Need to buy a new OB

[stoked not]

Just found out that my 87 115HP merc has no compresion on Cyld #4.Is anyone willing to make me a offer this this motor??? I don't plan on rebuuilding. I'm looking for a new motor. The 4 strokes seems to be the way to go, but I'm not totally conviced. The price and the weight bothers me. <br /><br />My questions:<br />1) 2 stroke or 4 stoke?<br />2) Who has the best price 4 stroke? Merc, Honda, etc.?<br />3) EFI or Carb<br />4) Is there any on-line good buys?<br />5) Is anyone interested in my 115 Merc<br /><br />Thanks<br />Stoked

 

[JB]

Re: Need to buy a new OB

Howdy, Stoked. EFI 4 stroke is where to be for best life and future resale value. One thing you need to watch out for: Only recently have some boat builders begun to rate their boats not only for max HP but also for max engine weight. They are trying to tell us that some of the 4 strokes that fit the max hp rating are really too heavy.<br /><br />Example 1: Boston Whaler Montauk 17 from the early 80s. Max hp=100, which, at the time was about a 300 pound V4. Best all-round power was 70 or 90hp inline 3s at 230 to 280lb. Several new 4 strokes fit the power limit, but weigh 40 to 90 pounds over the 300 expected. I have a Suzuki DF70 4 stroke on my Montauk. It weighs 338#. I had to move the battery forward and add a hydrofoil to get good handling, and the bow still rides higher at plane than my son's Montauk with a Merc 90 2 stroke at about 260#. Yamaha 80 and 100, Honda 90, Suzuki 90 are all "legal" but too heavy. The best 4 strokes for that boat are probably the Suzuki EFI 50, Honda 50, Yamaha 50 and the Merc EFI 60. All are under 250#.<br /><br />Example 2. Boston Whaler Outrage 18, 1982. Rated for 150HP (25" transom). Expected at the time were 400# OMC V6s or twin OMC triple 70s at 233# each. The Honda 115 and 130 EFI, at 458# fit, and the upcoming Suzuki 140 at 415# seems ideal. Also suitable are the Suzi, Yamaha and Merc EFI 115s. All close to 400#.<br /><br />Conclusion: Go for a 4 stroke EFI that doesn't weigh too much over the Max hp 2 strokes that your boat was built for.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[Jacques321]

Re: Need to buy a new OB

I agree with J.B. on the reliability and resale value points he's making. But I would also say; test drive both 2 strokes and 4 strokes if that's possible. Then make your mind up. Get the feel of one versus the other.<br /><br />Both burn clean, and the Fichts(evinrude)and Yammies actually claim that their's burn cleaner than 4 strokes! I've tried a 135 Ficht and it's a true performer on the water, superfast out of the hole and gives lots of top end speed with the right prop.<br /><br />I own a 4 stroke and I'll tell ya that 4 strokes just don't accelerate nearly as fast as 2 stroke direct injected engines. Now that's a performance issue, but it might be important to you when your about to spend $10,000 on an OB.<br /><br />Personally I'm satisfied with my 4 stroke Merc 90. It is a heavy engine at (386lbs.)But it sits perfectly on the transom, the bow sticks out just a tad, and my trolling battery/motor up front seems to balance the boat out nicely. They're a pleasure to troll with when fishing or just sightseeing, no smelly oil or loud engine sounds.

 

[stoked not]

Re: Need to buy a new OB

Thanks fellows for the good advise, The maximum HP for my 18 ft Manatee is 135HP. I was leaning toward a 90HP 4 stroke. I think that my 115HP that is currently onboard is about 315#'s. I really think the 90 is enough, and I don't need 115HP. <br />A question about the rude 90 with the ficht system. I've heard mixed reviews about this motor. Will this motor have the same life expectecy of a 90 Merc/Suzuki 4 stroke. Will I have to change my controls and guages if I go from Merc to Rude or Suzuki.<br />Thanks<br />Stoked

 

[Mike M2]

Re: Need to buy a new OB

Stoked, i notice you are from the Chesapeake area like me. Let me make a suggestion, and before you buy, check out www.edsmarinesuperstore.com in Ashland Va. well worth the trip to save $<br /><br />What do you want for the 115?

 

[stoked not]

Re: Need to buy a new OB

Mike,<br />I was planning on posting it on Ebay for $800.00

 

[Jacques321]

Re: Need to buy a new OB

I've not heard many bad stories on the Evinrude V4's. I think they're reputation is better than the V6's. <br />I think the general consensus is that 4 stroke technology is better in the long run than 2 stroke, but I'm sure there are people on this board who would argue that point. But don't tell that to my buddy with the Ficht 135, for him the Ficht's are the best OBs on the market. People often criticise the 4 strokes for their weight, and thats too bad cause they still hold their own well out on the water with good mid range and top end power.<br /><br />I'd say that unless your current gauges are specialized you shouldn't have to change them for a new engine. But check with your dealer to be sure.