Thoughts on direction change,

[bonz_d]

As I've posted in a couple related threads I've started a new project with an Alumacraft Classic 16. When I purchased this boat it came with a 1988 70hp Evinrude that is damaged and the driveshaft is frozen into the crankshaft. I pulled it off with the intention of possibly repairing it at some point. In the mean time I was able to locate a very nice running 1975 50hp Johnson to put on it. Which is on the boat now.

So here is the delema. Recently located a 1984 70hp that I can pick up pretty cheaply. Don't really know much about it as of yet other than it runs, has all the controls and electrical but does not have power tilt.

The Evinrude that was on the boat does have power tilt. From what I can come up with by part numbers this power tilt will fit the 84 Johnson and looks as though it wouldn't be a big job to do.

As of yet I haven't been able to run the boat with the 50 on it so I can only guess as to performance.

So do I stay with and try the 50hp or do I pick up this 70hp, make the swap with the power tilt and run a 70hp which is max for this boat? I know this boat is rated for a 70hp max but with the weight and size of this boat I believe that the 70hp is overpowering it.

Let me hear your thoughts!

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

wow, 120 loooks and no one has any opinion! Guess that means I should leave it alone.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

I'd give the '84 70 a thorough physical and if it passes muster, stick it on there with the PT&T from the '88. Wouldn't take but an afternoon to do the swap...

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Kinda what I was thinking. Wants just $400.00 obo for everything he has. Says it's been sitting in the garage taking up space. Hard part is going to be getting to it with the goofy hrs I work.

 

[V153]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Think I'd be all over that for $400 bucks. With controls? Install the trim & yer good to go!

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Think I'd be all over that for $400 bucks. With controls? Install the trim & yer good to go!

Yes with the controls and fuel tank. I'm finding it hard not to myself.

For what I paid for the 50hp I do know I wont lose any money on it, matter of fact should be able to make some on it. It's just kinda hard to ditch it because it runs so well. When I bought it I did a compression test and that thing is pushing almost 150psi on both cylinders cold.

The other though I had with the 50 over the 70 is fuel consumption and the 50hp weighs in about 70lbs lighter which should make the boat draft a little less and sense I spend a lot of time fishing shallow rock bars it might make a difference and save me a prop or lower unit. Also the 50 has one less carb and one less cylinder to go bad. On the other hand the 70hp would have the PT&T.

Am I making any sense? Help clear my thoughts and reasoning.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Having had one with and one without, PTnT is so friggin' great.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Well PTnT will be a whole new experience for me and the wife.

So how about some pointers from you guys that have/had these three cylinder engines as to anything special to look for, I know I read back somewhere that there was a mod made to the cooling and telltale. Any good links you know of off hand? Anything else special?

I can look at it this way too, I already have 3 practically new props that came with the boat, 1 SS, 1 aluminum and 1 4 blade composite.

I suppose I could also leave the 50 on and just try it out after ice-out and then put the 70 on it and see which I like best and then always sell the other!

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Dang it, missed another one. Gotta quit overthinking this thing.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Bummer ... but at the asking price, if it was a runner, it wasn't going to last long, especially this time of year. Better luck next time. Having had 3 cylinders w/o PTnT and then with, there is no way I would go back to a boat without. I cringed when our fire department bought a sled with a merc 40 and no PTnT (and I was the one that tested and gave the go ahead). For shallow water and for general overall performance, you just can't beat it. Being able to change the angle of your trip will get you out of the hole faster, keep you on plane at lower speeds, and increase your top end. It will save you every bit as much fuel as the 70lbs weight difference and the smaller motor.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Thoughts on direction change,

Thanks aspeck, I knew it was a good deal even if it didn't run it would have been close to a good deal for me. Just couldn't pull the trigger fast enough, too much yeah, well, if, what about.

On the plus side I'm fortuneate enough to live half way between Chicago and Milwaukee, lots of people, lots o water and lots o boats. So I'm sure another will come along just have to be patient and wait. Also I think it's another case of just getting antsy waiting to get started on the new project that's been covered for the past 4.5 months.

All winter I've been debating what to do with that 70hp that came on the boat, should I part it or repair it. Leaning on repairing it. And now that I know that everything below the powerhead back to at least 1984 is compatable it will make it easier. So I'll ask again as I didn't get any response before. Is there anything speacial I should be aware of when looking at these 3 cylinder engines? Very familiar with the 2 cylinder models just have no experience with the 3.

Still courious as to how this boat will perform with the 50hp. Not sure why but I've even seem many online that are only running a 40hp.