Outboard Comparison

[turtle1173]

Hi all,<br /><br /> I have a 16' starcraft that my Dad bought new in '72. He had a 1976 55HP Chrysler that has always been run on it. Well, the 55 is no longer working and the '72 85HP Chrysler that I recently put on it threw a rod.<br /><br /> I've been looking at different 'Non-Chrysler' outboards (mostly mercury & evinrude) and I'm interested in what horsepower my 55 and 85 would be comparable too. For example, would a 50HP mercury from the mid-'70s to early '80s outperform the 55HP Chrysler?? My guess is that it would but I'm curious as to how much better some of the other brands are. How much of a difference (ballpark)?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Shane

 

[kenneths]

Re: Outboard Comparison

Shane, if you can afford to do so, shoot for post 1985 engines as they were rated at the propshaft (true HP). the earlier engines such as the 85 Jesus Chrysler, only developed about 70 propshaft on a GOOD day.<br /> Shoot for atleast 80% of the max recommended HP rating on your USCG plate.

 

[turtle1173]

Re: Outboard Comparison

Hi,<br /><br /> Thanks for the info. Just so you know, my boat is rated for 85HP max. 80% of that puts it at 68HP.<br /><br /> My main concern in an outboard is getting something that I can work on myself. I learned all about outboards on these Chryslers and I've done about everything to it except rebuild it. Mercury's scare me a bit because they look so much more complicated to work on. Evinrude/Johnsons look much easier. Is this a false assessment on my part or is it as it appears?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Shane

 

[kenneths]

Re: Outboard Comparison

Look for something in the 70-85hp range....<br /> As for J/E, or Merc, the basics are the same they just each went about it slightly different.<br /> In my opinion, I would stick with the J/E. The vintage you are talking of would sometimes require as many hours of work, as run-time on some of the Mercs. The OMC's were a little more user friendly.<br /> The late 70s version of the 85hp had a smaller bore than the rest of the V4 fleet, but for some reason, it ate more fuel than the 115hp.<br /> There were several changes in 1978, and I wouldn't go any older if you can help it....

 

[turtle1173]

Re: Outboard Comparison

I sure appreciate the information.<br /><br /> So I should look from '78 on up? I had looked earlier in the spring at a mid-'70s 70HP evinrude. It was a straight 3 cyl. Are there any advantages/disadvantages of a straight 3 cyl. versus the V4?<br /><br /> One thing I've always hated about Chryslers was that they really liked the gas. Both the 55HP and the 85HP would go through a 6 gallon tank in about 45 minutes to an hour.<br /><br /> I am hoping to be able to get into the early '80s with my next engine. 20 years old sounds better than 30 years <br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Shane

 

[seldont]

Re: Outboard Comparison

One advantage of the 3 cyl 70 horse would be weight. My stepfather had a small 14' bassboat with a 65 horse Evinrude. (only rated for 55 hp) Anyway that old 65 ran like a demon on that little boat. Well into the mid 40's as far as speed goes. I always thought the OMC triples were pretty good little motors. I rebuilt the old 65 for them after it ate a rod but it was an easy rebuild. I always said the only reason it went down was it had been stored a long time but was not properly prepared for storage.

 

[seldont]

Re: Outboard Comparison

By the way, my first boat had a 55 hp Chrysler which I traded for a 50 hp Merc. At the same time my stepfather had a 72 model 50 hp Evinrude. The Merc and the Rude would run circles around the Chrysler and do it on much less gas. However that old Chrysler was dependable and was the best starting little motor I ever had. (I cannot believe I actually admitted that!)

 

[kenneths]

Re: Outboard Comparison

Seldont.....so YOU'RE the one that had the Chrysler that started.......

 

[turtle1173]

Re: Outboard Comparison

Thanks for the info.<br /><br /> Is that the only advantage to the straight 3 is the weight issue? What about reliability? Are either one more reliable than the other or more problematic?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Shane

 

[kenneths]

Re: Outboard Comparison

You need some input from Joe Reeves,TMD, Dhadley, and Djohns19 on these. they had it figured out quite some time ago as to how to properly jet the tripples so they ran much better.<br /> JB may know as well...hopefully they will provide some input.<br /> My opinion is a properly tuned V4 is more reliable but heavier as mentioned.<br /> Good luck, and ask for the guys above if you need too! <br /> Forgive me guys, if I left someone out that has the proper jetting changes for the 3 cylinders.....just can't remember who all the top-dogs are!!!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Outboard Comparison

I would skip the OMC V4s and go for a 3-cylinder Johnrude 70 or 75hp, late 1970s onwards. They are very reliable, have good low-end pulling power and are fantastic on fuel. You will use less than half the fuel with a 75 as you would with an 85hp V4.<br /><br />If you really need stump pulling power and that last few mph, and aren't concerned with burning through tanks quickly, then the V4 can be a good choice. They are reliable motors and parts availability is good. They will outpull the 3-cylinders in holeshot (good if you're a skier).<br /><br />I have a 1980 Johnson 75hp 3-cylinder and it runs great. I've got well over 1000 hours on a rebuild and it still runs strong. I paid $500 for it in blown condition, put another $500 in parts and farmed out labor and rebuilt it myself. I run good quality oil, mid-grade gas, and I decarbon once a season. I resealed the lower end last year after the oil had turned a shade milky. It runs over 40mph on my 15-foot Starcraft...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[dan fish]

Re: Outboard Comparison

I'm new to this forum thing so bear with me.<br />I am looking at a 20ft used 97 Sweetwater pontoon boat with a Mercury 60HP Big Foot and trailer. What is a "big foot" and how is it different from other Merc motors? What are the benefits/downsides of a merc 2 stroke vs 4 stroke? Thanks, Dan.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Outboard Comparison

3Cyl OMC are super reliable and easy to work on. I'd be looking at a 1980 or later 70 HP OMC.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Outboard Comparison

Dan fish, post the same question under the Merc tab and you will receive more info there...the Merc Gurus.........

 

[BillP]

Re: Outboard Comparison

You won't go wrong with the mid 80s 3cyl 70hp or the 2cyl 48/50hp omc engines. They run forever, parts are everywhere and are easy to work on.