Is refit worth it?

[winddriven1]

Been looking around for a 16' to 19' jon boat for river useage. All I need is 15 to 25 hp 4 stroke. Been seeing a lot of boat/motor/trailer packages in my area for around $2k to $3k. Only I need to have electric start and power trim/tilt on the engine. Is that feature too prohibitively expensive to modify and put on engine after manufacture and, if so, what's a realistic cost number? Is that worth the extra money or is it best to look for exactly those specs on the rig I find?

Also, been seeing a lot of Yamahas out there too. A good engine for the fresh water river? As you can tell I'm a little new at this. (Been doing mostly 40+' sailboats with deisel engines.)

Thanks for any input and feedback!

Winddriven1

 

[Thad]

Re: Is refit worth it?

I have no idea what power tilt/trim would cost. I do know that my dad had electric start put on his 25hp Johnson at the tune of $800.00.

If you look around enough, you should be able to find a boat with those options already on it.

As far as Yamaha goes, I have not heard anything bad about them. A couple of my buddies have them, one is a jet drive the other is prop. They love them.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Is refit worth it?

Welcome to iboats. First, if you're planning on running a 16'-19' john boat up and down a river you'll need a lot more than 25 horseys unless you're talking about one of those long skinny trout boats. Second, I'm not even sure if you can get PT&T for a motor that size, even for a retrofit application. There are manual devices that might work. Third, since you give no indication as to where on God's beautiful planet you are we can't help you at all in terms of what you can expect to spend. Edit your profile to include your location and tell us more about your intended use and you'll have a much better shot at getting good advice.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Is refit worth it?

E-start should be able to be retrofitted though not positive. As for TNT, there are aftermarket units. Cabelas has one for max 35 hp motors for $499 or up to 130 hp for $550.

As for Yamaha - I wouldn't hesitate for a second. I've never owned anything but Mercs, but have several friends with Yami's and they are good motors. Good luck with it and report back with pics when you find "the one".

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Is refit worth it?

The answer to both electric start and power tilt/trim is yes you can add them aftermarket, but an emphatic "NO", it will NOT make sense in your situation. Electric start will run $400+ and power trim will add $500-700.

My suggestion would be to look to higher horespower motors, not because you need more power for this boat, but bigger motors are more likely to come with these features from the factory. I see lots of 25 HP with electric start and power trim, but at 30 HP on engines made within the last 10 years you'll find a lot more have these features.

I assume you know what you're getting into with a johnboat and are aware of it's very hard limitations when it comes to handling rough water.

Grouse

 

[winddriven1]

Re: Is refit worth it?

OK, someone asked where my location is. (Incoop)The rig I'm seeking will be running on the Rainbow River, in gorgeous Dunnellon, FL. I want a 4-stroke since I love that river and do not wish to pump exhaust nor oil or any other junk into that pristine water. I only need a 15 or 25 hp since NOTHING moves fast enough, everything is NO WAKE zone there. (It's a spring fed 4 knot river. It's incredible!) The only reason I'd need a 25 is to run down another river to Lake Rousseau to blast along and blow out the plugs or something. Wind in my hair, that sort of thing.

I'm just getting on in age and will not be able to pull start too much, nor do I want my wife having to do the same. That's why it's electric start and tilt/trim all the way. I'm looking for that sense of ease and comfort many of us look for. Life is good. I am a patient man and can wait until the right rig comes along at the right price.

Thank you for the input. It all makes sense to me.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Is refit worth it?

Okee dokee. Sounds like you know what you're doing. As soon as I can get my foot out of my mouth I'll say good luck and let us know what you come up with. Oh yeah, forgot to mention I had a Yammy once and loved it. It was a two stroke though.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Is refit worth it?

As far as Yamaha goes, I have not heard anything bad about them. A couple of my buddies have them, one is a jet drive the other is prop. They love them.

Yamaha has some very solid 4 stroke technology... They made all of merc's 4 stroke engines for many years, and merc still probably uses yamaha power heads. (I know the merc 65hp outboard I bought last spring is a yamaha in merc clothing) Always funny to hear the guys rag on the jap brands, and they stick with their made in america mercs. Merc first of all hasn't been made in america for some time, and now they just outsource and buy japanese powerheads.

 

[eavega]

Re: Is refit worth it?

OK, someone asked where my location is. (Incoop)The rig I'm seeking will be running on the Rainbow River, in gorgeous Dunnellon, FL.

Ah, I remember Tubing and canoeing on the Rainbow River every year in my younger days with the Boy Scouts. South Florida Council had their summer camp up that way, where we would spend a week swatting mosquitoes, eating bad camp food, and generally having the time of our lives!

-E