow.

One side of me says sell the Evinrude for $$$ now and enjoy the Force since it's rigged up and running. When it breaks, sell for parts and repower with a newer outboard using the $$$ from the Evinrude.

I doubt there is much weight difference between the 2.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

consider your timing. If you sell the 'rude and need to replace it, it could take weeks to find a good one used. It could take at least a couple of weeks if you buy a new one before you can use it: wait time at shop to switch them, break-in and return for 20 hour and wait again.
So how long would you want to go without a boat at all? Do you want to wait until winter to switch them--when the shops aren't as busy? (I see you're in Florida but there are still seasons involved).
Can you tolerate risk of the Force breaking down on you now?
I'm in a similar situation--swapping old motors between oold boats. If I were you, and if the Force is running now, I'd switch them in the fall. If it's not running well, switch now. But i wouldn't sell the 'rude and plan to replace it later.

 

[mtsumedi]

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

I've actually relocated to TN. The boat was recently acquired and needs the interior overhauled before enjoying. As long as it's ready for next Summer I am fine with time.

Now I've heard several different thing with prop/powerhead hp ratings:
1989 powerhead to prop rating change
1983 powerhead to prop rating change
1978 prop to powerhead rating change
If distributor prop rating, if coil packs powerhead rating

Anyone know for 100% what the deal is?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

While the Force is a very nice engine, easy to work on and parts are still available, the Rude is hands down the better choice: newer and probably equal USABLE horsepower to the Force, loop charge, and tuned exhaust. If the Rude also has power trim, then it is absolutely a no-brainer.

Force is 50 year old cross flow technology. Both engines are 3 cylinders with about the same displacement. Probably close in weight.

Again, even though I am a Force guy, my choice would still be the 60 Rude.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

I've actually relocated to TN. The boat was recently acquired and needs the interior overhauled before enjoying. As long as it's ready for next Summer I am fine with time.

Now I've heard several different thing with prop/powerhead hp ratings:
1989 powerhead to prop rating change
1983 powerhead to prop rating change
1978 prop to powerhead rating change
If distributor prop rating, if coil packs powerhead rating

Anyone know for 100% what the deal is?

Best I could find is that the International Council of Marine Industry Association's Standard 28-83 was drafted in 1983 (and implemented in 1984?).


http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ICOMIA28-83.html

http://www.icomia.com/library/ICOMIA_File_Download.asp?BK_ID=49

 

[mtsumedi]

Re: Dilemma: 1992 60hp Evinrude or 1985 85hp Force

The Rude does have tilt/trim that I recently bought a new motor for. I have all the parts I need for the Rude to get it on the boat and going. I can sell the Force and use that money to flip back into the interior supplies.