70 HP vs 90 HP Evinrude: Which to Buy?

[Edan7]

Hi all, still new to this so hope I'm asking in the right place. I've got the opportunity to purchase either a 1985 90 hp or 1987 70 hp Evinrude to repower my boat that I've just restored. The boat is a 15 ft fiberglass, early 70's Silverline Aruba 15v. I would like your input on which one I should go for, is one more reliable than the other? I plan on mainly cruising around and likely pulling someone on a kneeboard or tube. I also plan to do some fishing, in which case would either of these engines be okay with some longer idle times or is that a bad idea? At max capacity will have 4-5 people in the boat. Thanks for your input!

 

[Edan7]

And both units available have power tilt and trim. I've also got a 12-gallon fuel tank, in case fuel range might seem like an issue with one of these, but I will mainly be going to smaller local lakes, with no massive boat journeys planned.

 

[racerone]

Any warranty from the dealer ?----Go with the V-4 model.-----But have a good look at it and and test compression.----In good condition that 90 HP will troll for hrs with no issue.------You will need to look at a new water pump impeller.---Also need to look at VRO if still equipped with that.-----Any model numbers / pictures ?----Fresh water motors ?

 

[Edan7]

These are the only pictures I have on hand of both, still mounted on other boats at the moment. No warranty, they're both private sales. I was intending to test compression at pick up and replace the water pump impeller once I get it home. I don't have model numbers at the moment so unsure if they are fresh or saltwater models, but I will only be using them in freshwater if that makes a difference.

 

[racerone]

The 90 HP looks more like an 82 model to me.----Model # would end with EN* , with EN being an 82 model.

 

[tphoyt]

I’m not familiar with that boat but at 15’ I’m curious if its rated for such a large motor.
What is your transom hight? Is there still and info plate with H.P. rating and weight capacity with number of people?
I believe racerone question was have the motors previously been used in salt or fresh water?

 

[Edan7]

The 90 HP looks more like an 82 model to me.----Model # would end with EN* , with EN being an 82 model.

If it does turn out to be an 82 model would the consensus still be to go for the 90 over the 70? Are there any issues with that older model besides likely not having VRO? Would that put it before the shaft/crank hp ratings and make it closer in power to the 70 or is that shaft/crank rating a very small difference on these sized engines and not worth thinking about?

 

[racerone]

There really is no difference between the parts on an 82 and 85 model 90 HP.-----The 85 model might have oil injection with the issues that go along with that.-----I think an 82 IF in good condition is an excellent motor.-----A big " if " on condition.

 

[Edan7]

I’m not familiar with that boat but at 15’ I’m curious if its rated for such a large motor.
What is your transom hight? Is there still and info plate with H.P. rating and weight capacity with number of people?
I believe racerone question was have the motors previously been used in salt or fresh water?

They were both only used in fresh water. And the hull is rated for a max 85 hp, 750 lbs person capacity, 1245 lbs maximum weight. I know the 90 would be 5 hp over that but these are the only motors I've been able to find locally that seem to be in decent shape and within my budget. Also they would me cost roughly the same price to purchase. Transom height is 20 inches from the bottom of the V to the top of the back of the splashwell, but goes up higher on either side. Its a brand new transom, 1.5" thick top to bottom with an additional 1.5" thick brace just below the splashwell and fully encapsulated in fiberglass.

 

[Edan7]

There really is no difference between the parts on an 82 and 85 model 90 HP.-----The 85 model might have oil injection with the issues that go along with that.-----I think an 82 IF in good condition is an excellent motor.-----A big " if " on condition.

With the big "if" are there any particular flaws in these engines to look for beyond the standard things to check out when buying a used outboard?

 

[racerone]

All these V-4 motors have issues with broken rings from 1977 model to 1998 models.-----Doing a rebuild on a 1993 model now.-----Had been apart with 2 new pistons already installed.----Found broken rings on 3 of the 4 this time.-----And a 3 cylinder 70 HP might also have issues.-----A compression test and overall condition may tell the story.------Then again the present owner may just want to get rid of a good motor to go with a modern big $$$ 4 stroke.

 

[Edan7]

Makes sense. Okay, so assuming both are in a good running condition, is the 90 the way to go? If not in good condition then I'll reassess but right now I have to go under this assumption until I go check it out.

 

[flyingscott]

Go with the 70 hp motor.

 

[Edan7]

Go with the 70 hp motor.

Should the 70 still do alright getting on plane while pulling a tube or kneeboard?

 

[racerone]

The 90 is 99 cubic inches and the 70 is 56 cubic inches.

 

[tphoyt]

Well it sounds like your transom will be capable and you have done a lot of work on this boat. In my eyes the 70 would be the way to go. They were far more reliable as far as I’m concerned. It’s really a crap shoot either way when buying an old motor.
Whichever way you go give them a good going over and sleep on it before pulling the trigger. The compression test is extremely important!
Best of Luck

 

[Crosbyman]

check with insurance company if they will cover a 90hp on a 85hp rated boat !!! they will take any excuse not to cover damages/liabilities if something happens

 

[flyingscott]

I am not the guy who is going to tell you to overpower your boat. But a 70 hp propped right will pull a wakeboard or tube.

 

[Edan7]

These are all good points and I appreciate everyone's input here. To be honest I was always leaning towards the 70 a little to begin with. Will go check that one out first and see what shape it's in up close. Thanks!

 

[oldboat1]

Get model numbers. Compression checks before purchase a good idea, as you suggest -- might take a spark tester with you as well to see if ignition needs to be worked on before use. On the 70, see where the tell-tale elbow and hose is located and take a pic or make a note.