'96 Honda 75hp, opinions?

[morrow21]

Considering a Scout 162 that has a 96 Honda 75hp on it with around 300hours on it. This will be a first boat and I'm looking for something reliable. I realize the newer the better, but I have a budget to work with. My question is, does anyone have any opinions on this engine? I know it weighs quite a bit for the hp, the boat is rated for 90hp, so I'm not too concerned with that, more concerned with reliability and overall performance.
Thanks!

 

[morrow21]

Re: '96 Honda 75hp, opinions?

How bout vs. a 2004 70HP Tohatsu TLDI? Don't know much, but may be able to get a 1997 scout with 2004 tohatsu. Any good?

 

[hondon]

Re: '96 Honda 75hp, opinions?

No matter what you get you will want to have a general health check done.That will involve a compression test with all cylinders close to even.An ignition output test with spark on all cylinders.A fuel sample to guage fuel quality and whether there is any contamination.And most importantly an actuall water test .Running these things on the flusher is in no way the real world and before you lay down make sure you have seen ,heard, and felt,that engine work in that real world.I am very intimatly familiar with that 75 and know that it is a hardy and proven package.You can sweeten that pot because it is pre EPA equipped which means you will not have to have a tech that knows how to dance around those standards[not that we do that].I have no expierience with Tohatsu products so geograghy could be an issue here .Make sure you have a dealer reasonably nearby that can support your purchase either way.