Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

[Spyhopper]

I am going to take a look at a boat tomorrow that is powered by an older 80HP Evinrude. The boat is from the mid to late sixties, and I think the motor is the same vintage. Do any of you guys have any opinions of these motors, or if there is anything in particular that I should look out for? I am wary of buying a fifty year old motor, so any input would be appreciated.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

I've run a number of these older engines, years ago. Unless you are a collector/hobbyist, I'd write the engine off. They are heavy, have belt-driven distributors with dual points, clunky carbs. They don't have good fuel economy and are noisy. You can't find props for them anymore and many had electric shift lower units with push button control boxes. Possibly hard to find parts for. Even if it's a good runner, it misses the mark when compared to OMC V4 crossflow engines built just a few years later in the late 70's: mechanical gear shift drives, sound muffled midsections, performance carbs, high compression heads, dual thermostats, wiring for tachs, all electronic ignitions, compact designs, lightweight, vast array of aluminum and stainless steel props and power trim.

 

[racerone]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

Those old V-4 motors were big looking , but not really that heavy and some newer motors are actuallly heavier.---Rugged simple motors and still lots of parts to be had for them.----Not a lot of technology in them so you can do some / most of the work yourself if you are handy.--------Yes they use more fuel , not a problem if you just want to use it once in a while.-----Not many shops will entertain working on these in the busy season.

 

[F_R]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

Well, I guess there are as many opinions as there are people. If you are talking a 80hp that was made in 1966 and 1967 it was made in both manual shift and electric shift versions. Yes it has a belt driven distributor, and works exactly like a car did in those days. Points, condenser, coil, distributor cap & rotor. No expensive electronic ignition parts & anybody can troubleshoot it if they are old enough to remember those days.

It has only one two-barrel carburetor, not two as newer motors.

I don't consider it noisy at all.

OK, they are thirstier than newer motors. OK, if it is push button shift, the shift switch is $$$ and hard to find. There is nothing wrong with electric shift if in good condition. Make sure you get the control with it. If not in good condition, it is like any other motor, $$$$. You will never have a worn out clutch dog in an electric shift, because there is none. Not many people understand the electric shift lower unit, and instead of learning, just bad-mouth it.

Sure, it is an older motor, and if that bothers you, you shouldn't buy it. It sure is a heck of a lot better than the battery CD ignition models that followed it. On the other hand, move up even more years (1973-up) and get Mag CD, and they are very good.

 

[racerone]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

Agreed ----If you like simple stuff and want to do some off the work yourself it is a good option.----Agreed electric shift is very good, used parts for them are plentiful if you have time to look.---------------Many folks like " new motors " untill the shop says " needs a new computer , about $1500 to $2000 "------Or have you priced fuel injectors and fuel pumps on new motors ?------I like a pump with a $2.00 diaphragm that you can replace in minutes.

 

[boobie]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

And they don't need laptop computers to work on them.

 

[Spyhopper]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

Thanks for the input guys. After what I have heard here and read online, I have decided to pass on the boat. I think I will look for something with a slightly more modern power plant.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

Well, if it's a hull you want, price is right, fresh water rig, etc., I think it could be worth a try. You need to be ready to do your own work on it, and I think I would get the owner to fire it up on a flusher or something and check out the shifting if it's electric. Solenoids are really hard to get. Come to think of it, should probably get him to fire it up anyway.

I had an electric shift model, and didn't have any problems. You could end up with a good runner for a good price.

 

[F_R]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

Since you decided to pass on it, it really doesn't matter, but that motor has no shift "solenoids". It does have forward and reverse electromagnets which don't go bad except from water intrusion or somebody breaking the leads off when they take it apart not knowing what they are doing. They are available, but expensive. I think oldboat is confusing it with the Hydro-Electric shift.

 

[racerone]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

The fact is that many folks do not understand much more than --" when I turn the key it should start "---------For those folks newer motors ( expensive ) that are supported by factory dealers ( expensive ) is the best way to go.-----I am refurbishing a low hour 1973 model 6 HP Johnson.--I consider that type of motor to be far , far superior to the new 4 strokes with all the plastic parts.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

solenoids or electromagnets, or non-electric gearcases, it's probably a good idea to get the owner to run it for you if it's available and you still have some interest. Slightly more modern isn't necessarily the better choice. It depends on the individual motors at issue. You may run into two or three year old motors that are beat to heck, but for more money upfront and in repair costs.

 

[Spyhopper]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

I agree that newer isn't neccesarily better. The boat that I do end up purchasing will be primarily used in the ocean, so reliabilty is my main concern. If your engine quits out there it can get serious pretty quick.

 

[racerone]

Re: Opinion of Evinrude 80HP

Newer motors are sometimes not as reliable.----Electronic components can fail with no warning.------------I know of places like South Africa where you can not legally go offshore with a single motor on your boat.------Must have a pair of motors.--Not sure if local regulations in the USA are like that.