opions on.....

[SCduckhunter]

So i have a 27 year old 15 hp johnson that needs some work done..parts alone are going to run me 350$-400$... i have the chance to buy 2004 merc 15 hp 2 stroke or a 20 hp 2001 mariner for like 600$ and chamge....my question(s) as a long time johnsin owner i know the availabilty of parts and most of the long term issues with those motors....i would love input on usual common problems with either of the motors i can buy......life expectancy/duration of...basically pros and cons...i have a few buddys with mercs and they are always working on em it seems.. i just dont know enough about them....for referance...im using the motor on a 14 ft john boat mostly to duck hunt 6 days a week during season...then salt water fish during warm months...put 183 hours on my motor so far this year before failure...so i prolly average 200 hrs a year...yes that many hours a year..any info would be great thanks

 

[hogg]

Re: opions on.....

What HP do you need?
If that 15 Hp OMC is good, and treated good, it'll outlast you.

 

[SCduckhunter]

Re: opions on.....

The omc has some issues...Ive had it 10 years or so and maintained it well..I had an overheat and and it locked up on me a few months ago..I overhauled cooling/water system and when I went on test run it acted off...after 40+hours of troubleshooting I ran it again monday and when I returned home I took it allthe way down to the block..I really need a new piston and the block is getting honed but its not in the best shape..the motor is an 85..27 years old so i figured for a few dollars more i can buy a decent runnning newer motor...I have been toying with the idea of buying a brand new merc 4stroke for 2500$ for the same monies id spend in parts for the Johnson i can put it as a down payment and riding within the week with no worries...I need a 15-25 hp...boats rated for a 15 but id beef up transom and do whats needed to put the 25 on if the price and condition is right...My only hangup is I could be buying a decent running motor that in 2 weeks needs 300$ worth of work...I do most of the work on the Johnson myself and have a MERC mechaninc buddy a few hours away..so thats why im leaning towards a merc..that and $$$