Need new outboard motor, what type?

[fishingguide]

I have a 1966 16' SeaKing tri hull and has the original 50hp SeaKing motor. I am looking at getting another outboard and would like to know what suggestions you have for brand or any other specs you would recommend. I do not believe I can go any bigger then a 50hp. Thanks for any and all opinions.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

If your talking new Almost any brand will do.Just select a well established servicing dealer.
If I was buying new I would check out the Evinrude Etec first.
If your buying used The Evinruder/Johnson motors are good motors and a little simpler than some. They have large well established dealer network.
Now are BRP dealers selling the Evinrude Etec.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

:welcome:I like evinrude/Johnson, the ones I have are reliable and parts are readily available, im sure others prefer mercury, suzuki, Yamaha, crystler, force etc.:couch2:opcorn:

 

[fishingguide]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

:welcome:I like evinrude/Johnson, the ones I have are reliable and parts are readily available, im sure others prefer mercury, suzuki, Yamaha, crystler, force etc.:couch2:opcorn:

Thanks, I will end up getting a used motor, just newer then 1966 Was leaning towards Evinrude or mercury but so many options out there. I appreciate both of your comments.

 

[Nuaticocat]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

I am a huge fan of my Honda 50 4 stroke. I would suggest looking into the weight of your current motor and buying something that is close. A 4 stroke is a lot heavier than a 2 stroke.

 

[Arkyhunter46]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

If everyone ran Honda four strokes I would be out of business.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

hey fishingguide -- welcome. I'm curious about the motor you have on that boat. Any addit description (mod. number maybe)? maybe a pic? I'm not sure who the manufacturer of the SeaKing was in '66. I think it was OMC (Gale), but maybe Chrysler. Thanks.

 

[mgsolakis]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

I really like my 1975 75 hp Evinrude. I think the 50 hp of the same year is a very similar motor just tuned down. The motors are reliable and decently efficient for the age. Parts are easy to find and the motors are easy to work on. I've had Mercury motors as well and they are also good but I found them more difficult to work on when they do go wrong. This may just be my personal experience.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

How "used" do you speak of? What price range. If 10 yrs. old or newer, I would check out yamaha and mercury next. If older than 10 years, I would strictly go for an OMC due to simplicity, parts availability, and reliability. OMC made a 50hp for many years and didn't change much--- it must have been a decent design. Then again, condition is everything and I wouldn't stray from a nice example of a mercury or yamaha of a little older age, either.
I bought a rig with a 2000 60hp yamaha recently and AFTER a carb cleaning and new impeller I'm very, very pleased with it so far. It's amazing how similar the carbs are to OMC's in the same year. Lots of other OMC designs that seem to be copied in the yamaha. The lower units seem to be a blend of Merc and OMC technology, and work great. Seems like the Yamaha motors have a lot of the nicer engineering of MErcs and OMC's. SOrry for the rambling.
JBJ

 

[pckeen]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

Just be aware that with the change in motors, you will likely have to change the controls too. So try and buy a motor that comes with controls.

 

[boobie]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

My vote is for the Evinrude Etec JMHO.

 

[hall832]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

over 20 years of working on outboards in the Coast Guard and commercial sector. i have found Yamaha's are over all best.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

Don't discount buying a boat that comes with a motor. It will come with all the controls and then just sell the boat part of the deal on craigs list. There are many good used outboards, but the sellers won't want to split the motor from the outboard. You might get a great deal for both cheaper than what you would spend on just an outboard. Example, grandpa is to old or sick to use the rig or he died and the family just wants the boat out of the yard! Coming off another boat can give you a better idea of how the motor was taken care of when you see the condition of the boat too. Springtime has boaters moving up for more speed and size, so this is a good time to snag an good outboard.
I sold a 2006 merc on craigslist in 2 days in the middle of jan this year. Pristine and believe it or not it was only used "for 1 season". I sold it for 1/2 of what a new one retails for yet it was like buying a 9 year old motor that was really only 1 year old. These deals are not around when the season starts. By late spring all the good ones are already gone each season.
That other poster that said look up the weight of the motor first was my first thought too being 2 strokes were a lot lighter than 4 strokes and you don't want to go over the boats weight limit even though tri hulls are more stable. if you get in a boating accident with an outboard over the boats legal limit you could be sued by the other party or fined by the authorities.
Another place to look is a used car dealer's lot. Many will take a boat in trade or for a down payment and they just want to get rid of the rig. Then re-sell the boat part on CL.

 

[oldandintheway]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

My vote is for the Evinrude Etec JMHO.

Yes.

 

[82rude]

Re: Need new outboard motor, what type?

there are lots of good used motors out there.do your homework.big thing for a lot of people is a dealer to support you in the area.that being said if you are a do it your selfer you can order parts over the net in a couple of days.i retired a couple of years ago at 54 and for a present to myself I bought my last to death motor,lol.its a 2011 etec 60hp with a 6 year warranty.could not be happier with it .instant start,zero smoke,low noise and lots of grunt.fuel miser also.i see your in colarado and a etec would not need to be fiddled with because of elevation changes as a carbed motor might have to be.just an added thought.