Replacement engine size???

[stratos92]

I am new to boating and recently bought my first boat. I thought I did everything right and had a mechanic look at the motor, but never the less, the engine hasn't run right and just found out it needs a complete rebuild.

The boat is a 17 1/2 foot fish/ski and the current motor is an evinrude 150 (which is the max size for this boat). Primarily a fishing boat and occasional joy rides with the wife and kids.

My question is...the cost of the rebuild is about $3300, but I have found several newer used engines around $2-2500 in the 115 hp range. Will I be sorry if I go to a smaller engine or would a 115 hp be ok for this boat or should I continue to look for replacement 150hp?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Replacement engine size???

A 115HP motor will be a 4 cylinder. You will see a drop off in power from the 150, however the boat will still have sufficient power.

Why not look for a used V6, in your price range?

 

[stratos92]

Re: Replacement engine size???

I am not in a big hurry to buy a motor yet since winter is upon us. I am hoping to find a replacement 150, but wasn't sure if I should be opening up my options to the 115, 125 motors or if I should be exclusively looking for a replacement v-6. Like I said earlier, this is my first boat so I am learning all of this on the fly. Thanks.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Replacement engine size???

A 115 sould do fine. I had an 85 on my 16'er and it was great.
A newer motor will be lighter, thats a plus.

 

[JB]

Re: Replacement engine size???

I am curious about why your 150 needs a complete overhaul.

I can't count the outboards that "needed a complete overhaul" that I have fixed for under a C note.

 

[stratos92]

Re: Replacement engine size???

I took it to the mechanic because it was making a rattling noise and not much power. While they were looking for the cause they removed the head and said that the cylinders all have rust from sitting and one of the pistons (bottom left from behind motor) is cracked. The person I bought the boat from said the boat sat for about 2 years, which is why I had a mechanic check it out before I bought it. I was quoted a price to rebuild of $3300.

Like I said before, I am new to boating so I only know what my mechanic is telling me. I did see the motor with the head off and the crack in the piston looked bad to me.

 

[JB]

Re: Replacement engine size???

Well, it certainly sounds like it does need a complete overhaul, Stratos.

I agree that you would get satisfactory performance and use less fuel with a 115 or larger V4.

I have generally found that anything over 70% of rated HP works and minimizes weight on the transom.

 

[stratos92]

Re: Replacement engine size???

Thank you for all of your inputs. I appreciate the help that everyone on this site offers. Like I said earlier, I am in no real hurry to buy something, since I don't have the money right now, but wanted to see what I should be looking for. I definitely like the option of better fuel efficiency if I cannot find a replacement 150.

I am just not sure whether it is a good option to spend $3300 on a 91 motor or upgrade to something newer for less or about the same price.

I guess it is a gamble either way. Thanks again.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Replacement engine size???

I run a 70 on a 17' Key West dual console--basically a "bay boat" hull--and it is plenty of power/speedfor general use. When I replaced the 70 after 20 years due to mechanical failure, I thought about going smaller if I found a good deal, but got another old 70. So I don't know your boat but 150 on a 17 sounds high and therefore you could probably go smaller. A lighter engine will be a plus, too.

Since you aren't in a hurry, you have the advantage of looking around (and putting the word out) for a good deal--like someone repowering.

Keep in mind that if you change brands you have to change controls, which can be expensive. I recall that there are some limitations on swapping out OMC's but am not sure.

I don't think I would rebuild a motor that old, with that damage history, for that price. I've been through the process, rebuilt once, replaced once; neither is a perfect solution but in your case, replace. Sell the old motor to your mechanic when you get him to inspect and swap out your new one--he might even have one coming in.

I got lucky when I got my replacement motor; I got the boat motor trailer for $900, kept about $200 in loose equipment, sold the boat and trailer to the mechanic for $500 and my old motor to him for $100. But you can't do that overnight!

 

[stratos92]

Re: Replacement engine size???

I may have gotten some good news today. I was talking to a co-worker and he said he told his father what happened with my motor. His dad rebuilds boat motors and said he would rebuild my powerhead for the cost of parts. He thought it would cost somewhere between $800 and $1000. The only thing I have to do is the get the powerhead to him. I have never removed one, but for a $2000 savings I can sure learn how. I hope everything pans out and he can do it for me. I think if it works out and I can save that kind of money it only makes sense to go that route. Any thoughts?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Replacement engine size???

Thoughts are that the $800 to $1000 could start growing considerably once you "dig in" to the teardown. If it really is in such poor shape a replacement could well be the answer. A 140hp V4 looper would work nicely on that boat.
Just my 2 cents though.