Evinrude Trade?

[rockstar55667]

I currently have a Mid 90's Yamaha 4HP that I use daily, she starts right up, no problem and gets me where i want to go.

I was recently offered a trade, my Yamaha for a 1980s 15HP Evinrude. I'm told everything on the motor works (impeller, just changed the gear lube, new spark plugs etc...) I'm going to look at it tomorrow to make sure.

The Yamaha doesn't really push my boat that fast, and it would be nice to have something faster. I have an old sail boat (16 FT) with no sails that I was given, i have converted it into a motor boat the best i could. Its a heavy all fiberglass boat, so i think a bigger motor would be good.

Is this a good trade?

Also whats the weight on these old motors? I need to be able to take it out every use.

Pictures:

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

OMG.....a Yamaha for that thing.....

 

[timsmcm]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

Man I love my 85 evinrude 15hp and would not trade for it period

 

[rockstar55667]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

OMG.....a Yamaha for that thing.....

Really? I was told these are strong motors.

Fill me in guys!

 

[david_r]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

almost sounds too good to be true.

i would run a compression check (within 10-15%of each other), check spark (good blue..need jump 3/8-7/16 gap) and remove the lower unit oil plug to check for water contamination.......only the bottom plug and water will come out but oil shouldnt--vacuum.

put her in some water and listen to her run......if all checks out and you want more power---i say go for it!

 

[rockstar55667]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

The guy said he lives on a small lake, and wants something smaller and lighter that he can take in and out every day...thats why hes selling it.


Also, if anyone knows...what year is that motor?

 

[Mas]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

I think that the 15hp might be too much motor for a 16 foot boat...depending on the hull design of the sailboat...and what hull modifications you've made.

For fun, I've tried my 10 hp on small dingy...way too much power, and it scared the crap out of me at WTO...the boat would not respond properly to steering controls.

I've a 21 foot sailboat and a 4hp will push the boat the same speed as my 10 hp because neither will plane the boat...about 6 knots.

My opinion, unless you've modified the hull, it probably is too much power.

That is a lot of weight in the aft end of the boat too!

Maybe you can ask to "tryout" the motor on your boat before trading?

MAS

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

Those are excellent motors. However, I can't imagine anyone trading a GOOD 15 for a 4hp but it sounds reasonable what he said. However, I see a small problem.. You're going to want to plane that boat with your 15, and that's not a planing hull on your boat. therefore you're going to load up the 15 full throttle and it won't last long doing that. Personally, I might go for the trade because a 4hp is too darned slow for me. But, I'd go for a nice cheap 14 foot aluminum boat to put it on, too. I'd also do all the aforementioned tests keeping in mind that it's an old motor. I hope it's not a '76 model, I hear they're finicky.
JBJ

 

[Mas]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

Also, 15hp can rip the transom right off an unmodified sailboat. What kind of sailboat is/was it?

MAS

 

[rockstar55667]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

Also, 15hp can rip the transom right off an unmodified sailboat. What kind of sailboat is/was it?

MAS

I have no idea...heres a pic when i was working on it...you think 15 is too much power? This isn't what it looks like now...but more or less. I added some fiberglass to the transom, and some wood for reinforcement.

Ill ask tomorrow if i can try the motor out, that would be good.

weight-wise its not an issue...i threw a 15 hp project motor that i have on the back, and it doesn't seem to weight it down too much.

 

[Mas]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

How were you planning on mounting the motor...it needs to be centered?... as I'm sure you know. You'll probably have to add a motor bracket. You would be in a very dangerous situation trying to plane with the motor off-center...nonetheless using a non-planing hull! One "tweek" on steering & you'll go flying out!

Personally, if you want to go faster, I would put an ad on Craig's List and trade for an aluminum boat. I think you'll be happier in the long run.

MAS

 

[Bard1]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

I think it might be a good deal. I've had my 1966 18 hp for years. and until just a few weeks ago I never had one problem. It always ran strong!

 

[mthieme]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

I agree with MAS.
You've got some issues with that transom and try to turn it into a speed boat.
Keep you eye out for a jon boat. They can be had easily and cheaply.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

As far as the motor swap idea......As long as your alright swapping a mid 90's model 4hp for a mid 70's model Evinrude then go for it if all check out. I see the evinrude has a starter on it, that would save you alot of pulling if you was to setup a battery box and ignition switch or push button switch.

 

[rockstar55667]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

The 4HP runs great on that transom...you think if i up it to 15 it'll be too much?

another $150 for a motor bracket is quite a bit for that old thing.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

I must confess I've never even been in a sailboat. But, looking at the bottom, I believe that boat would feel frightening if the 15 actually planed it. the 4hp feels fine because it's not planing. But the 15 might try to plane it but I believe your boat will be too heavy and will just bog the 15 down. Go for the 14ft. aluminum! If you watch craiglist, I'll bet you'll find one for around 3 or 400 dollars and they last pretty much forever. The sailboat hull is nice looking, though. There's no way the 15 is going to please you on that boat, however.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[mthieme]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

I don't see that hull planing.
The transom simply was not designed for what you want to do.
Even if it weren't off center, it's thin and there is no lateral support along the bottom.
Take the $150 and put it towards a used jon boat.

 

[rockstar55667]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

Thank you all for your input, its much appreciated!

Heres a pic of the bottom of the hull...it looks the same now, minus that big hole in the middle...i took care of that.

I'm going to see if he'll let me try it out on the boat before i do anything, if for some reason i can't i wont do the deal.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

You mentioned having to take it in and out every day. I'm not certain what all is involved in that. I have a 4HP, 9.9 and a 15 all Evinrudes. I must say I detest carrying the 9.9 and 15 for any distance more than say 50 yards. The 4 is so much lighter it is no problem to carry at all. On the water if I'm trolling the 4 is my preferred motor hands down. If I am going to a larger lake where I want to travel any distance I prefer the 9.9 or 15. I do fear getting caught in a storm more when I'm using the 4 but I keep a closer eye on the weather systems and make my way closer to the dock if it isn't looking good. You say you use your Yamaha every day but you didn't say for what. Your purpose is what should determine the choice of HP. I have a 12 foot aluminum boat and the 15,at wide open throttle scares me bad. It is too much motor for the boat but I don't go WOT very often. All three motors troll very well at low speed but the 4 is quieter but not a lot. Gas consumption goes up with the HP. I would say the 9.9 & 15 weigh about 90 lbs. and the 4 not more than 40. Rick.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Evinrude Trade?

I'll jump into the Mas camp - a 15hp motor is way too much power for that sailboat. Its also too heavy. Although your hull is mostly a displacement hull, the bottom is flat enough that it will try to plane with 15hp on it, if you raise the centerboard. The problem is that the boat was not designed to plane at speed (it actually does plane a little under sail, most likely) and it isn't going to be stable.

Just to give you some perspective, I used to use a ERude 15hp as an auxilliary for a 26 foot Columbia sailboat, which had a full, fixed keel.

Do yourself a favor and keep the Yammy - its perfect for your boat.