Outboards we like

D

DJ

Guest
Re: Outboards we like

SoLittle,<br /><br />I don't think we're talking about what is popular. I think we're talking about what we have fond memories of.<br /><br />I've owned foreign cars too. (Datsun 280Z, Toyota Supra, BMW 318, MB 450 SL) However I do not have warm feelings about them.<br /><br />My favorite was a 1970 Buick Gran Sport 455 Stage 1, that I rebuilt from a wreck. It would run anything on the street that was stock except a 440-6 Barracuda that nmy friend still owns. Yet the MOPAR was a tin can compared to the Buick. :D <br /><br />I thought I throw that one in there for you MOPAR fans.
 
S

skier

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 31, 2002
Messages
336
Re: Outboards we like

I am partial to the Merc inline 6 (Tower of Power) engines. I have had three.<br /><br />1. 1969 Merc 1250 (125 hp) ran it until 1993 when it sucked a reed valve and took out #5 cylinder.<br /><br />2. 197? Merc 1500 (150 hp) got it used and ran it for a few years when I gave it to a friend and it is still going strong.<br /><br />3. 1979 Merc 140 (140 hp) Got it used and it is on a Glastron GS 160. Runs great and doesn't skip a beat.<br /><br />I have a little phrase that goes like this.<br /><br />If it isn't Big, Black, and hanging off the back of the boat. Then why bother. ;) <br /><br />Craig
 
M

MGuckin

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
760
Re: Outboards we like

I have had Rudes from 5.5 - 150, Mercs, a Farse 50 hp & Inboards up to 454 twins. Got to say The Rudes have been very reliable.<br />I now have a 5.5 1963 Rude that runs fantastic and a 1984 150 Rude. <br />My problems were with the 150 sitting for 3 years before I got it, yet it still started right up on 3 year old gas. <br />Was gonna make a comment about Puicks and Nopowers but nuf said.
 
F

FlyBoyMark

Ensign
Joined
Apr 14, 2002
Messages
934
Re: Outboards we like

My favorite fishing engine is the the old 1970's weed angle 20 HP Mercury........troll all day without missing a beat and built to last.
 
S

sho305

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 18, 2002
Messages
172
Re: Outboards we like

My Father-in-law has a 35 Rude from about '76 that has run every year with only plugs about every five, and gear lube every year. It was even in a fire that burned the cover, and has a 25hp cover on it now. <br /><br />I have a '73 Merc 150 Tower, but can't find the power as it seems slow for a 150, more like a 125hp I think. Will not pull the prop Merc recommends no way. Runs well for its age and is in fine shape. Looking at a 140 '85 Rude to replace it. Was told a 140 v-4 rude would be faster than a 150 v-6 on my light 17'.<br /><br />Have a Lightwin 4hp from '60s? Runs but it has run so many hours the cam for the points is getting worn off and causes one plug to miss now.<br /><br />Had a '76 Merc 80hp that ran fine after a tuneup. Seemed to run faster above rated rpm, and topped out at 6k rpm, not 5500 max. The block had been apart on it before. <br /><br />The bigger old Mercs never seemed to want to idle slow though. Have a 85hp '85 Force now that started on 3yr gas, so we will see what it does. Block has been out of it, I can see the sealer all around it. I am fitting the new transom board in there now, cheap Bayliners! To be honest, it looks as if nobody sealed the bolt holes on the motor, and I am sure they are below the waterline.
 
K

kart33

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 23, 2002
Messages
87
Re: Outboards we like

My 85 Rude 90 never misses a beat unless I inflict my own wounds. I would like to know why MR MERC is disabeling the VRO on his OMC's. I've heard the pro's and Con's but I am not convinced there is a problem with a properly maintained VRO system.
 
T

thosch

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 3, 2001
Messages
90
Re: Outboards we like

This turning into quite the string. Maintenance is the trick.<br /><br />I had a 1957 Johnson 20hp that I sold about 10 years ago. The present owner reports that it is still running strong.<br /><br />Had a 1975 70hp Johnson. Great motor. Really bulletproof. My brother-in-law still has it on his boat.<br /><br />Currently have two outboards:<br /><br />A 1989 Yamaha 25 hp. I run the 50:1 mix, not the 100:1 originally specified. Smoothest outboard I have owned. Use it on a jon boat for river fishing.<br /><br />Also have a 1991 90hp Johnson. Have had a couple of problems, but of my own doing. A very strong runner. Have it on a Tracker 17ft v-hull.
 
achris

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Outboards we like

Maintenance and regular use are the key to most engine longevity. Unfortunately the owners of a lot of the Japanese engines are going to find out why the American engines last longer. Metal technology. The Japs haven't matched the quality of the American alloys, yet. When they do, I think the Yams will be the pick.<br /><br />My list?<br /><br />Small engines, 80's 9.9/15 Johnrude<br />mid engines, 90's 30 Merc (not the Tohatsu clone), 70 Johnson<br />large engines, 90 V4 Johnrude, 90 (3 Cylinder) Merc<br />Vs, ANY MERCURY!!!<br />4-strokes - not worth the salt on the cowl!<br /><br />Chris..............
 
roscoe

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,758
Re: Outboards we like

achris, how did you ever find this 3 years old post? Just curious.
 
McGR

McGR

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 19, 2004
Messages
664
Re: Outboards we like

Of the half dozen or so outbords I've owned the winner is:<br /><br />'69 Johnson 25hp - Awesome reliable bullet proof fishing motor. Could get up at a decent clip and troll down to nothing... should have never sold it. <br /><br />Edit: This thread is old... what the heck?? I guess there must not be an expiration date for reviving old threads.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top