Thinking about trading a big twin for a Mercury 85

[Ldchase]

Ok here's the story. I picked up a Chrysler charger 118 this spring. It had a 20hp Chrysler in it. Way too slow so I looked around and found a Evinrude big twin 40 locally. I got it running great and put it in the water and only get about 11mph will all four of us and 20 by myself so still not as fast as I was hoping. Now i think I got a chance to trade the big twin for a 1975 Mercury 85 hp. I haven't checked it over yet but he says the compression and Sparks good but it still runs rough so I'm thinking carb cleaning and sync might get it going. I Know the 85 might be a little big but should be fun and I'm planning on getting a bigger boat next summer so it would be a good spare. What do u guys think?

 

[jbcurt00]

Your Chrysler 118 is likely rated for a 65hp, the 1972 118 is, so the 85 is about 30% overpowered.

Its never recommended to overpower a boat.

If the 20 and 40 run good, sell them and by a 60-65hp motor for your 118.

If the 85hp also runs good, is priced right and you plan on buying a boat rated for 85-90hp soon, buy the 85hp.

FYI: in some states, overpowering a boat falls under reckless operation, and thus illegal, it is in WV.

Boat safely.

 

[Ldchase]

Oh wow that's crazy it's illegal in some states but I suppose it makes sense. Do you think the 85 is worth much more then the 40? I figured it would be easier to sell and trade down then up. Thanks!

 

[Ldchase]

Also what would you value these motors at? I have no idea. The 20hp is a Chrysler, 40 is a Evinrude big twin and the Mercury is a 1975 85hp

 

[jbcurt00]

Like boats, motor pricing is regional, maybe more so then boats, and heavily dependent on condition.

Some wont consider an older motor, simply because its viewed as older, often mistaken for unreliable, produce lots of 2cyl smoke, less powerful (a pre-1982 OB was crank rated, post-82 they are prop rated) and often mistaken for hard to find parts for.

I run a 1970 9.5hp OMC most often, and dont own any motors less then 30yrs old. But thats because most of my boats are 1950s project boats, I like the older motors and they tend to be cheaper....

Is the Evinrude 40hp, an electric shift lower? Some (me included) avoid them, some like them.....

I dont know mid-70s Mercs, nor much about Chryslers.

A couple hundred, up to a max of 500 for a near perfect running 40hp big twin, that is also in decent condition, but not cosmetically perfect.

The others, ??????