Re: 1996 Evenrude 88 special (90 hp) with trim & tilt
I have a 1996 Johnson 88 special with power trim and tilt. It gets hard use on the ocean, surf launching right off the beach and offshore for tuna. I like it very much and it's been very reliable. It has two quirks:
* You have to use the right starting procedure for cold starts
* It is a fuel hog
For cold starting, pump up the bulb and lift the fast-idle lever about 3/4 way. Push the key in while turning it to the "on" (not start) position. Hold the key in for a slow count of 5, then start the engine. You may have to push the key in and out a bit until it warms up. The 5 count is a good average. If it's cold outside (below 45 F), use a 10 count. If it's warm (above 65), use a 3 count. If you use too long a count, you flood the engine. If too short, it won't start. After a while you will know what is right and won't have any problems.
As for fuel economy, I get 2.8 nautical miles per gallon on the open ocean, day in and day out. That's with a 22 foot flat bottom dory which weighs 2700 pounds loaded. My buddies with identical boats get 4.1 nautical miles per gallon with 4 stroke 90 hp outboards.
Best of luck
