Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

[johnk86]

Wondering if any of you could help me out. I've been looking at iBoats engine inventory and FAQ and stuff and am trying to get advice on a type of motor to purchase and was wondering where the best place to go would be. A forum would be nice because I could get a number of opinions instead of calling one person and just getting theirs (unless they are an expert but who's to know). Where would y'all suggest I go in search of answers? <br /><br />If you're wondering what I'm looking for, here it is:<br />I have a 21' Proline Center Console with an engine bracket (see http://users.rcn.com/kusterer/boat1.jpg for picture of the back of the boat and bracket) and the 175hp Johnson on the back is busted and I'm looking to replace it. Here is the type of motor I'm looking for:<br />- 200hp to 225hp<br />- One that is reliable and, comparitively, easy to maintain. Reliability is paramount, #1.<br />- Not cost an arm and leg to repair, but if its reliable, then hopefully that's not too big an issue.<br />- I will be using it almost 100% in salt water so it must be able to stand up to that ("Salt Water Series?")<br /><br />I'm not looking for brand new - too much money. The iBoat motors are intriguing but its hard to tell what's good in salt (e.g. Mercury Optimax?), if the motor has EFI or not, and just to get a feel for what's the "right match".<br /><br />Any information is appreciated.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

hello<br /> give Ron at Ron's marine in portsmouth Va a call. they specialize in OMC/Bomb reconditioning and sell reconditioned engines with a one year warrenty. 757-397-3451<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[JB]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

What's wrong with iboats' engines? <br /><br />You are, after all, in iboats' place of business taking advantage of a free service offered by iboats. Is it really courteous to ask for referrals to a competitor or to give such a referral?<br /><br />There are several excellent buys on 200-225 hp rebuilts there.

 

[johnk86]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

I did not mean to sound like I was not looking at iboats. But if you look at their listing, they have many different makes (Evinrude, Honda, Yamaha, Mercury) and different types of motors within some of those lines. My questions was to get more of a subject opinion on which of those motors would best fit my needs. They list the motors, but do not list opinions on how they would fit my particular requirements. I didn't mean to take advantage of iboats hospitality to look for advice on an engine sold elsewhere. For example, they have a Honda four-stroke 225 listed there. I have no idea how these motors handle salt water compared to other models. They have a Mercury Optimax, but the same question with that. Salt water? And how does the EFI and DFI work under periods of long storage (4-5 months)? How does a Honda 4-stroke work under those conditions?

 

[JB]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

The '95 Johnny 225 is a carbed engine that has an excellent rep for salt water applications and is easy to work on with a manual. <br /><br />Very good price, and warranty, too.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[johnk86]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

Thanks, JB, but I don't know how I would handle without power trim and hand controls (not remote). Don't even know how an engine would work that size with/without those things.

 

[snohomishbaddawg]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

You need to determin if you want a 2 or 4 stroke, what your budget is, find a seller that you trust, have a mechanic take a look at it before you buy and get a warranty if possible. Any motor new or used could have problems, the key is to eliminate as many of those problems as possible before your buy. If you are looking at used motors the reputation of the motor is maybe less important than the degree of care the motor has recieved.<br />If you are waiting for someone to tell you here is the perfect motor at the absolute best price, it isn't going to happen. Talk to as many people in your area as you can, find a good service person and go from there.

 

[JB]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

OOPS! My bad. I didn't notice that it is a commercial, hand control engine. Sorry about that.<br /><br />There are good deals on a Johnny and a 'Rude in the 200hp size.<br /><br />The Honda you mentioned is a fairly good buy, but very heavy. Maybe too heavy for your 21' Proline.<br /><br />The controls from your broken 175 should work with either the Johnny or the 'Rude. Depending on the year of the carcass, the wiring harness might also work. Save you about $500. and greatly simplify installation and rigging.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[pjc]

Re: Looking for Advice on engine buying...where to go?

Just a Patriotic suggestion--<br /><br />Buy as much American as you can--<br /><br />--not a BS post, please give all due respect though--