Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

[pushnf8]

Ok. Im new to the whole boat scene. I just picked up a 12' aluminum v-hull (94 grumman). It has a rating of 10hp max for motor. I put an older 3.3hp mariner motor on it but it just doesnt move me and my buddy. I have a chance to pick up an early 70's 9.5hp evinrude low profile motor for $250. The guy says he just had a local dealer service and tune the motor. The reciept says coils and pump were replaced and carb cleaned and tuned. I also have a chance for an early 90's merc 8hp ($350). The merc runs great also. Both are 2 stroke short shaft motors. Question is...not knowing much which motor is the better choice? I have both merc and evinrude dealers nearby. Im leaning towards the 9.5hp just because its got more hp and cheaper. Anyone got any input? The evinrude is also a low-rise? Both have newer props and appear ok. Any input that will save me a hassle of known issues would be great also.

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

The 'Rude 9.5 is a fine engine. The only common problem I know of, and that is not really common, is exhaust leaking into the cowling. Easy to spot because it will run well with the cowling off and choke when the cowling is on.

Still, the Evinrude would be my choice because it is an Evinrude. Price and HP are just bonuses.

 

[pushnf8]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

I figured. I hope this thing will move my boat. My current 3.3hp really struggles in the local river against the current. The age difference is all thats throwing me off. I was hoping I would get a few responses telling me not to worry about the years because I know both brands have been around forever and must be reliable. Im thinking the evinrude will be the purchase. Anything I will need to know or helpful tips? fuel mixtures? 50:1?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

As you're on a J/E forum we will all support the 9.5. The fact that it has new coils, pump and carb cleaned is a bonus as they're usually the 3 things you need to do to restore an old engine. Parts are easy to come by also. I would suggest you post the same question on the merc forum though and see what they say also.

 

[pushnf8]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

I will, thanks for the reply. My main concern was the evinrude. Being a little older I was concerned about known issues and parts availability. The merc seems nice but I am not as concerned about parts for that one. I have decided on the evinrude. Im picking it up tonight. The guy is selling it for $200 with tank, connection, and a few random parts. Cant wait to see what its got.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

The 9.5 is not personally one of my favorite models though as I have none, I have the older 10's and they're great. When looking at an engine though one of the things I always do is take a compression tester and check the compression. as if that's good then the rest can be fixed cheaply. If they refuse to allow you to test it I would walk away. If it's bad I would not bother... And good enough to me would be at least 80 #'s per side and within 5 #'s of each other. Others may differ. I'm currently running a '62 Evinrude 10hp that has 80 #'s a side and it runs well.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

The 9.5 hp is fine. Don't worry about its age. Lots of motors way older than that one running around. All the things that commonly cause trouble have been repaired/replaced so there is no need to worry. However...and I can't believe I'm admitting it...I'd prefer the Merc, even though I've had nothing, but trouble with Mercs. The Merc is prop rated whereas the Evinrude is powerhead rated so the hp difference isn't as big as you'd think. With that said, based on price I'd go with the 9.5 hp.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

A MERC???? What the *(^%*&%#$*$(&$*#$*%^ ???

You must be on the wrong forum!

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

I knew I'd take some flack for that one! I still prefer OMC to Merc, but if its a question of an OMC 9.5 hp vs a 1990's Merc 8hp I'd take the 8 hp. Of course, I'd really prefer a 1950's 10 hp, but that's me. If it makes you feel better Steve, I look forward to the day I get rid of my last "black albatross".

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

How much do those 50s 10hp johnnyrudes weigh?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

67 lbs. light!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

67 lb. Not bad at all. I can see replacing my nice 1992 Johnson 6hp with one of those. Almost no weight difference but the 4 more hp would be more than welcome.

Maybe I'll pick one up and make it run perfectly, then try it out. They turn up around here all the time.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

If you want good power/weight ratio get an 18, they are only 77 lbs and much faster.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

No 18 hp on that little 12' boat. It's rated for 10, and that'd be just plenty for me. It scoots along at about 15 mph with the 6 when it's just me in the boat. A 10 would be the icing on the cake, although I'm loathe to get rid of that 6. It's a sweet runner.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

Keep it as a back up. You can never have too many engines. (until the wife finds where they're stashed!) Or get a 14'er as they're usually rated for 20 hp

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Evinrude 9.5hp or Merc 8 hp? Good/bad?

I get 15 mph with a 1972 Johnson 6 hp on my 12' aluminum, CAT. So I expect you will see about the same WOT speed with a 10 hp as I do, which is about 20 mph GPS. My personal favourite is the 1953 Johnson in my avatar, but I'd recommend 1955-57 to others.

Great deal on the 9.5 hp, pushnf8. You won't be disappointed.