Need a New Motor - 175 - 200 HP ?

[lucey]

My father in law is currently in the market for a new motor. He has a 21 ft Sea Swirl that he uses on the coast of B.C. He currently has a Johnson 175 which is causing him a lot of grief. Long story short he needs something to replace it with. I think he is leaning more towards a 4 stroke but a 2 is not out yet. What motors are great and why. Thanks

 

[rndn]

Re: Need a New Motor - 175 - 200 HP ?

You're going to get more varied answers, all with supporting materials, than you could ever wade through.
There are a lot of good reasons to go to 4 strokes as there are for going with one of the direct injection (Optimax, E-Tec) 2 strokes. If he's really looking for total performance 175HP 4 stroke vs 175HP 2 stroke then it's direct injected 2 strokes without question. If he's willing to give up a little hole shot and top end to get away from 2 stroke oil, then go with one of the several very nice 4 strokes, realizing he will be changing the motor oil at regular intervals. As an additional note E-Tecs will require only 1 dealer service every 3 years.

 

[DJ]

Re: Need a New Motor - 175 - 200 HP ?

Have you looked at the "gently used" engines available here on iboats?

If you're willing to bolt it on yourself, they are great deals.

See below.



http://www.boatmotors.com/

Otherwise, choose a dealer you trust and go with that brand. #1 is choosing a dealer.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Need a New Motor - 175 - 200 HP ?

Lucy, I have a '98 21foot SeaSwirl with a 150HP Johnny. It has plenty of power, and has been reliable in the two years I have owned it. The motor does use some heavy fuel, however.

He could get away with a 150HP motor on that boat (max is 175HP, on mine). if he has the $$ try an Optimax direct Injection or ETEC DI. If not, the used carb'd motor are great, especially those 60 degree V6 engines, which are super.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need a New Motor - 175 - 200 HP ?

staying with a Johnson/Evinrude will save him a good bit, in the set up cost. he can use the same controls, etc.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Need a New Motor - 175 - 200 HP ?

I'd go with a new 4 stroke if the boat doesn't object too bad. If weight is an issue then go with either the Optimax or the E-Tec.

The 4 strokes are proving to be very relaible and the fuel usage in the mid-range RPM where 90% of your coastal boating is done is excellent. I know a lot of guy that replaced perfectly good carbed motors to increase their fuel range without increasing the size of there tanks.

When the fishing grounds are 35-80 miles offshore every little improvement in fuel ecomony is considered.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Need a New Motor - 175 - 200 HP ?

What's the HP rating on the boat?

What year is his 175?

DJ's suggestion is great, except that shipping to BC makes this un-doable.

I'd lean to the biggest hp 4-stroke I could afford.

But then I have a 30 year old 2 stroke, so what do I know