Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

[BOAH]

I have a 21 foot 1972 Starcraft with a 1973 Evinrude 115 on it right now. I'm looking to get a little newer motor for it. Because of budget constraints, I'm thinking a motor made in the early 1990's in the 115 HP range. 115 seems to work well with it but I could go a little higher HP or lower if necessary. The boat is aluminum and I would guess about 1100 pounds.

I use it now in both fresh and saltwater and I would be very interested in hearing some different opinions of what to look for and maybe what to watch out for as well.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

The 60* V4 and V6 motors by Johnson from the mid-late 90s are superb. The V6 Mercs are also superb.

 

[64osby]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

I have a 1985 Evinrude V-4 90 hp that pushes my Starcraft Mariner to 40mph. It's a great running motor. Very trouble free.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

Your current motor is horsepower rated at the powerhead delivering about 100 HP at the prop. The motors from Johnson/Evinrude post 1984 are rated at the propellar and will deliver a true 115 HP (if in proper tune). I think you will feel the difference.

 

[BOAH]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

I've been very happy with Evinrude so if I came across a newer one in good condition, I would do that.

64osby, that 90 pushes your boat 40 mph? If I could drop down to a 90 and get as good (or better) performance with better efficiency, that would be great.

I have a friend who has a late 80's Yamaha that he is very happy with.

When buying a used older motor, is there any way to see how clear the cooling ports are?

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

I've been very happy with Evinrude so if I came across a newer one in good condition, I would do that.

64osby, that 90 pushes your boat 40 mph? If I could drop down to a 90 and get as good (or better) performance with better efficiency, that would be great.

I have a friend who has a late 80's Yamaha that he is very happy with.

When buying a used older motor, is there any way to see how clear the cooling ports are?

Good water flow out of pee hole, exhaust reliefs, prop (you can see if on muffs). Most importantly if it's getting even cooling and not overheating (check WOT too). Check if it was used in salt water. Most clogs can be fixed.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

Your current motor is horsepower rated at the powerhead delivering about 100 HP at the prop. The motors from Johnson/Evinrude post 1984 are rated at the propellar and will deliver a true 115 HP (if in proper tune). I think you will feel the difference.

Took the words right out of my mouth. Grin

Mark

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

I've been very happy with Evinrude so if I came across a newer one in good condition, I would do that.

64osby, that 90 pushes your boat 40 mph? If I could drop down to a 90 and get as good (or better) performance with better efficiency, that would be great.

I have a friend who has a late 80's Yamaha that he is very happy with.

When buying a used older motor, is there any way to see how clear the cooling ports are?

Uhhhhhhh you will not see any improvement in fuel use ........ having better power will also allow the "thrill seeker" out and you will still push it to wide open throttle.

EXAMPLE - You could mount a 350 HP motor and get the same efficiency as you have now IF you do not push it. The efficiency and fuel use is directly related to your hand on the throttle

 

[64osby]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

64osby, that 90 pushes your boat 40 mph?​

1972 Starcraft Marine Holiday 21, This outboard runabout is 21.08 feet long and weighs 1440 (pounds dry). This weight does not account for passengers, fuel, or gear.

The 1973, Mariner 21 is a 20.67 foot outboard boat. The weight of the boat is 983 lbs

You have an extra 450 pounds on that Holiday before the motor and everything else

 

[BOAH]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

When looking for a used motor, any suggestions on where to look? I've been scouring CL up to this point.

 

[64osby]

Re: Motor replacement suggestion for '72 Starcraft

CL is about the best place, include trashed fg boats in your search. I picked up a 135 Rude on a boat that had a torn transom, nice trailer for $350. Sold the motor for $1,100 and the trailer for $300. Deals are out there and the later in the season the better they get.

Talk to anyone you know about looking for a motor, sometimes others know of one sitting in a barn or garage.

Also search a couple of states at the same time if you can.