repower options - Yam 225

[swist]

My boat hull is in great condition after 11 seasons (24' Proline 1993), but the engine has been experiencing more than its share of problems, the most damaging of which is increasing corrosion - steering arm, shift shafts, trailer lock, boltheads starting to go. I'm not averse to fixing as I go, but the thing may be close to being frozen together and any repair is going to be a major expense.<br /><br />I would love to have an HPDI or 4-stoke but the former doesn't come in 225 hp, and they are both much heavier than the current engine, which is on a bracket and it already marginally too much weight too far back. And these newer tech engines are very expensive - it is too early to see a lot of them on the used or discount market.<br /><br />Getting a used later model of the original engine is a possiblility - seen carbed 225's in the 1997-1998 timeframe for more reasonable prices - maybe the "Saltwater Series" holds up better to corrosion.<br /><br />What do you think? Even if weight isn't the issue, butting a $15K engine on a boat that old doesn't make sense - might help the resale somewhat but 11 years is 11 years in a lot of people's minds, even it the engine is newer.<br /><br />Jim

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: repower options - Yam 225

if you are going to keep the boat for many years repowering with a new unit is the smart thing to do. however the salt water series engines of the vintage you mention are also a good buy.<br />the hpdi isnt much heavier then the current engine<br />the 225 f/s is 100+ lbs heavier. a check would be to put a large battery out on the bracket when the boat is at rest to check engine water height.

 

[Solittle]

Re: repower options - Yam 225

Jim - Lets see if your current motor blows up and you buy a rebuilt powerhead here at iboats it will cost you $3600.00. Why would you consider putting a $15K motor on your boat.<br /><br />My motors (V4s) are 1987 OMCs & always have run in salt. Yeah there is some corrosion but none that would effect the operation of the motor. They do need routine care and maintenance but that applies to new motors as well.

 

[swist]

Re: repower options - Yam 225

I wouldn't consider putting a $15K motor on. As for a new powerhead, that's the part of the engine that seems fine. It's all this rusting stuff elsewhere - it's almost like I'd like to replace everything BUT the powerhead.<br /><br />The engine has been well-maintained insofar as I knew what to maintain (has new water pump, tstats, poppet valve, rebuilt carbs, new tps, etc etc), but maybe this is my fault - I never knew there was stuff I should have done to protect the thing better from corrosion.

 

[v12mac]

Re: repower options - Yam 225

I like to run stuff till it is DEAD with no chance to bring em back. My car has 250K on it and my inboard ski boat is over 1000 hours (Salt). New boat has an 86 Johnson 225 on it. But I don’t mind breaking down. If you are going to repower go 4 stroke no question they are fantastic. Better yet take one out for a ride and you'll be trying to kill your old motor just for the excuse. I am not an expert but everything breaks. Well-maintained stuff breaks less often. I only scoot up and down the intercosatl with my 86 so I’ll keep it a while and send a check to SeaTow once a year for membership. If I were chasing down fish off shore I think I’d look to repower. <br /><br />Mac

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: repower options - Yam 225

Forget it>>get a new boat. I'll even drive up to Boston to help you dispose of that 11year old hull. Just let me know and she will be out of sight in a NEW YORK MINUITE .<br />I'm no expert, but it sounds like you have a great boat that you like,<br />>>" My boat hull is in great condition after 11 seasons (24' Proline 1993), but the engine has been experiencing more than its share of problems..."<br />so why not repower with the best setup you can afford???<br /><br />My thoughts are the outboard boats are made to be repowered>>>they should go on for a LONG time.