Re-Power

[gbb]

Thinking about re-powering my new to me 17' Whaler. I currently have an 87 90 Johnson on it. Would like to go with an E-Tec but the closet dealer is 40 miles away. I have read alot of good things about them. I have a Yamaha dealer about 15 miles away. What engine do you guys think I should go with?

Also thinking about going with a 70hp instead of the 90, would that be enough power to still pull my grand kids on a tube?

The boat was sold to me, with the thought the engine was no good. After my brother fixed some electrical problems we got it to fire up. It runs strong but hard to start. Just worrying about reliability. Would it be worth my while to just have this motor gone over by a mechanic and service it. It doesn't look like it was taken care of, and used mainly in saltwater.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Re-Power

Howdy neighbor! Your '87 Johnson should be a good motor. With the primer system it should also be easy to start. I'd have it checked out by a mechanic first to see if it might not be a better idea to just fix that one up a bit. I can't imagine buying a NEW outboard. They are rediculously expensive. I can recommend a good York mechanic if you don't already have one.

 

[gbb]

Re: Re-Power

I was thinking about using F&S. If you can make a recommendation that would be great. Very new to boating here, just got my first boat or boats last year.

How do you use the primer correctly? If I squirt fuel in the carbs it starts right up.

I mainly fish in Chincoteague VA, where do you fish?

 

[JB]

Re: Re-Power

I have used several different engines on 17' Whalers.

My first choice is a Suzuki DF70/Johnson 70 4 stroke. A bit heavy, but sooooo user friendly and quiet.

Second choice is a JohnnyRude 70hp triple 2 stroke.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Re-Power

Just push the key in while cranking. My '81 Evinrude 90 fired up instantly after being laid up for gosh knows how many years when I got it. A friend's '90 Johnson 90 that was just bought after a layup fired immediately. Now I have some stalling issues going into gear but that's a different story.... My '73 Johnson 85 with a choke, that took a LONG time to start from cold.

I use Fisher's Marine & Custom Canvas. He's located in the middle of nowhere but he does good work reasonably. And he isn't at all afraid to work on older motors. http://maps.google.com/maps/place?h...canvas&hnear=york,+pa&cid=1763682323284733363

I fish and boat on the Susquehanna on Lake Clarke and Conowingo.