Upgrade from 60 to 70 HP?

[mrozborn]

I have a 2005 Yamaha 60 HP 4 stroke outboard that was on the 16.5 Lund boat I purchased two years ago.The max horsepower for the boat is 75 HP. So far the motor runs perfectly, never let me down once. However it is 15 years old and I don't really know much about the history or the number of hours on the motor. I fish on Lake Erie most times alone and as far out as 12 miles. I'm 66 years old and this will probably be my last boat & motor.

I'm thinking of getting a new or newer motor for the boat if only for peace of mind. How good are the Yamaha's? Should I upgrade from 60 to 70 HP? The controls etc will swap over easily if I stay with the 70 & not the 75 HP. Will I notice much of a speed increase? Reading about the newer motors I can think of one good reason to upgrade is the new motors have electronic control for lowering the trolling speed. I have trouble getting under 2 mph with my current 60 HP. I troll alot so that would be a good thing.

Any opinions?

 

[Sea Rider]

The boat is rated for a max 75HP motor, what's the max number of passengers stated on the tech plate if having one ? If the boat is being use with much less number of passengers you don't need to go for the 70 HP motor. Current one will suffice, if wanting to get the max out of that 60 HP go for a prop maximization...

Make a compression test to determine if the motor runs strong, if, so, still have many years of fishing.. Was the motor used in fresh or salt water ?

Happy Boating