help selecting outboard 88hp SPL or 115hp

[mgl1003]

I just picked up a 1989 Glastron 16' with an 88hp Johnson(J88MSLCCC) but have a 1995 115hp Evinrude(E115TLEOR) sitting on a hull I purchased but never used. This will be my first boat to ever put in the water, as you can see its the second I've owned, and really need help. Should I pull off the 88 Johnson and install the 115 Evinrude? Thank you all in advance for your help.

 

[Chris1956]

115HP could be a bit too high for a 16 footer. You might see what the max HP rating is. Running the 88HP motor for a year will give you some safe handling experience. Actually 88HP on a 16 footer should give pretty good performance, as well.

 

[racerone]

The weight of the 2 motors is the same.------------Decision can be made after checking compression on the 2 motors.

 

[64osby]

http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Glastron_Boats__1989/bp/54br1203y

You could maybe find your boat and max HP here ^^^ or if your boat has a tag the max HP should be listed.

I would run the 88 as is and see how you like it, also gets you familiar with the boat. Keep the 115 as a spare and or upgrade after a year or two. If they are both in good condition.

Other considerations are do either have power tilt and trim, PTT. Will the existing controls work on the other motor? Will the other controls fit your boat?

 

[mgl1003]

Thanks you guys for your responses. I was just outside and noticed that Power Tilt and Trim is only on the 115 but the controls look similar and I imagine could be moved over.

 

[mgl1003]

I decided to rid myself of the 115 and enjoy the 88 that came with the boat. I just need enough to buy a tilt/trim and a couple other things for the new boat. thanks for your advice guys.

 

[64osby]

PTT is nice to have . You might see if the unit on the 115 will fit the 88. They can be a couple hundred or more as an add on.

Adding a power tilt would also be an option. They are a little less expensive.

I have the power tilt but found a great deal on a PTT and will be upgrading before the next boating season.

 

[mgl1003]

Well, I pulled the 115 motor and placed it on a stand, It was time consuming but not difficult at all. Tomorrow I will complete the strip down of the old boat and send it on its way. I will learn the boat and boating with the 88 before I look at installing the 115. Wife was cool with it so I spent the time while I wait on the machine shop to return my other projects crank. Thank you again for the advice. We are hoping the San Diego Bay has light displays for the season and we can decorate the boat with lights and cruise. Happy holidays everyone.

 

[jimmbo]

If both are 90 degree crossflow engines you will see about 5 - 7 mph higher top speed. I would have pulled the 88 off and rigged the 115. I used to run a crankrated 140, about the same as prop rated 115, on a 15 ft hull and never had any issues. The boat was rated for 90hp, but there are no laws against exceeding the recommended max HP in Canada.

 

[Frank Acampora]

I have had several Glastron boats. Currently I have a GT 150 and a V153. Both are rated for 90 HP. The V153 was powered with its max 90 and it now powered with a 120. (Avatar photo) The GT 150 is under restoration (James Bond boat) and will be powered with either a 140 or 150. (the James Bond boat was powered with a 135)

The 16 foot Glastron is usually rated for 115 ( my 1972 16 footer was rated at 115.) and quite frankly you would probably be happier with the 115 mounted on the back. Once you have power tilt/trim you will never want an engine without it. As stated, the top speed will increase by about 5-7 MPH, but more importantly the hole shot will be much faster. If you intend to do water sports, this is important.