$1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

I have a 17 ft. Seaway center console that I will be refurbishing in the fall. Currently, it is super lightweight & slightly under-powered with a 48 spl Evinrude that runs like a champ. My concern is that upon completion of the rebuild, i.e. stringers, transom, deck, her weight is going to be substantially greater & she will be grossly under-powered. So I have begun looking for an upgrade, either 70hp or 90hp anticipating the need. I currently have an aquaintance with a 1970 Johnson 70hp. Went to look at today, ran it. It is in his garage with controls, been sitting for some time. Despite plugs being only hand-tight & 3 different kinds/sizes, carbs gummed up(nothing but molasses came out of bottom when we attempted to drain after running, compression 130 on all 3 cylinders. It looks as if it has been struck and/or dropped as the skeg is bent and the left side of the cowling is cracked a couple inches just below where the cover would snug in. In addition, the(I don't know what this part is called) where you would screw your dolphin fins into or step on horizontally to get in the boat via transom, it is cracked on one side about 1"-2". I think $1000 seems little high, even though it appears to run well. I imagine after a good card clean/rebuild & a water pump to be sure, it would purr like a kitten. Price just seems little high. Need some good, sound advice from the experts. Many thanks. The guys my kids boss & don't want to insult him. He said he paid $1000 for it & needs to get that back.

Plus, just how much difference should I expect going from 48 hp to 70hp? enough? or should I bump on up to 90hp????

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

In my opinion, A grand is way too much for a 38 year old poorly maintained motor that doesn't look like it was made this morning. Politely tell him it's too much or pass on it. Why should you pay for his mistake? Sounds like he paid too much also and knows it.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

Agree with GaB ^^^ $1000 if he agrees to give your kid a 50% raise :lol:

good compression #'s though...and these measurements were made in your presence?

check that you get a good spark across a 7/16" gap on all-3 cyls; ignition components aren't cheap...especially the stuff under the flywheel.

another critical check is the condition of LU oil (is it milky, metal shards present?)

The bent skeg and broken cowling is a little scary. I just muscled through a bent exhaust housing and the only way to really tell is to drop the exhaust housing. A clue is whether or not the inner housing is centered.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

Great input so far. Agree with all of you. Yeah, bluefin, the raise would be nice. Funny you mention LU oil. When we pulled up in driveway, knowing we only had about 30 minutes to take quick look, I told my boy(I am mom by the way), that we should come back at another time, run it a while, then drain the oil to make sure lower seals are intact. He, of course, agreed. In addition, he & I checked compression. We are moderately handy mechanically as we care for 3 out of the 4 of our outboards. We like them small & old..easy to work on. I've cleaned carbs on our 2, yes 2 identical 48spl so many times, can do in my sleep. All the carb molassas and spark & such I'm somewhat ok with, but that crack, bend, smash stuff makin' this old girl nervous...especially at that price. Any thoughts on power (70hp vs 90hp)?

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

does it have functioning tilt-n-trim?

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

GA_Boater said:

In my opinion, A grand is way too much for a 38 year old poorly maintained motor that doesn't look like it was made this morning. Politely tell him it's too much or pass on it. Why should you pay for his mistake? Sounds like he paid too much also and knows it.

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a big +1^^^.......you could easily end up paying a grand for a motor thats only worth its weight at the scrap yard. jmo

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

No tilt/trim.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

What is the Seaway max hp rating? It's usually recommended to power at least 75% to 100% the max rating. 48 to 90 will be dramatic as long as it's not too much power.

EDIT - For $1000 you should be able to find a good motor with tilt/trim.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

Man no tilt and trim either. Sounds like I wouldn't pay more than 500 for that motor. I got a super fresh '84 evinrude 75hp with power TNT for $1300, it ran great, was clean as a whistle, and has 150psi in all cylinders. Just to give you some perspective. PASS on that one!!

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

Yup, I got that GA. Max rating says 75hp but you know us women....more is always better!! Just know I'll be adding substantial weight with resin, wood, glass. It's stout, yet light at this stage(rotten wood/floor/stringers). We just did a smaller rebuild(see my other thread) & the boat got very heavy. It is powered with our other 48spl. more than enough power for that one. I'll post pic of seaway to give you idea.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson



Hope this gives you little better idea of size/scope of vessel. She has pretty lines don't she? Everytime I go to ramp somebody asks me what kind of boat this is. Can't wait to tackle this rebuild.."itching" to get started.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

$500-$600 max, with controls.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

You want T&T, makes things much easier. The 70HP is a inline 3 cyl, and 90HP will be a V4. I have a 16ft open bow, glass boat w 1987 90HP, full of gear, two people, 15 gal gas, does about 38 mph with 17 pitch @ 5200rpm. The inline 3s/70HP are easier to work on, in my opinon.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

Have to be careful with insurance if you are over the rated power.
You can get much better for similar price with tilt and trim.
Just my thoughts though.

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

my 50 dlr 1970 Evinrude after a rebuild............1000 dlr i would think x2

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

durban said:

my 50 dlr 1970 Evinrude after a rebuild............1000 dlr i would think x2

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Nice

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

I too think the $1000 dollar price tag is a bit much. Especially considering it has obvious issues that will cost to repair. Look at it this way, even if this engine were in like new condition, could you sell it for $1000 dollars to anybody looking...? Probably not! The cracks in the cowling will have to be repaired. And while that isn't a show stopper, it will take some glassing and sanding and paint. The lower foot creaks will have to be re-welded and that could mean a complete disassembly of the foot first too. And again some sanding and priming and painting again. So just with those issues alone you will have a lot of work not counting the welding cost(s). Then carb(s) rebuilt (with new kit(s)) and maybe new ignition parts and...well...you can see the dollars adding up... And after you get it totally repaired and working perfectly, how much could you seriously sell it for...? I think I would offer $600 max and walk away...

Re: $1000 1975 70 hp Johnson

walking away...not even considering. Will keep looking & until I find another, the 48spl will keep her slaying fish until the rebuild & demolition begins in October...Thanks to everyone for sound advice...