can't decide between late 70's evinrude or mercury

[wiesmanr]

I am looking at getting a "newer" motor for my boat. I have found locally, a 1975 Evinrude 70hp and a 1978 Mercury 70hp. Could anyone help me out on what one would be a better, more reliable motor? I do believe that the Evinrude would be a little heavier than the Merc, correct? But I do think the Evinrude may be a little more reliable? Both are good clean motors. Thanks

 

[CWKboat]

Re: can't decide between late 70's evinrude or mercury

Aside from the fact that so much depends on the condition/compression/maintenance histories of the respective engines, I can tell you that the Johnson Evinrude 70 HP "triple"/3 cylinder is one of the better outboards that OMC made. I have a 1976 70 HP, and it is a great engine. I bought it 19 years ago, and had to rebuild it after about 6 years, but it is a bullet proof engine when maintained.

I've owned inline 6 and V-6 Mercurys, but have no experience with their 70HP offering of that vintage. I love the Mercs, but you will not go wrong with that Johnson Evinrude all things being equal. Still many of them around pushing pontoons and small runabouts.

One thing re: the 70s Mercs: There's a good change you may need to replace the engine wiring harness as the insulation has tended to deteriorate and crumble after 20-30 years as many here will attest.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: can't decide between late 70's evinrude or mercury

Look at all the threads about the 3cyl Mercury's on the Merc subforum and I think you'll find your answer regarding reliability of that particular model...

Evinrude post-electromatic shift and pre-VRO, you can't do any better than that for reliability IMO.

 

[engrgrad]

Re: can't decide between late 70's evinrude or mercury

I just sold my 76 starcraft with a 76, 75 hp evinrude. I could not kill that thing and I had little to no problems with it over the years. I would go with the OMC IMO

 

[Handyman1]

Re: can't decide between late 70's evinrude or mercury

You should check parts availability for these older motors that might help you decide.Before buying check for service records and the usual tests compression and test drive it if possible. Good luck.

 

[Jim Berry]

Re: can't decide between late 70's evinrude or mercury

I am the original owner of a 1974 85hp evinrude. Starts every year 1st time - amazing
I actually just sold it and got a 1979 mercury 115hp in-line 6. Like the man said above, all the internal wiring needs to be replaced. New wire harness is on the way. I hope I still have time to get it out on the water. Right now I am wishing I still had the evinrude