Good/bad in 125-175hp OB's, late 80's-early 90's?

[agrazela]

Just some quick questions that I am SURE will not provoke any controversy amongst all the knowledgable on this board...<br /><br />Preamble: My next boat will likely be an 18-20' c/c with about a 125hp-175hp outboard; given my budget, the setup will likely be late 1980's to early 1990's vintage.<br /><br />Questions: In said age and hp range, what are the outboards that have proven themselves as regards reliability, longevity, ease to work on and get parts for, etc.? Likewise, what are the ones to stay away from? For both questions, why specifically?<br /><br />(Note that I have never owned a boat or an OB newer than 25-30 years old, and my knowledge of development in OB technology is likewise about 25 years behind.)

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Good/bad in 125-175hp OB's, late 80's-early 90's?

Can't beat the V6 Mercs of that era, the inlines sixes were still around until the late 80s.

 

[JB]

Re: Good/bad in 125-175hp OB's, late 80's-early 90's?

Look out for early VRO engines from OMC. The first version of VRO was not reliable. They can easily be converted to run on premix and are pretty good that way.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Good/bad in 125-175hp OB's, late 80's-early 90's?

Stay away from Force motors.<br /><br />Look for OMC, Merc, or Honda.