My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

[catfighter]

[BTW - if this post been mis-categorized, please feel free to move it]


So I have an old 80's Gamefisher 14' whaler (picture below).

I had a 15hp 2-stroke Johnson (J15RCTR). It was a decent amount of power for the amount of running i did with it, which was not much. I would say it was probably going 15 knots.

Anyway, it blew up and I'm wondering if I could get away with a 15hp 4-stroke, seeing as these can be 20-40lb heavier. . . .

Also, I have been told that buying a NEW outboard is a waste of money, and that buying a used (but newer) outboard, if i can find one, is a much better buy.


Please let me know what you guys are thinking on these subjects. I appreciate any feedback.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

I have always been partial to Mercury's. I owned a small (8 hp) Yamaha for years and it was very good.

I would say . . . Mercury, Yamaha, or Evinrude/Johnson . . . new ones are pricey, so if you can find a fairly new used one at a decent price, go for it.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

When you buy used, you're just buying someone elses problems most of the time... especially when it comes to boats.

It's hard to beats a new owners warranty.

Your boat should be fine with a 4 stroke, come on over to the quiet side.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

i'd go back to a 15-20 hp 2 stroke pull start. saves the weight both from motor and battery. And i wouldn't worry about buying used; the new motors are just too expensive.

 

[JB]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

I have always preferred JohnnyRudes and consider the more mature models superior to more recent ones. In your situation I would:

First, determine exactly what is wrong with your current outboard. "Blew up" doesn't tell us anything. You might be able to return her to like new for a modest investment compared to buying a new anything.

If "blew up" is merely a rationale for repowering I would search for another JohnnyRude 15 up to, but not newer than, 1990.

If you are determined to have a new or near-new 4 stroke 15 there are several good ones available. I would lean toward one made by the company who sells them. . .Suzuki, Tohatsu, Yamaha. I think all other brands are made by one of those three.

 

[catfighter]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

First, determine exactly what is wrong with your current outboard. "Blew up" doesn't tell us anything. You might be able to return her to like new for a modest investment compared to buying a new anything.

It has a spun bearing, so "blew up" is pretty accurate:

wore out bearing

I spent another $200 trying to get it to work but at this point I'm just disgusted with it and it's in 1000 pieces. Anyway, just assume fixing this thing is out of the question.



I'm torn between a new motor and an old. New are expensive but they have a warranty. Old motor means you're likely buying someone else's problem (otherwise why would you ever sell a good outboard seeing as they're hard to come by -- at least around here they are).

I guess I have some time to think about it.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

Not sure where you got your info about new vs. old but I can't say as I agree with old being better. It is true that the initial cost of a new motor is higher but the total cost of ownership in the first five years will often be less. I personally have been down both roads and will admit that there have been times when I preferred an older motor for a special purpose. My general use motors were all purchased new and I do not regret spending the extra money.

 

[JimS123]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

JohnnyRudes DO last forever )), but there IS maintenance involved. My 48 year old boat has had 5 different motors on it over the years. Most were 20+ years old when mounted on the transom. After the initial purchase i always "reconditioned" them before running because where I boat reliability is mandatory (my fishing spot is 1.5 miles above Niagara falls). That meant an impeller, tuneup, carb job, etc. If you buy used you better factor that into the price unless you don't care about being towed.

My last one was a brand new last year leftover from the internet and after 5 years has not cost me a dime, nor has given me even one blip. Although I DO currently run a 28 year old and a 60 year old motor regularly, for my every day fishing boat I would always buy a new one.

 

[Philster]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

30 HP and under Merc outboards are made for them by Tohatsu.

Four-strokers weight more, yes, but they provide enough torque at the right part of the power curve to make up for it.

 

[bassman284]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

FWIW, the new 4 strokes are generally lighter than they were a few years ago. E.g., my 2003 9.9 Merc weighs 105 lb. and the new one by Tohatsu weighs abut 88.

 

[JimS123]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

30 HP and under Merc outboards are made for them by Tohatsu.

Four-strokers weight more, yes, but they provide enough torque at the right part of the power curve to make up for it.

Depends on what part is "right" for you. If you need a strong hole shot, they suck!

 

[whofan]

Re: My outboard blew up; what should I replace it with??

Honda outboards in this size are an absolute joy to run.
I would look at a new Honda.