Boat and motor options

[neumsky]

I am purchasing a 1977 lund S16. My 2 options for motors are a 1977 Johnson 25 or a 1983 mercury 25. Which would you choose and why? I prefer the black color against the red better and I do like that its newer. But...?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Boat and motor options

It really comes down to condition! One thing to consider - Mercury is still in business while OMC/Johnson isn't, but many will say that is not a big concern.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boat and motor options

From personal experience the Johnyrudes are far easier and less expensive to maintain. Parts for them are also available still almost everywhere. Mercs, depending on model and year have many NLA parts and ignition parts are much more costly. Which is the way I'd be looking at it. Those enigines being of the same era, age would play no part in the decision. Price and condition would though.

 

[neumsky]

Re: Boat and motor options

It really comes down to condition! One thing to consider - Mercury is still in business while OMC/Johnson isn't, but many will say that is not a big concern.

Good point...who supplies parts for omc?

 

[neumsky]

Re: Boat and motor options

From personal experience the Johnyrudes are far easier and less expensive to maintain. Parts for them are also available still almost everywhere. Mercs, depending on model and year have many NLA parts and ignition parts are much more costly. Which is the way I'd be looking at it. Those enigines being of the same era, age would play no part in the decision. Price and condition would though.

Help me out...what's NLA?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Boat and motor options

Help me out...what's NLA?

NLA is No Longer Available

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Boat and motor options

Good point...who supplies parts for omc?

Most marine supply stores will still have parts for Johnson motors. It's just something you need to take into consideration.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boat and motor options

Many of the Evinrude dealers in my area either have then or can get them, then there is of course here at iboats or believe it or not NAPA can get most all ignition, carb and water pump parts. As for hard parts like heads, blocks, lower units and such there are far more available parts motors to be had for OMC than any other outboard out there and those parts are much more interchangable over the years and models.

Again this is just my personal experience.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boat and motor options

I am purchasing a 1977 lund S16. My 2 options for motors are a 1977 Johnson 25 or a 1983 mercury 25. Which would you choose and why? ..?

My best answer to you.

I have a 1984 Lund S14 DLX with side console steering which I have a 1978 Evinrude 35hp electric start mounted on it. There is not a single part that I have not been able to find for it including many of the small plastic parts found under the hood. Will ad that even with it's age it runs strong and smooth and starts every time.

 

[terrysandlin]

Re: Boat and motor options

I have found that many Evinrude/Johnson parts can also be purchased at NAPA. The Mercury engines are more complex to repair, if you do your own work. They many have left-handed threads on some parts and often require special tools.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Boat and motor options

OMC may be the deceased parent company of Johnson/Evinrude, but...
A good majority of the parts you would ever need are stocked by BRP, the new parent company of Evinrude, and Johnson (when they were still around). My vote is for the Johnson.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Boat and motor options

Johnson forever on parts and.........MECHANICS .............Lefthanded threads ??????????????who in their right mind would buy a possible engine with that in them.....

 

[airshot]

Re: Boat and motor options

Yep, got to go along with the crowd. Have had both over the years and both worked well, but my preference was the OMC, easier to work on, cheaper parts, easier to find. Had both a 40 hp Merc and a 40 hp Jonny on the same boat, jonny was 4 mph faster than Merc and much easier to pull up skier, that is why I replaced the merc with Jonny.

Airshot

 

[5150abf]

Re: Boat and motor options

I will 23rd that, no question the Johnson as long as it is in good shape, alot can happen to an engine in 35 years.

If it was well taken care of an maintaned properly it should have lots of life left.

At the very least do a compression check and inspect the lower unit oil and just pop the hood and see what is in there, you can tell by looking if an engine was taken care of.

I have an '81 Evinrude 50 with the original powerhead and she still has 145 compression and runs like a top so don't let the age fool you, remember, this was made when people actually wanted things to last.

You should have similar compression numbers, anywhere from 110 up cold is good and make sure the cylinders are within 10%, that is a big one.