Help with motor purchase newer vs bigger?

[mmallonee]

Hi all, 1st time poster here so be gentle. I'm not looking for a brand to brand debate, just a little seasoned advice. I'm needing an outboard and was really wanting a 9.8 or 15 Merc. But availability in may area and finances are hindering me. So I've located a 1979 9.5 Johnson seahorse and an 1983 Mercury 7.5 my delima is newer with elect. Ign. Vs bigger and older. I'm pushing a 14" Lowe on the river and there both the same price and both in good shape. Would the newer out preform the older or would I even notice? & as far as reliability, maint. etc what's the better motor for me? Thanks for the help.

 

[flyingscott]

The 9.5 seahorse will be a 1973 or older , if that is what it is, it will compare to the 7.5 hp mercury as the 9.5 hp was never the strongest motor. Now if it's a 1979 9.9 hp seahorse it will outperform the 7.5 mercury significantly I would buy that, if it's a 9.5 I would buy the mercury 7.5 hp

 

[mmallonee]

That's what I thought, I asked for the serial number to verify. Everything I read said 73 was the last year for 9.5 but the title says 1979, (yes we have to title everything in MO) so I'm not sure if everything is on the up & up with the Johnson. I think I'm going to look at it today, its a drive so wanted some info. Thanks to you for the input.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The merc 7.5 is a carb change from a 9.8.

Comparing the torque curves between the 7.5 and 9.8 mercs, the low to mid RPM's, the 7.5 or slightly better than its bigger carbed brother. I would go with the merc myself over the older motor

 

[pckeen]

I would vote neither. I was pushing a 14' lone star with a 6hp, and it wouldn't get on plane. I'm now pushing the same boat with a 10hp Johnson, and it get's up on plane, but not super happily. The 7.5 will be underpowered, and if the 9.5 is not a great motor, as indicated above, I suggest you keep looking. I understand availability isn't great at this particular moment, but older motors are a dime a dozen - if you wait a few weeks, you'll see a few more advertised.

 

[jimmbo]

The 9.5 has a history of problems with the exhaust cover and passage. A 9.9 an excellent little motor and some versions of it are very easy to hop-up to 15 hp