Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

[David R]

I'm looking for input on a new motor for our family boat. The original 1990 90hp Force died and the quoted rebuild price is $2500-$3500 CDN. So forget that. Our normal cruising speed is 20-25mph (two people, three cats, and gear). We've been told that 115hp is more appropriate for this boat. Considering our travelling speeds could we go with a 60hp BigFoot Merc.? Further, the gearing spec. for a Suzuki 4 stroke is about the same could we do this?<br /><br />David

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

It's always painful to have an underpowered boat, and I think the 60 Bigfoot would break your heart. It's designed for pontoon boats, not runabouts. For $800 more than the Bigfoot lists for, you can get a 90 Merc 2 stroke with oil injection and power trim/tilt that puts out 90 rated HP at the prop, not at the flywheel like the Force. Better to have too much motor and work it easily as opposed to a smaller one that must be flogged to perform. Just my .02 worth!

 

[kev_79]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

hey dave, I have the same boat as you do. I repowered with a 115 merc, and I love it. I can run 38 with 4 200 lb people in it. Also, the boat is only rated for a 90 hp, I don't know if it against regulation to put a bigger motor on it, but I built mine out of parts laying around so I had no choice. If you do like fouled plug said, you will still gain speed, becuase the force is rated at the flywheel, and the merc is at the prop. Should cruise with your load at about 30-35 WOT, maybe a little more. <br /><br />By the way, I wouldn't go with a 4 stroke, becuase that boat will sit way down on the back with a 90 stroker, they are heavier, and unfortunately (ask anyone) our boats aren't "top of the line". A 125 2 stroke would also be the biggest 2 stroke I would put on her because mine sits pretty low (100, 115, 125 merc all the same)<br /><br />Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.

 

[DanMcK]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Hello Dave, I Just repowered My 21' Bayliner CC Trophy With a 115hp Suzuki 4 Stroke. I am well satisfied . They are heavy and they will change Your cruiseing speed . My boat is underpowered by most standards but that is ok with me. My original motor was a 125 hp Force. Make sure youre transom is sound and rated for the additional power and weight. My boat has a full transom so I was not concerned with being too low in the water. It is a good 2" lower with the Suzuki 115. If your boat is not rated for the power most Boatyards will not mount the engine because of law suits. Also insurance Companies will not write a policy for an overpowed boat. Your best source regarding repowering Your 18' Bayliner with a Suzuki 115 will be the Dealer. Ask question about Other owners with similar boats. The wife and I enjoy Our 1989 Byliner with the 2001 Suzuki 115 hp 4 stroke. We are Cruiseing at 20 Knots. Can't wait for Labor Day. Best wihes.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Nobody likes a CLAM... dont underpower the boat, a 90 2 stroke would be cheapest and effective....

 

[David R]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Thanks everyone for the quick response. I guess I'll be shopping a bit more. We've also considered selling and getting an aluminum boat instead.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[JB]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Hi, David. First of all, DO NOT OVERPOWER!!<br /><br />A used Merc or Yammy 2 stroke 90 sounds like your best bet. I really like 4 strokes, but it doesn't seem like a match for your B'liner.<br /><br />Good luck. . .<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[sony2001]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

David R, Where do you live in Canada? Locally I did see a 120 hp Force for less than your repairs. Do you have the Cuddy Cabin or the open deck 18' Bayliner. Also I saw a 1990 Merc 90 for $2800.

 

[kev_79]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Dave,<br /> Have you considered doing it yourself? My motor zonked, and I got away with rebuilding for about 400 bucks. All new rings, gaskets, and a couple pistons. This could be an option, if no serious scratches in the cylinder walls or lower end troubles. Couldn't hurt to tear apart, if you are somewhat mechanically inclined, just to see what' up. Get a manual though. It's a great motor to learn on, very simple, and if is minor, you could rebuild, break it in, sell it, and have a little to put toward a Merc!

 

[David R]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Hi All<br /><br />I'm from Toronto, and boating out of Parry Sound. The Bayliner is the Cuddy style, big and heavy. The boat trip is about 14 miles on water, so what ever the motor it needs to be reliable. I have considered doing the work myself, but don't have a shop... Also I'm not sure if it could be done, this would be the second set of pistons. Cylinder 3 detonated to the point of knocking. All-in-all I don't think I'm interested in keeping it going.<br /><br />1 rebuild,<br />1 stator<br />1 trigger coil<br />2 CD boxes<br /><br />Does anyone know for sure when manufacturers started quoting horse power at the prop?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />David

 

[sony2001]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

David R, your boat is rated for 125 hp! I believe this could be the occasion to repower with a stronger engine from that era. Any 115 hp., 2 stroke , and thought to be in excellent running condition.<br />Remember K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid.

 

[tjthorson]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

As far as I know, Force is the ONLY manufacturer that rates HP at the engine, and not at the prop. So, even older Evinrudes, Johnson's, etc were all rated at the prop.<br /><br />I know the feeling - do NOT underpower. I have a 1900 Cuddy Bayliner with the 125 Force. Although the motor has not let me down, the hull is rated for a 150, and this force seems like it is about 100hp. With 8 people, it can't even get out of its own way.<br /><br />Get the 115, you will be happy.

 

[kev_79]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Dave,<br /> Your boat will proabably hold a pretty good size 4 stroke, (115 maybe), since it is a bigger boat. Only restriction is the pocketbook. Good luck

 

[TONY H]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Dave, Underpowering is not the way to go. It will probably cost you money in fuel. Outbaords run most effiecient (miles per gallon) when run between 3000 and 3500RPM. A 60Hp will have to run hard to keep you on a plane. Go close to Max. and let the engine run wher eit likes to.

 

[David R]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Hi all<br /><br />I get the drift. Its come down to changing to a smaller aluminum boat with a smaller motor for several $K's more than a new 115hp.<br /><br />Or a new 115hp, with the on-going costs of winter storage at a marina.<br /><br />One option that popped up today was a '97 115hp Suzuki (2str) for $4500 cdn with a brand new powerhead (1hr?). Any opinions?<br /><br />We did buy a Mariner 115hp earlier in the summer (new powerhead as well) but it didn't last one day before it had a bad cylinder.<br /><br />We've been through two other Mercs this summer as well.<br /><br />We kind'a think the Universe is trying to tell us something. We're just not sure what.<br /><br />David

 

[sony2001]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

David R, Two Mercs,a Mariner,and a Force all died the same death. You said the "family boat". How many drivers and purchasers of gas? Being the end of the season have you thought putting off the idea of repowering now?

 

[David R]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

Hi sony2001<br /><br />One of the mercs was dropped from a height of about 2 feet. The motor was being loaded horizontally. The powerhead crashed leaving an impression of the fly-wheel and intake baffle (cracked) in the parking lot. The other was sold out from under us.<br /><br />Yeah we have considered waiting, but nothing is getting cheaper except the trade value of the Bayliner<br /><br />David

 

[sony2001]

Re: Repowering 1990 18' Bayliner

I go back to my previous posting. To keep the value of your 1990 Bayliner add to it any 115 hp. from 1988 to 1994 thats a 2 stroke and has a good compression.<br />email marinas that advertise on trader.com<br />A 125 Force might have the same bolt pattern.<br />I wouldn't buy your boat with a 90!