Which motor should I buy and why?

[Gordon Goldie]

It will be either;<br />evinrude etec 90 - 2 stroke<br />suzuki df90 - 4 stroke<br />honda bf90 - 40 stroke<br /><br /><br />evinrude - light, no maintenance for 3 years, my local dealer / workshop specialise in evinrude, new technology<br /><br />suzuki - know a few people who have them and testify that they are reliable and bomb proof, but technology now 6 years old<br /><br />honda - quiet as a mouse, five year dealer warranty.<br /><br />I'm presently running a 1985 Johnson 140-V4 which eats gas. Petrol in the uk is 90p per litre (Approx $1.55?) or 0ver $8 per gallon. It's becoming old, tired, too big, noisy, thirsty etc etc.<br /><br />A pic of my boat is available in my profile.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

I replaced a Johnson 120 with a Johnson/Suzuki 115 and I'm very pleased with the performance and how easy it is on gas. I don't like changing the oil. Why a 90? I don't have current numbers in front of me but not very long ago Honda 90's and Suzuki 90's weighed the same as 115's. I would think you will miss the 50 HP. I'm not going to try and sell you on any of the three as all are good. I went for new steering and throttle controls and cable at engine swap which was really worth the money. You won't miss the old 140<br /> Enjoy your search.

 

[JB]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

As much as I loved my Suzi 4 stroke I think in your case I would go E-Tec.<br /><br />You can obviously handle more than 90HP and both of those 4 strokes are "detuned" 115s. If the Suzuki/Johnson DF115 or even the DF140 were on your list it would be a harder decision, but, bottom line: "my local dealer / workshop specialise in evinrude, new technology" would make the final decision.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

I totally agree with JB....<br />Now, please ship that old 140 to me......

 

[ziemann]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

You can't make a mistake with any of those motors. They are all wonderful and would make anyone happy. I would agree that have a good dealer close by would sway my decision if it were me.. All things being even, go with the best dealer.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Pick one you can get serviced in your area for sure. Tim

 

[Gordon Goldie]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Well the good news is..................The Evinrude was ordered today!<br />Choice of propellor.<br />Choice of setting fuel setting/mix (performance/economy/the middle one!)<br />Gauges and control supplied with package.<br /><br />What's the best offer for my 140 then guys? You must arrange collection! It's only about 3,000 miles to the East coast! What would around 170kgs be to airfreight across the atlantic ??????????

 

[JRJ]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Good for you We'll be wanting to hear all about it when you get it going. Good luck

 

[timmathis]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Yes keep us posted. Tim

 

[Gordon Goldie]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Well it's arrived at my local dealer. Boat goes in on Saturday morning for fitting. My 1985 Johnson 140hp V4 topped out at 33 knots. Who's guess will be closest to my new top speed? I'd be happy with 25kts. 33 was just a little bit scary for the kids and the boat tended to bang down a little.<br /><br />So what's the best guestimate?

 

[Gordon Goldie]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Things are moving quite quickly now. I've got a buyer for my Johnson 140 who's travelling 200 miles to come and collect her this weekend. I collected the boat fitted with the new etec on Saturday morning and got a demo in the test tank. It wasn't until the music in the engine shop was switched off that I actually realised the engine was switched on and idling away - this is good news.<br /><br />I've replaced the steering cable, battery cables, steering control, engine control, gauges, fuel line and filters and have ordered a new plastic tank which should be here for this weekend. A little bit of work with a jigsaw should see the new 75litre tank replacing my old 60litre one under the transom in the same spot.<br /><br />I have a spare 50mm (two inch to you guys!) hole to fill in on my console. I have;<br />voltmeters x 2<br />tilt'n'trim gauge<br />tacho with all engine warnings built in.<br />Speed comes from my GPS (Garmin 128)<br />Depth comes from fish finder (Eagle Cuda)<br />Old fashioned brass compass also fitted<br /><br />I was thinking about a fuel gauge or a fuel flow meter? Which do you think will be more useful? If all else fails, I'm sure I could pick up a clock from somewhere that will fit?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Congratulations on the E-tec!! Lets see, I'm gonna say 34 kts(Being optimistic). and I would opt for the fuel gauge, although a Flow meter would be nice. Good choice on the E-tec.. Nice lookin' boat, too. Looks like it might be a little heavy to see that 34 Kt. mark, but lets hope for the best...

 

[Canuck 16]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

I have a Navman flow meter in my boat and love it, but my carbed 200hp Yamaha drinks 7.5 liters per hour idleing.<br />I wonder if the 90 Etec would sip enough fuel at idle to accuratley spin the flow meter?<br />Good luck with your new Etec. btw... I was born in Dunfermline.<br /><br />Cheers...Canuck 16.

 

[Gordon Goldie]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

Hi Canuck, no need to apologise for being from Dunfermolino! I used to ride for the CR Smith Cycle racing team in Dunfermline a few years ago.<br /><br /><br />Boat update - new fuel tank fitted on Sunday, transom mount petrol filler, vent pipes etc.<br /><br />Test flight will be this Saturday coming on picturesque Loch Lomond. The target is to get 5,500 revs to see if the standard propellor is the best one for my set-up (not sure what size it is?).

 

[Gordon Goldie]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

First test run today saw us hit 28kts into the wind at 5,200rpm on a rather choppy and very cold Loch Lomond with three on board.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

The right revs, Prop and conditions should get you over 30...and tell us about the E-tec experience...

 

[Gordon Goldie]

Re: Which motor should I buy and why?

The e-tec experience............ I'd rather call it the e-tec non experience, because it was drama and trauma free. Everything is smooth, quiet and gradual. There are no bangs, bumps, grinds or anything else that you kind of become used to when you have an old motor.<br />She planed from around 7 knots - that was unbelievable. The correct trim seems far more important and crucial with this engine. The tilt'n'trim button on the side of the engine in addition to the control is a great idea from the trailering point of view - as is the fresh water flush point just under the hood. <br />It was very much a start/stopo trip as it was the first time out, so I have no idea about fuel economy.<br />The manual is fairly simple to understand, but haven't found where optimum economy cruising revs are yet - does anyone know?<br />One other point is that the turning circle is now much, much smaller, so manouverability is easier at the quayside or slipway.