What outboard?

[Rayzor]

I have a 19ft fiberform that is currently setup with a 1971 50hp evilrude electric shift outboard. I just got the boat and have recently got its running fair in a barrel. Overall its in pretty decent shape and fires up quick. It is showing sign of some water getting into lower unit though. Anyways a good buddy has a 1967 Evinrude 80 hp that turned out to much his boat so its just sitting. He offered it to me in trade for my 50. Its in about the same shape as mine but no leaks in the bottom end. I know adding 30 more horse the boat will move out faster, but what is the better motor for durability? I am mostly a fisherman so I will be running the kicker mostly, but may drag the kids on a tube from time to time. I have heard the electronic shift has problems, but is it something to lose sleep over? opinions???

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What outboard?

I know adding 30 more horse the boat will move out faster, but what is the better motor for durability?

Probably the higher HP engine since you won't be running it as hard.....A 19ft boat is a LOT for 50hp.............that said, BOTH are pretty durable engines.....they're still running after 40+ years!!!


Cheers,


Rick

 

[Rayzor]

Re: What outboard?

I was kinda leaning toward the 80 to, just not sure about the belt driven distributor thing. Are those a can of worms or fairly reliable? I would choose dependable over speed any day as I am broke most of the time.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What outboard?

I would be more worried about being able to find normal wear (or any) parts for it....

The BRP site (and others) only go back to 68 which means that anything prior to 68 might be really hard to find.....

 

[Rayzor]

Re: What outboard?

Hmm, I didnt know that. I thought evinrude was super available for parts. I have not had the 50hp out on the water yet, will it be enough to plane the boat or should I look for something new and bigger? I thought the 80 was a good deal as I have heard it run and trust who its coming from that its no lemon. But if I cant get even a set of points that could be a problem.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What outboard?

Parts support for '73 or newer Johnson/Evinrudes is good. '78 or newer excellent. Hit or miss older than that. (my opinion only)

 

[Chris1956]

Re: What outboard?

That boat will not perform well with only 50HP. The 80HP motor will be much better. Those old V4 motors were a good design. They did use some fuel, however.

 

[Rayzor]

Re: What outboard?

ok, so it sounds like maybe I should just pass it on and wait for a newer motor. The 50 cant be that bad.