2000 Johnson 115 versus 1999 Mercury 125

[Btuvi]

I'm so pleased to find you folks.

Choice is between 2000 Johnson 115 2 stroke or 1999 Mercury 125 2 stroke.

Several questions:

What is elpto?

Are either of these engines oil injected? Fuel injected?

Which is, generally speaking, likely to be in better condition? Which is better quality engine?

Engines will be used in brackish/saltwater. Johnson is on 18 ft Wellcraft. Mercury is on 18 foot Sea Ray. Any thoughts?

What questions am I not asking that I should be? Thanks for your help.

Not to confuse the issue but there is another boat/motor I'm considering. 2001 19 ft Sea Pro with 2001 150 Yamaha. It appears to be substantially more boat than the two mentioned above. This really is my favorite but towing, maintenance, and economy are considerations. Any thoughts for comparison?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 2000 Johnson 115 versus 1999 Mercury 125

my choice would be johnson on the wellcraft. people must really like the boat, as i see a lot of older ones that have been repowered with new motors. the Johnson has a OMS pump (oil mixing system) that is very dependable.

BUYING A USED MOTOR

overall condition, condition of the place you are buying it from, usually tells you how they care for things. compression 100 + psi, and within 10% of each other, good strong blue spark, no water in the lower unit oil. look for discolored paint, (sign of over heat at
one time, also scarred up bolts, as why. have them start it. if they fail to put it in a barrell or tank, or on muffs, or in the water, to start it they don't know what they are doing. best yet is to take it for a 30 min to 1 hour test run. also if remote controlled motor, the controls should come with it.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 2000 Johnson 115 versus 1999 Mercury 125

ELPTO is Electric start, long shaft(20"), Power Trim and Tilt, Oil injected.

I also vote for the Johnny. I have the 150HP V6 version of that motor '98 vintage, and it cannot be beat for power and smoothness.