88 Evinrude 88 hp

[StaseaLynn]

What is the history of the Evinrude 88 hp SPL? Is the reason it was only produced for a few years because it was a bad design? If I were to buy this motor used would I have a problem finding service parts for it? What does the special signify with an Evinrude? Does anyone recommend this motor as a dependable bay boat engine for everyday fishing duties or should I look at other brands or models?

 

[OBJ]

Re: 88 Evinrude 88 hp

Hey StaseaLynn, welcome to iboats forum,<br /><br />The 88SPL's are as dependable a motor as you can get. The block is a proven design that has been around for many years.<br /><br />The "SPL" just signifies that the 88 dosen't have things like VRO and a slightly smaller gear case. In fact, it's just a trimmed version of the 90hp. <br /><br />Providing you are getting the engine in good shape with no major problems, the engine will provide many years of good service. If you are buying from a private owner, take the engine to a local Johnny/Rude dealer and have it checked out. This is a good idea no matter what kind of engine you buy. Good Luck!

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 88 Evinrude 88 hp

There is no difference in the gearcase, it's identical to the 90-115hp.

 

[StaseaLynn]

Re: 88 Evinrude 88 hp

Thanx for the reply to my questions. I am considering an 88 on Ebay presently and going to look it over and hear it run today in NJ. I really appreciated the quick answers. I will look to seer if there is a dealer nearby and follow your recommendation. I really like this forum and will be returning to it on a regular basis in the future. I'm in the beginning stages of my captaincy after 20 years of being a first mate on other fishing boats (LOL!). Have a nice holiday Outboard Jim & Seahorse.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 88 Evinrude 88 hp

Seahorse....you are exactly right...no difference in the gearcase...thanks for keeping this old "seahorse" straight.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: 88 Evinrude 88 hp

I have a '90 88 SPCL that is a real workhorse. Bought the SPCL originally because I didn't trust the VRO's of that era. The 88's were only for a few years because horsepower kept going up and they were redesignated. I believe the current one is the 112 Spcl-could be wrong. If an OMC has a strange number of HP, it's to clearly designate that the motor is not a self-oiler and fuel must be mixed. They're sometmes designated as "Commercial" models. All very good motors.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: 88 Evinrude 88 hp

my uncle had an '88 johnson 88hp special on his 1988 17' B-W montauk. The motor was a real queen, and my uncle, despite his having sold the boat to someone down the road and moved up to a 24' grady white with twin 200 yamahas, misses the boat/engine combo greatly. <br /><br />The guy down the road uses the boat quite a bit, and the motor runs as good as it did 15 years ago. These motors hold their value and were among the best motors OMC ever produced.<br /><br />This is of course if the 88 spl has been kept in good condition and not neglected!