Reengine

[tcube]

I have a 1990, V 17' Lowe bass boat with a mighty sick 1989 Evinrude 40. I won't know how sick until my mechanic gets back from St. Thomas (I've had the engine in the shop once or twice in the past few months:rolleyes

. The boat is new to me since the first of the year.<br /><br />Both my mechanic and my son say it is grossly under powered (it's rated for 120 hp). I've heard a rule of thumb is to take 75% of the rating as the "optimum" hp - that would be 90 hp.<br /><br />I'd appreciate any good advice as to hp, new used, rebuilt. Also, I'd like to stay in the Johnson/Evinrude family to keep the controls in tact.<br /><br />Thanks, tcube

 

[JB]

Re: Reengine

Ahoy, Tcube. I really like those OMC twin and triple loopers, but I'm with your son and wrench on this one. OMC offers a really good pair of 90s but If you really want to stay with OMC I recommend the Evinrude 115 FICHT. Here's why: The 70% I always recommend is based largely on weight. The OMC 90 and 115 are the same engine in different levels of tune. Cancel weight advantage of the 90. The V4 FICHT engines never were a problem, and they offer all of the efficiency advertized. The carbureted Johnson 115 is also a good, less expensive engine.<br /><br />I'm not sure any economy gained by use of some of the same rigging the 40 used is worth much. A few bux saved by deciding a purchase of several thousands seems out of balance.<br /><br />Regulars here know what comes next: JB starts in on EFI 4 strokes again. I'll just say this: Don't buy ANY engine until you have had a demo ride with a 115 EFI 4 stroke. Yamaha, Merc (made by Yamaha) or Suzuki. It is a different world.<br /><br />Fair weather.<br />JB

 

[tcube]

Re: Reengine

JB,<br />Thanks for the info - I had not noticed the lack of weight difference between the 90 and 115 - makes bunches of sense to move toward the 115. I really do need to take a run with a 4 stroke - everything I hear about them is positive. And, I certainly would enjoy quiet if that claim is true.<br /><br />Catch lots of fish and enjoy those grandchildren.<br /><br />tcube