motor swap or repair

[sandhopper2]

I just swaped my old tri hull for a pontoon project
1990 20 ft landau with 1969 85HP evinrude, needs lots of work
The PO said motor ran but would cut out thought it could be the Amp
Also stated no reverse , I have yet to get it started
The question is , I have found another boat on CL for $600 with a good running 1150 merc and a couple other things
for asking $600
Should I try and Fix the evinrude or just swap for Merc ?

Larry

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: motor swap or repair

Although the Merc. may be a good deal, I would look for a slightly newer Evinrude/Johnson 70 HP. Very dependable engines and they are plentiful in most areas. Something in the 1980's vintage would be good..

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: motor swap or repair

Ok why stay with Evinrude ? I have another 115 hp Evenrude here on CL with a boat asking $950
From what I read I want to go for 100+HP motor if I change power

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: motor swap or repair

I just swaped my old tri hull for a pontoon project
1990 20 ft landau with 1969 85HP evinrude, needs lots of work
The PO said motor ran but would cut out thought it could be the Amp
Also stated no reverse , I have yet to get it started
The question is , I have found another boat on CL for $600 with a good running 1150 merc and a couple other things
for asking $600
Should I try and Fix the evinrude or just swap for Merc ?

Larry

If you switch to Merc., you will need to change the controls as well. Also, a 115 hp is a significant over-power. Max hp rating on your craft is likely 75 hp.

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: motor swap or repair

If you switch to Merc., you will need to change the controls as well. Also, a 115 hp is a significant over-power. Max hp rating on your craft is likely 75 hp.

What I'm looking at is a complete running boat with trailer so controls are included
the tag on my boat say 90 HP , I see lots of boats with larger motors
I assume that if the transome is strong enough it would be ok , Am I missing something ?
Like I said this is all very new to me that is why I'm here asking questions
Larry

 

[The Rooster]

Re: motor swap or repair

What I'm looking at is a complete running boat with trailer so controls are included
the tag on my boat say 90 HP , I see lots of boats with larger motors
I assume that if the transome is strong enough it would be ok , Am I missing something ?
Like I said this is all very new to me that is why I'm here asking questions
Larry

Possible legal & insurance issues if anything were to happen when you overpower the boat. Yes, the transom would probably handle the additional weight or could be re-braced, but proceed at your own risk. Good luck !!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: motor swap or repair

Handling the weight of an engine and handling of that power are two different things. HP limit tags are put on a boat for a reason. Primarily safety. Overpowering the boat can cause serious handling issues that can bite you -- in the wallet and on your body and the body of your passengers. Yes -- many people overpower their boats. That does not make it a good thing to do and you have no idea what the full story is either. If your insurance guy doesn't care, make sure the company he represents doesn't either. He does not have the final say in this matter and if you lied on the application where it says HP, you might as well not bother buying insurance.

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: motor swap or repair

Possible legal & insurance issues if anything were to happen when you overpower the boat. Yes, the transom would probably handle the additional weight or could be re-braced, but proceed at your own risk. Good luck !!!

I did not think of insurance or Legal issues
Re thinking now I should get someone to look at this motor
I just did the compression check and all cylcinders read 100 psi or 103 on my tester
I did not get a spark so need to start with wires , looking at the diagram looks like some wires missing or in the wrong spot
Will start again Friday as it is dark now
With the key on what wires on the terminal block should have 12 volts
Larry

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: motor swap or repair

I would consider the age of the motor as well. That older 85 hp you have is typically rated at the crankshaft and not the prop. The ratings were changed in the mid 80's to the prop. I just changed from an older 140 hp to a mid 90's 150 hp and I can tell you for sure there is more than 10 hp difference. To stay with the hp rating of the boat your best motor would be a 90 hp maybe a 90's - 2000's model. The difference between the old 85 and a newer 90 is probably around 12-15 hp. If there is a problem with reverse that probably means the lower unit is shot unless it's a linkage issue. Rebuilt lower units can run $1,500 and you can get aftermarket new ones for less than $1,000. If you find an entire boat with a 90 hp motor it could be you're best deal. If you want to tube or ski behind this boat the newer 90 hp would make a significant difference. If you just want to cruise around then see what?s wrong with the 85 and go from there.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: motor swap or repair

One other thing you may want to consider, I used to have one of the 1968 Johnson V4 85 hp motors and while it was a very good running motor it had the electric shift and 15 years ago when I was using it , parts were getting hard to find.

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: motor swap or repair

One other thing you may want to consider, I used to have one of the 1968 Johnson V4 85 hp motors and while it was a very good running motor it had the electric shift and 15 years ago when I was using it , parts were getting hard to find.

Thanks for the replys
Still trying to decide what is the best way to go
What motors should I stay away from ? Is there any year better than others
The budget I have is very small for the motor part of the project so would like to stay in the $500 to $1500 range
can a useable motor be had for that ? I'm located in Southern Ca but would drive a bit for a good deal
Larry

 

[arntarchie]

Re: motor swap or repair

a 90 horse evinrude and a 115 is the same motor just bigger carbs

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: motor swap or repair

a 90 horse evinrude and a 115 is the same motor just bigger carbs

That would still have the insurance issues , so will continue to try and get mine running and looking for the legal replacement

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: motor swap or repair

OK today I got it to start and run for a short time , had to have the battery charger on it to turn it over fast enough to start
Not sure if the battery is good enough , may just go get a new one
Took off all teh side rails and going to reskin them PO glued 1/2 in ply wood to the outside , don't need this weight
Need to make or buy some new seats and a console , anyone know of a salvage yard in So Cal
Larry