What is the best value 15-25 hp?

[SV1000]

I tried out my Lowe 1457 last Saturday with my 6hp Evinrude and this combination is not going to work. The bow was 4' in the air and it took forever to get across the small, 2500 ac lake.

I have 9.2hp Wizard with an impeller, fuel pump and carb kits ready for installation but I don't think the 9.2 will be enough. For now it should be an improvement over the 6hp but I am looking for the future.

This is going by memory but my Grandfather had a 10hp Johnson on his 14' Starcraft and it was OK but the 15hp that replaced the 10hp was pretty nice with two people.

I could not find a General Engine section so I will post here.

If I am looking for a motor that is less than 10 years old, what offers the best value for dollar in the 15-25 hp range? I would want readily available parts by mail order, tiller steer, known longevity, off-brands would be OK if they fit the description. Total weight of the motor I think should be a factor, I saw a 25hp Honda on Ebay and it listed it at 150 lbs. I think this would be far to heavy for my boat but I may be wrong.

Between 450.00-650.00 would be preferable.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

i would look for a johnson, evinrude, merc, mariner,yammy, suzuki. all of these have a readily available parts. even the older johnson/evinrudes are great motor. with parts avail. i have several 50's 60's motors. you need to know the shaft length of the motor, for the transom of the boat. 15 inch transom, short shaft, w 20 inch transom, long shaft.

 

[SV1000]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

Thanks for moving my thread, I looked all over for a general engine discsussion and it was staring me in the face.

My boat is rated for 15hp so I should probably keep it to 20hp max.

Should all similar hp outboards weight about the same?

Are 4 strokes heavier than 2 strokes?

 

[wbeaton]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

Scratch what I just posted. Don't go above 15 hp. 10 hp should be fine. Expect the motor to weigh about 80lbs. Buy any Johnson/Evinrude 9.9, 10 or 15 hp from 1954-now. You may have trouble finding a 15 hp less than 10 years old in your price range. Yes 4 strokes are heavier.

 

[JB]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

Please don't overpower your boat. A 15, properly rigged and with the proper prop, will do just fine.

I agree that a 70s-80s JohnnyRude 15 would be ideal, and, with patience, can be found in your price range.

A well cared for 20 year old outboard is still like new, and an abused outboard 5 years old is junk. Condition is everything. . . much more important than age.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

JB, i could not have said it better.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

this is a nice clean motor, i know the seller, i have bought several things from him, he always sells good stuff ebay# 260216556908

 

[SV1000]

Re: What is the best value 10-15 hp?

Re: What is the best value 10-15 hp?

It's already out of my range before shipping.

I guess ya'll are right, a 15hp should be plenty. I am known for buying "just enough" due to cost factors and being unhappy in the long run.

Are there guides or FAQ's for props that would answer my questions like:

2 or 3 blade, what pitch works for what conditions etc.

 

[JB]

Re: What is the best value 10-15 hp?

Re: What is the best value 10-15 hp?

Check the Engine FAQs for Prop Selection, SV1000

 

[SV1000]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

JB, I found the FAQ but need to find the rpm for my motor.

Thanks, SV

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What is the best value 15-25 hp?

search tiny tach.