Looking at two motors 85 Evinrude 55 and 97 Evinrude 50

[TwoRivers]

Hello all.
It's been awhile since I've been on the Evinrude/Johnson side of the forum.
My 58 5.5 Fisherman is still running well. I use it from time to time on my 12 footer.
I currently have a 30hp Suzuki on my 16ft. Sea Nymph and it's left me sitting on the dock for the last time.
I'm looking to replace it.
The boat is rated for up to 60hp.
I'm looking at two motors and would appreciate any opinions one way or the other and anything that can keep me from making a bad mistake?
First motor is a 97 Evinrude E50TLEUC. It's been sitting for a few years but the owner said it was well maintained and fogged properly before being put up. It comes with controls but the shifter is not a side mount like I have now and will probably have to pick up another shifter and make sure it fits the harness. Not a deal breaker in my mind but welcome suggestions and potential pitfalls.
Second is an 85 Evinrude 55 hp (don't have model #) but I know it doesn't have t&t. Seller is willing to install it on my boat, let me try it out and see if it works for me?
The 85 is actually priced a few hundred more than the 97.
I think I'm leaning toward the 97 just because it's newer, is that a mistake?
Any info relating to these two motors is appreciated.
I'm looking at the 97 tomorrow and the 85 on Tuesday.
Help please.
thanks
Rob

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Looking at two motors 85 Evinrude 55 and 97 Evinrude 50

From what you say I wouldn't even look at the 85' 55hp motor. There may be other things to consider, but with this info go with the 97'

 

[TwoRivers]

Re: Looking at two motors 85 Evinrude 55 and 97 Evinrude 50

Thanks very much for your response.
Was 97 a good year for these motors?
Anything outside the usual that I should be aware?
Will it be difficult to pick up a set of side mount controls to match the wiring harness?

 

[TwoRivers]

Re: Looking at two motors 85 Evinrude 55 and 97 Evinrude 50

Spoke with two Evinrude dealers this morning and neither had anything negative to say about the 97.
Anybody out there have one?
Going to look tonight. It's about an hours drive so if it looks good I'm taking it home.
Any help with the control question?
thanks
Rob

 

[TwoRivers]

Re: Looking at two motors 85 Evinrude 55 and 97 Evinrude 50

From what you say I wouldn't even look at the 85' 55hp motor. There may be other things to consider, but with this info go with the 97'

Start at the end.
I bought the 97.
Wasn't in quite the great shape I was hoping.
Took the engine cover off to find a nice mouse nest on top of carb cover.
Can't figure out how the rascals got in there?
Put a little oil in the spark plug holes , replaced the plugs and turned the motor by hand a few cranks. Moved freely.
Pumped some fuel into the carbs and fuel just ran out from the carbs everywhere.
Hooked up a battery and turned the key not expecting much.
Few cranks and the motor started, didn't smoke too much and sounded strong.
The gentleman who sold it was a great guy and I enjoyed the transaction.
He threw in a newly rebuilt t&t unit, extra prop, steering cable with wheel and center console setup, controls with cables and a Seloc manual.
This motor may even be to heavy for my boat's transom but I bought it anyway.
I'll start a new thread when I start working on it.
I just might start looking for a boat to fit it?