What is so special about the 88 SPL?

[apaulos]

I owe a 93' 88 SPL. I assume SPL = Special. Why the strange designation? Is it a hopped up 80 hp or a downgraded 90 hp? Or something else?

Thanks!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?

Sort of a Generic version of the 90 without oil injection. They made the 48, 88, and 112 which were cheap versions to compete with Mercury's cheap Forces.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?

I had a 1997 115 SPL with oil injection...most of the SPL's had the lowest amp charging system too, if they had any.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?

The 88hp IS the 90. Absolutley no difference performance-wise, so you're not giving up 2hp to your neighbor with the 90. Generally, the SPLs didn't have the frills of the standard models from which they're derived, such as VRO oiling, power trim & tilt, colorful graphics, etc. Around here they turned up on a lot of rental houseboats & pontoons as they were a bit cheaper than their standard counterparts.
- Scott

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?

And they are some of the most reliable workhorses in the lineup....

 

[ScottGW]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?

Yeah I had a 88 spl and she was a beast, used her every day to qhuahog for 3 years straight and she never let me down, hell she even sunk once due to a failed float switch, and I flushed her and she still ran strong for another year before i sold her.

 

[DJ]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?

Yep, same as a 90-sans thrills. However, many dealers installed trim and tilt and some installed oil injection.

Don't forget, there was a 28 SPL also.

There was:

28
48
88
112

GREAT engine. Tough as nails, albeit a bit thirsty, but a real performer. A "torque monster".

 

[Bobby Autry]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?


I own a 88 horsepower SPL to and she is a good runner. I only had one let down with her but it was the starter solenoid that would not let her crank, but other than that I love my 88 horsepower outboard, but not as much as I love my wife and kids the motor is in line with them. LOL

 

[apaulos]

Re: What is so special about the 88 SPL?

Thank you for all the input.

For the record mine came with power tilt and trim and no VRO. I do love the motor. I haven't had a single issue with it on the water.