Engine replacement questions

[pithhelmet]

Hi everyone -

I have a procraft bass boat ~19'

the original johnson 115 hp outboard is starting to show its age, slow starts, perhaps a low compression cylinder.

I am thinking of replacing the big and bulky 115 with
2 - 50/70hp motors, perhaps Hondas or suzuki

the transom is very strong, i think the new engines will weight a little more than the single 115....

the transom is wide enough to hold both motors next to each other, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Has anyone completed this before??

thanks

 

[andy6374]

Re: Engine replacement questions

IMHO: I would stick with a single 115. Your upfront cost will be MUCH less (controls, gauges, the engines!). Plus you'll burn less gas and spend 1/2 in routine maintenance. Considering how low your transom already might be seated in the water the additional weight created by the 2 newer heavier engines might put you in the "red" zone so to speak.

Has be done before sure, would I do it no.

The only time you NEED two engines is for boats that are rated for 300+ HP. And even at that Suzuki just came out with a 300HP outboard, I can't wait to see how that beast performs.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine replacement questions

the only reason i would do it is if i were ocean fishing, which i assume you're not in a bass boat. check out your engine, before spending the big bucks. your trolling motor will get you home, in an emergency.

 

[JB]

Re: Engine replacement questions

Your JohnnyRude 115 weighs a bit over 300lb. ONE Suzi 70 weighs around 350lb.

Rehab your 115 if it is truly losing power, or put a single 115 4 stroke on her. . . around 420lb.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Engine replacement questions

the transom is very strong, i think the new engines will weight a little more than the single 115
Little?...probabaly closer to double. I'm with JB on this.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Engine replacement questions

I'd go with a single .... add a nice 225hp merc optimax ... they are fuel efficient cost effective and very fast ......

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Engine replacement questions

Dee, might know what your answer would be. "THE MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER IS NEVER ENOUGH". 8)

Son has a 180c Pro Craft Fish and Ski with a 150 Merc; 21" laser II prop. Does 55 with the two of us (after decarbing) and livewells full. Not sure of the revs as we are putting in a new tack. But if the last reading I got was correct, this was at 6000 rpm's.

Now a 150 is NOT a small engine. Takes some getting used to after looking at my 90.

Wasn't aware that they had a transom that wide; maybe I just didn't look that closely. His has sponsons or whatever sticking over the transom on both sides of the engine that come pretty close to the engine.

Besides weight as mentioned, 2 engines aren't nearly as fuel efficient/mph as one due to lower unit drag for one thing. You certainly aren't going to get comparable speed/hp as you would with a single. Also you are always having to insure that they are both running the same (synchronized) which may be a problem after some age. Then you have to duplicate most everything.

Then you have to prop with a prop that is available in regular and counter rotating to stabilize your steering.....so that limits your choices there as everyone doesn't offer the LH prop.

Doesn't sound like the right direction.

Why do you feel the 115 is bulky on a 19' boat? Now if you said 15 or 16', I might understand, but 19?

My 2c,

Mark

 

[pithhelmet]

Re: Engine replacement questions

Update -

I double checked the boat... Procraft 1650v

I tried for a while to make out the year of the motor,
but the stamps were placed right over top of each other... rendering both of them almost unreadable.

I have found out there is a school in central florida that will work on the Johnson engine - all i do is pay for the parts that are needed. When i get the real phone number of the joint i'll pass it along.

After reading the responses - i will pass on the motor replacement. thank you to everyone that posted!

take care
tony