your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

[khes142]

Hi. Looking to repower a 16ft skiboat in spring 2008. What are the best years for used J/E 20 inch leg outboards in the 90-115hp range. I can probably only afford motors in the 1990-1997 age group. Please explain why its your favorite. thanks in advance!! ps...any years or types to avoid??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

i actually don't know of a bad year. they are the proven V-4 designs.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

I agree with Tash. They have basically remained the same through the years and are rock solid no matter what vintage you choose..

 

[HighTrim]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

More depends on the previous owner I think. Just bring a compression gauge with you when buying, and have a peek at the lower unit oil.

 

[DJ]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

There are two fifferent V-4's in that vintage. Loop charged and cross flow. The latter being the original design.

Both are bulletproof, if cared for.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

The 60* looper V4s are the best bet. 1990's technology vs. 1950's.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

I also think the 60 degree V4 looper would be best. I have the 60 degree 150HP V6 and I can say it has super power and runs pretty well for a 9 year old engine.

 

[flabum]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

I have a 1978 140, (same as a later model 115 crossflow). Still runs great after almost 30 years. Prooven design.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

Dude, the ole OMC V-4's were all bulletproof (as someone said) They are extremely easy to work on as well. Parts are readily available, and they are inexpensive (for marine parts) Sierra has many great replacement parts in which you can purchase right here on this website!

 

[khes142]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

thanks for the replies guys. any idea on the weight difference between the 90 and 115 hp motors?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

115
"http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-24-38-5694-0-0-0&l=1&w=24&p=38&f=5697&m=0011&y=1990&ml=J&gc=MR&gtc=OB&d=17001101738"

90
"http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-24-38-5694-0-0-0&l=1&w=24&p=38&f=5697&m=0011&y=1990&ml=J&gc=MR&gtc=OB&d=17001101732"

about 30 lbs difference.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

I may be wrong, but it my understanding that the 90 and 115 V-4's are vitually identical in size and weight. Now, maybe if you are comparing a mid 80's 115 to a 90's 90hp there might be a difference. The bottom line is that you can't go wrong with any of the choices.

 

[DJ]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

The weights are pretty much identical for like kind (crossflow v. crossflow and looper v. looper) 90 to 115.

The "like kind" means crossflow and loop charged.

Great engines, all of them. If I had a choice, I'd go Looper. They are torque monsters. Nice for water sports: skiing, etc.

 

[seabasser]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

go with the 60 degree vee, much tougher engine and burns a whole lot less gas, but the ignition system is junk, carry an extra power pack and optical eye, you can change the whole system with a screw driver and a 3/8 wrench. my buddy just took his 60 degree off last year with 6000 hours...no lie (it started knocking). his new etec lasted 1300 stuck a rod through the side.

 

[jddenham]

Re: your opinion counts! best years for 90-115 hp OB

115
"http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-24-38-5694-0-0-0&l=1&w=24&p=38&f=5697&m=0011&y=1990&ml=J&gc=MR&gtc=OB&d=17001101738"

90
"http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-24-38-5694-0-0-0&l=1&w=24&p=38&f=5697&m=0011&y=1990&ml=J&gc=MR&gtc=OB&d=17001101732"

about 30 lbs difference.

I bet the 30 lbs difference was trim/tilt.