request for the experts opinions

[sprouticus]

hi guys.<br /><br />first of all I realize this is probably posted in the wrong forum, but since I have only ever owned OMC outboards, I have only ever come to this forum and I respect the opinions of the experts that frequent here. I would like to make a request to JB and any other mods that you please do not move my post, and please feel free to give me your advice.<br /><br />OK. My little brother is looking to buy his first boat. He basically has it narrowed down to 2 that he likes. One is a 1987 Calais 16' with a 90hp Yamaha on it. The boat is in excellent shape (I have seen pics). It is set up for tubing and fishing (rod holders, fish finder, and ski bar, etc. are included). It is selling for $6500 OBO. The other one is also in excellent shape I am told. It has a Volvo 4 cyl. inboard (he has no idea who made the leg) and he assume's the boat must be about a 18' long. I never asked what this boat comes with, but it is newer than the first one and is selling for $12 ,500. I of course recomended he buy an OMC but he lives in a small town not really near any huge lakes, and the boat selection is limited. He has shopped around for a while and has narrowed it down to these 2.<br /><br />So my question. Do you guys think a 1987 90hp Yamamha is a good engine? How does it compare to my 1990 90hp Evinrude given that our boats are very similar in size and shape. Or would you recomend going with an inboard? I have no experience with inboards and since I am the only person he knows that has a boat, he has come to me for advice. And since I don't know anyone else with a boat (cartoppers/canoes excluded) I always come to you guys with my questions. (Have I mentioned how much I appreciate it?)<br /><br />His wife-to-be likes the more expensive one of course, but I think he will be just as happy with the smaller cheaper one.<br /><br />Which one is likely to be better on gas?<br /><br />Which one is Faster?<br /><br />Which one should be less problematic??<br /><br />Thanx for your time and for reading this.<br /><br />Sprout

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: request for the experts opinions

Comparing your 90 to a Yamaha 90? Well, yours is a detuned 115 and the Yamaha is a maxed-out 75. Yours is a V-4, Yamaha is an inline-3. On the same boat, yours would be faster out of the hole and have more speed at top end. It'll also eat more gas than the Yamaha.<br /><br />I'm only leary of Volve Pentas because around here, MerCriser has far mor availability of qualified shops working on them. Finding someone willing to work on a VP is problematic. That may not be true in your area. Otherwise they make an excellent product.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: request for the experts opinions

there is far more maintance for the i/o. you are suppose the pull the outdrive every year, to service the gimbal bearing, you have far more moving parts to give troble. there are a pain in the A$$ to change the plugs, and on,and on. i've had 1 i/o my first and last. there is nothing wrong with the yamma, IF it has been properly maintained. a lot of 4 cyc. i/o's are under powered. wish your brother good luck.

 

[JB]

Re: request for the experts opinions

What in the world gives you the idea that the experts who frequent here do not frequent the other fora, including the correct one for asking about boats, Sprouticus? Helpers frequent all fora where they have useful opinions.<br /><br />Yours is a boat question or possibly an Outboard Non-repair question. It is not a Johnson/Evinrude trouble/Repair question.<br /><br />To Boats. Try it, You'll like it.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: request for the experts opinions

I have a 90 hp '02 Merc. It has 85 cu in displacement. I was surfing the Yammie site the other day and saw that their 90 was down around 60 cu in.<br /><br />Since OB mfgr's have made a big deal out of upping the cubes to get outta da hole (and pulling skiiers up), seems to me that the Yammie would be weak under load.<br /><br />Just an observation, but I bet I'm right.<br /><br />Mark

 

[sprouticus]

Re: request for the experts opinions

Now I have a new delema.<br /><br />Should I tell my brother to buy the Yamaha or not. Or more precisely, should I tell him that if he does buy it.my boat is likely to be faster than his. He is my younger brother after all........he is not supposed to have a better boat than me <br /><br />Thanx for the input again.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: request for the experts opinions

He needs to test drive each boat and make the decesion for himself. That is a good thing to do, especially with that kinda cash involved. Good Luck..............SS<br /><br />It would be cool to check both of them out side by side same day and time.

 

[Solittle]

Re: request for the experts opinions

I too am in favor of outboards in the class your brother is interested in but not the one he is looking at. A 19 year old Yammy on a 16' boat for $6,500.00 is way out of line in my book. You can get a new 2005 90 hp Yammy with a 2 yr wty for $6K right here:<br /><br /> http://www.boatmotors.com/rebuilt_outboard_motors/#90 <br /><br />Now put the new engine on a $500.00 old hull and you have spent the same.