2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

[jbjennings]

My best friend is in the process of buying himself a camp on a nearby lake (he's a doctor) and wants me to help him find a used bass rig. I am not very knowledgeable about modern outboards, especially large ones so I have a couple of questions. First, does anyone know of any real lemons between 115 and 225 hp that one would be best to steer clear of? I'm looking at a '99 merc 150 and possibly a 2001 evin. 115. Both are 2-stroke. Does anyone have any info on reliability on either of these, assuming they have both been taken care of, similar hours, etc. The 2001 V-4 has an OIS (optical ignition system) that I know nothing about. Is it reliable or a plague? I know all large modern motors have complex electrical systems but what kind are known to be prone to failure. Any ideas,
Thanks,
JBJ

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

both had various issues, both overall worked well.
if it wasnt so far away I have an 18' hydrasports fish and ski with a 175 etec 07 model that I am gonna bag. cant use it in my area due to rough waters.
myself, I would hunt for something with a carbed yamaha 150 or 200.
motors were all but bullet proof.
the new 4 strokes and EFI and DFI motors all seem to work well now but the maint cost increased with the technology advances.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

Thanks Rodbolt,
If I could pick your brain further, what is the last year of yamaha 150 or 200's or do they still make 'em?
Thanks,
JBJ

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

not real sure, memory says about 3 years ago was the last of the 20" carbed 150's. they still make it in 25"
I say make, technically import to the US as they are still being manufactured.
yamaha just released an F225 4 stroke bass boat engine that is very solid.
my personal F150 runs very well. the 175 E-TEC so far has been very nice.
only two complaints is an odd stumble if your accelerating slowly at about 2800 RPM and it idles to low.
it will idle all day long at 650 RPM but its so slow I cant control the boat, trying to throttle up to 750 is tricky
but the best bet is to have a complete engine survey done by a trusted dealership, certian used yamahas may qualify for a used outboard warrenty when its purchased.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: 2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

the 175 E-TEC so far has been very nice.
only two complaints is an odd stumble if your accelerating slowly at about 2800 RPM and it idles to low.
it will idle all day long at 650 RPM but its so slow I cant control the boat, trying to throttle up to 750 is tricky
.

Rodbolt, you can change the software on your e-tec to select any idle speed you want.
You may have to take it to a dealer, but I think you are an OB tech/mech and might have access to the software.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

I have the palm pilot but dont know what software version.
I have a firm policy,two actually. if an open beer is involved the tool box is shut and I never work on my stuff.
I did discuss the idle with the selling dealer and was told the 07 175 I was stuck with 650. I have worked for and with this dealer since 88 or so, but ill check again. I also need to check for any updates.
model is e175dplsu,ser05175848

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: 2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

They just plugged mine (50hp) into a laptop and entered the idle speed through the keyboard and voila.
Actually now that I think about it (this was three years ago) there was a box on the screen that had idle rpm on it with up and down arrows next to it and you just hit the one you want and it moved (I think) in ten rpm increments.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 2001 115hp evinrude or 1999 150 merc?

Personally I'd take the 6 cyl over the 4 for smoothness to address your original question. Don't personally have a brand preference. Son and I are running Mercs and seem to do as well as anything else. Thermostats (less than $10) were the only problems with ours ('95 and '02) except for a trigger module on mine and I may have done it in one day when I was fooling around with my choke.

Mark