Repowering my old 16ft aluminum boat thinking of going 4 stroke but have a question

[canadianboater86]

Hi All i have a 1976 springBok 16 ft boat that’s similar to the starcraft ss that has a 76 johnson 85 v that unfortunately doesnt have power tilt & trim and i hear it can be hard to find the factory unit . I’ve looked at the power jacks like bob’s or panther but there $1600-2700 here in Canada . so unless i can find a used jack plate it doesn’t make sense to spend that much . I’m thinking of repowering with either a 2 stroke from the 90s like a yamaha or johnson or a early 4 stroke from early to mid 2000s

My question is if i go 4 stroke do i go up in power from my original 85hp johnson or go down because of weight. Would a 60hp 4 stroke be enough for a mostly fishing type boat

this is a project boat and i’m redoing the floor with 1/8 aluminum checker plate and redoing the transom sealed with west system epoxy so that will be able to handle the 4stroke

 

[Ifishmuskie2]

Was the original engine hp rated at crank or prop shaft?

 

[racerone]

A 1976 motor would not be prop rated.----Your location in Ontario?

 

[airshot]

Buying a used 4 stroke could be a big gamble, the reason being is they are " very expensive to work on" where two strokes are pretty cheap and simple. I am an old two stroke fan...I have a 16' Sylvan side console with a 40 hp two stroke that dies 31 mph. Moving up to a 60 up four stroke would gain me about 5 mph and 6K or more in cash. Would need to save an awful lot of gas to make up that 6K. Other than extra weight, the newer 4 strokes are pretty sweet, but used ones can be a gamble like anything used. Just so darn expensive to repair if something goes wrong.

 

[racerone]

And most shops are reluctant to do major repairs on 4 strokes.

 

[airshot]

My local dealers tell me that if a major problem arises under warranty, they just swap out a short it long block rather than actually tearing down the motor to make the repairs. Faster to swap out a short/ long block than the labor to tear down and rebuild a four stroke....

 

[canadianboater86]

A 1976 motor would not be prop rated.----Your location in Ontario?

yes i’m in ontario my old 76 johnson doesnt hsve power trim or tilt which i need because alot of our lakes are shallow and spending $1500 plus on a power jack doesnt make sense . Ive seen a few 60 hp 4 strokes going for 3-4k on facebook. I just wonder if it wasnt enough power to push my 16ft boat at a reason speed . I cant afford a 4 stroke with more hp as people want like 5k . if its not enough ho i just look for a nice yamaha 2 strokes

 

[canadianboater86]

Buying a used 4 stroke could be a big gamble, the reason being is they are " very expensive to work on" where two strokes are pretty cheap and simple. I am an old two stroke fan...I have a 16' Sylvan side console with a 40 hp two stroke that dies 31 mph. Moving up to a 60 up four stroke would gain me about 5 mph and 6K or more in cash. Would need to save an awful lot of gas to make up that 6K. Other than extra weight, the newer 4 strokes are pretty sweet, but used ones can be a gamble like anything used. Just so darn expensive to repair if something goes wrong.

I’ve seen a few 60hp 4 strokes going for 3-4k on facebook a good running late 80s to mid 90s 2stroke around here is easily 3k especially the older Yamaha’s. seen a few Yamaha 2 strokes going for $4500. I just figured for around the same price why not move up to a 4stroke with no smoke , having to mix oil and gas and the hard cold starts . . I’m just wondering if a 50hp-60hp would be enough for my 1976 16ft boat that’s mostly going to be a fishing boat

 

[matt167]

I did just that. Took off an old Johnson 40hp and rigged a brand new Suzuki 25hp. The actual difference is about 10hp less but it didn’t actually loose speed because the engine runs a higher RPM. It lost much of its snappiness but I’m not towing a skier either. I don’t regret it. Quieter, smoother, no smoke or smell.

 

[airshot]

I’ve seen a few 60hp 4 strokes going for 3-4k on facebook a good running late 80s to mid 90s 2stroke around here is easily 3k especially the older Yamaha’s. seen a few Yamaha 2 strokes going for $4500. I just figured for around the same price why not move up to a 4stroke with no smoke , having to mix oil and gas and the hard cold starts . . I’m just wondering if a 50hp-60hp would be enough for my 1976 16ft boat that’s mostly going to be a fishing boat

Wow, two strokes are going for good prices, more than in my area. However when folks realize the repair costs if needed, they do tend to steer towards the two stroke. Guess I am old school here, the oil injected two strokes give off very little smoke and I can't smell any burnt oil with mine. Have never had hard starting issues with any of my two strokes except for those from the 60-70's. My 1992 starts in a flash...if it didn't I would fix it. My old 1985 two stroke usually starts cold on 2nd or third pull unless I forget to open the fuel valve. I understand your interest in going to more modern technology. Just wanted to be sure you know that technology comes at a stiff price tag if a problem developes.

 

[racerone]

No such thing as a 2 stroke ( in good condition ) that is hard to start.----In my opinion most folks are unaware of how to maintain older 2 strokes.----Never studied on how to start a motor.----Therefor the $$$$ 4 strokes with a computer are popular.