Is it worth a new motor?

[rockstar55667!]

I have a 1986 Stingray 170 SS. Ive had it for a little over a year. The motor is a 1987 Evinrude VRO 90 HP. Over the last year I have spent over $2000 fixing the motor. The motor even caught fire last year. It never really ran right after the fire.

Today I got the news that the #4 cylinder is dead. My dilemma is: do I get a newer motor for the boat, or scrap the boat.

Heres some background on the boat: The transom (from what I can tell; I have not drilled it) is in good shape. There is no flex. The floor is fine, even the original upholstery is in decent shape. Its a simple boat; no stereo, only 2 gauges (fuel and trim) 2 switches (lights and bilge). The trailer is in OK shape, I replaced one roller last year after it snapped. It has some rust here and there, but I haven't had any issues with it. But the boat is a 1986, as is the trailer.

The marina that has done all the work to my boat has a 2005 Evinrude with 260 hours for $5200.

Is it worth the investment, or should I scrap the boat due to age?

The Boat in question: http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...7/IMG_1499.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...7/IMG_1501.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...7/IMG_1502.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...7/IMG_1498.jpg

[BonairII]

The marina that has done all the work to my boat has a 2005 Evinrude with 260 hours for $5200.

Did the marina mech
anic try to sell you the Evinrude? I wouldn't buy a motor from the same guy that told you that your current motor is toast. Conflict of interest IMO.

$5200 bucks for a 7 year old motor is crazy, but that just my opinion.

For $5k you could find a very nice boat,motor and trailer on CL etc.

[rockstar55667!]

Did the marina mechanic try to sell you the Evinrude? I wouldn't buy a motor from the same guy that told you that your current motor is toast. Conflict of interest IMO.

$5200 bucks for a 7 year old motor is crazy, but that just my opinion.

For $5k you could find a very nice boat,motor and trailer on CL etc.

Yeah the motor is at the same marina that told me the motor is dead. $5K seems like a lot of money to me too. Especially to be put on a boat that is 26 years old. I'm considering selling the boat and getting a small inflatable with an outboard.

[boobie]

IMHO, I'd Pull the boat out of that marina and either take it to another one for a second opinion or sell it.

[BonairII]

getting a small inflatable with an outboard.

I started out with an inflatable and small outboard. Pain in the arse IMO.

Why are you considering downsizing that drastically? Tired of spending a fortune on gas/repairs on a larger boat?

If so, just find yourself a older aluminum boat(maybe a runabout etc) with a 30-50hp motor. They are nothing to maintain and sip gas.

Boating is only as expensive as you want it to be.

[rockstar55667!]

I'd like to get a second opinion on the motor. Do you guys think its worth it?

I was told the compression was 120, 110, 115 and the #4 cylinder was at 25.

What do you think?

[boobie]

The way some dlrs are today, I'd like to see it to believe it. Trust me, I worked for one at one time that was very dishonest.

[Silly Seville]

You seem reasonably intelligent. I would get my hands on a $35 compression gauge and have at it! The least you can do in a case like this is to see if the mechanic is selling you a line of bull to sell you another engine. And when it comes to buying tools, they are an investment, so bring that engine home and do some self diagnosing. You will be wiser, and maybe richer for your effort.

[BonairII]

so bring that engine home and do some self diagnosing. You will be wiser, and maybe richer for your effort.

And it will start your outboard education.

Knowing how to work on your own motor will save you time/money and frustration.

[jbjennings]

I think you should test it to be sure of the compression as suggested. I'd recommend taking your time and looking for a boat that you've always wanted that is a few years old and is priced right. There are lots of folks that work really hard and take good care of their stuff, but don't have a lot of time to use it. After a few years, they decide to sell their boat just to get it out of the garage because they hardly use it. Since I don't make a lot of money myself, this is what I've done for many years. I'm just as proud of my 13 year old skeeter bass boat as I would be of a brand new one. I've used it many times and have had 0 problems and it always runs perfectly. Send yours down the road to someone who knows how to work on it themselves. That's the only type of person who it would be worth anything to. Get yourself something newer and nicer. Life's too short to waste it on an old worn out boat that's unreliable.
JMO,
JBJ

[rockstar55667!]

I have yet another option. (Actually 3) I took it to a place that services outboards. (The Outboard Exchange) They have a used 1989 powerhead for $2500. Or I could spend $3700 for a complete powerhead rebuild, carb adjustments and new water pump. Or $4400 for them to re-manufacture my motor. New lower unit, everything painted etc. It will look (and theoretically run) like a new 1987 Evinrude.

What are your takes on this?

[BonairII]

I have yet another option. (Actually 3) I took it to a place that services outboards. (The Outboard Exchange) They have a used 1989 powerhead for $2500. Or I could spend $3700 for a complete powerhead rebuild, carb adjustments and new water pump. Or $4400 for them to re-manufacture my motor. New lower unit, everything painted etc. It will look (and theoretically run) like a new 1987 Evinrude.

What are your takes on this?

Unless you have some emotional attachment to your motor....just get rid of it already(assuming it is actually toast). That's certainly only my opinion, though.

To spend $5000 to build a 1987 90hp motor is nutso. If your tastes change and you want to upgrade to a larger boat in the future...you will never get that money back.

[rockstar55667!]

No emotional attachment, just havent been able to find any motors for a decent price. The only motors i seem to find are either really new and expensive or really old.

How about buying a new powerhead from iboats? ($2100)

http://www.boatmotors.com/motorparts...ch&disp2=&cyl=

[rockstar55667!]

I picked up a 1997 Mercury 75HP for $1250. After install and new controls/cables it ends up being $1750.