Which years are best?

[recess]

I am planning on repowering my 20" Grady walk- around with between 150 and 200 hp Evinrude or Johnson. Can't afford a new one (not on school teacher pay) so will be looking at used older models. Which years should I avoid due to service or known problems? Which would be your choice? I realize that maintenance on any motor is crucial, but just wanted some insight into perhaps "good ideas," but "bad engineering" designs from Johnson/evinrude. Which years to stay away from? Thanks.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Which years are best?

There is an old saying,"Always buy a new one and use the first half and sell the second half.<br /><br />You have to look at the warranty. today you get a 7year warraty with a new motor. If you buy a 2nd hand motor you do well to get a one year warranty.<br />If you can't afford a new one, you would not be able to afford a later model if it breaks down unless you do your own work.<br />In the long run a new one is cheaper.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Which years are best?

Fly Rod - I kinda agree with you if you don't have the mind set to do your own work and cost is not an issue. With all of the technology in todays motors I think it best to buy new and use the warranty when/if necessary and trade it when the warranty expires.<br /><br />However if you consider yourself to have the basic driveway wrench skills and can read a factory shop manual it is cheaper by far to buy an older motor and do the work yourself. Spend some time here on this board and read what others have done.<br /><br />As for recess - If you consider yourself in the driveway wrench category I would go for a carbed motor before they started sprinkeling sensors all over these motors. I don't know when that started but I would guess pre 1995. I will also go against the tide and suggest that if you pick up a motor with VRO that you have it disabled & run pre mix.<br /><br />If you do the initial service on an older motor and keep up with the manintenance it will most likely last longer than you will want to keep the boat. Even if it blows up they are relatively easy to rebuild to like new specs at a fraction of the cost of todays miracles.

 

[JB]

Re: Which years are best?

Hi, recess.<br /><br />This forum is for seeking help with engine trouble or repair.<br /><br />The General Outboard Forum is for non-repair topics.<br /><br />I will move this there.<br /><br />Good luck.