Looking to buy first boat ever! A pontoon and on a budget. Found a reasonably priced 1980's Sun Tracker 24 foot. Has a (I assume) same era 40 hp 2 stroke Mariner outboard. I believe the boat specs say max is 75hp.
I'll be using the boat almost exclusively on a small lake, so the 40hp may be enough...i don't know until I've used it. Being a newbie, I was just thinking if I ever decide I want to replace the motor (or if it goes caput) I just find another motor suitable for a pontoon (shaft length, appropriate HP, etc.).
The lady at the boat dealer mentioned that motor swaps aren't that easy, and that if I was to say, replace the 40HP Mariner, with a 75HP four stroke non-Mariner, then I would have to replace controls all the way to the helm and possibly re-wire. She said I would probably have to find another Mariner of the same era to have a chance of not having to replace controls and wiring.
Is that true? Suddenly didn't sound like a DIY job, or an inexpensive proposition. I'm pretty good mechanically and an all-round can fix anything guy, but never worked on a boat before.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
I'll be using the boat almost exclusively on a small lake, so the 40hp may be enough...i don't know until I've used it. Being a newbie, I was just thinking if I ever decide I want to replace the motor (or if it goes caput) I just find another motor suitable for a pontoon (shaft length, appropriate HP, etc.).
The lady at the boat dealer mentioned that motor swaps aren't that easy, and that if I was to say, replace the 40HP Mariner, with a 75HP four stroke non-Mariner, then I would have to replace controls all the way to the helm and possibly re-wire. She said I would probably have to find another Mariner of the same era to have a chance of not having to replace controls and wiring.
Is that true? Suddenly didn't sound like a DIY job, or an inexpensive proposition. I'm pretty good mechanically and an all-round can fix anything guy, but never worked on a boat before.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!