Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

[oldbadger]

Hello folks new guy here. I just bought a 68' 18' Holiday (I think) and hope to get a few pictures up here soon. My question is the boat comes with a 1986 Suzuki 115hp whitch the last owner ( a friend of mine ) claims is very fast. I have a 2003 Johnson seahorse with vary few hours on it (Less than 40) and wondering what the feelings are comparing the two ? Would the Newer johnson be up to the older Suzuki ?

Thanks for any help here and thanks for the great site -- Jim

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

your choice, I would put the motor on that you think is going to be the most reliable. I am a johnson man, but suzuki should be a good motor too.
If you need the hp for skying then go with the 115hp. I would stick with most reliable.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

I don't think you'd notice a huge difference in performance between the old Suzie and the new Johnson. Maybe a bit better out of the hole with the Suzie with a good load in the boat, but not much. Top end, maybe 3-4mph. The Johnson will likely get better fuel mileage, particularly if it's a 4-stroke.

My gut says go with the newer motor...

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

I would go with the newer motor if it were me, but I am mixed as well as I have an '86 DT115 Suzuki. Very good motor, reliable and easy to work on when needed...

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

Hello folks new guy here. I just bought a 68' 18' Holiday (I think) and hope to get a few pictures up here soon. My question is the boat comes with a 1986 Suzuki 115hp whitch the last owner ( a friend of mine ) claims is very fast. I have a 2003 Johnson seahorse with vary few hours on it (Less than 40) and wondering what the feelings are comparing the two ? Would the Newer johnson be up to the older Suzuki ?

Thanks for any help here and thanks for the great site -- Jim

just get another boat, fixes everything.

 

[oldbadger]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

Thanks for the replies guys ? I am leaning to the newer one for the possible reliability. The guy I bought the boat from says the 115 Suzuki runs great but for a problem starting when cold ? the electric choke will not close all the way (He showed me it). I will be pulling young kids on tubes probably the most and fishing with a buddy and his kid so should only have four on the boat at the most. I guess what I am wondering is does the newer 90hp Johnson being a 2003 have close to the same power as the older 1986 115 Suzuki? A 17-year difference in technology??

Maybe this should be in the motor section - ? But it is on a very nice rebuilt Starcraft ...

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

My electric choke does the same thing. When cold, I just pop the cover off and set the manual choke. It closes tight and makes starting alot easier. Once started and warm, I have no problems with other starts throughout the day...

 

[Kainon]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

Getting the elec choke from my repair exp has been a minor cleaning of the pulling mech, or adjustment. Also if you change, you'll need to change the wiring harness and the shift cables, maybe the throttle/shifter.

I like both.. keep the OMC as a backup. OR sell them both and get something newer/better that you'd like.

 

[oldbadger]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

"sell them both and get something newer/better that you'd like." - now that is somthing I never thought of ?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Suzuki 115hp or Johnson 90hp ?

Getting the elec choke from my repair exp has been a minor cleaning of the pulling mech, or adjustment. Also if you change, you'll need to change the wiring harness and the shift cables, maybe the throttle/shifter.

I like both.. keep the OMC as a backup. OR sell them both and get something newer/better that you'd like.

On the Zuki ( at least this model) the linkage mechanism is pluued by a magnet. I have taken up all of the adjustment, but cannot get the magnet to pull the butterflies closed all the way. I really wish I could fix it...