when is motor unreliable?

[rsw21282]

I am considering a new boat purchase and my last motor i would trust as far as i could throw it (85hp) so wont go far. I was curious as what ppl considered a motor that is trust worthy age wise 5,10,15yrs old, as in you could go 5mi off shore and trust 1 motor to get you back. As well as is there a specific make/model that has a better reputation? I seem to keep seeing johnson as the more reliable motor from the research i have been doing, any other opinions?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: when is motor unreliable?

johnson/evinrudes were identical motors until the late 90's, just different colors and cowls.
it is not the age of the motor, it is the maintenance of the motor. a 50 year old, could be more reliable than an abused 3 year old.

 

[5150abf]

Re: when is motor unreliable?

I believe it has more to do with maintenance that age, there are alot of engines from the 50s and 60 on here and they are perfectly reliable.

Give 2 guys the same engine and one kills his on the second weekend, the other has his for 20 years.

I don't know that I would trust ANY single engine that far from shore new or old, new engine have alot more things that can malfunction, the old engines are simple as rocks which is alot of there appeal.

I personnally have an 81 Evinrude that runs like a top because myself and the previous owner(s) have taken care of it.

There are too many variables to really say how old you should go, some 20 year old engine have 200 hours, some have 2000, find a good example of an engine, make sure parts are available and see how far you get, that is really all you can do.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: when is motor unreliable?

The truth is that a motor is not longer reliable when you have lost faith in it to get you home. It's no fun boating when your worried about breaking down, or every trip to the lake is a hassle. I'm not a off shore guy but I don't even like to go on the lake without a back up that will get me home. An oar, kicker, or electric... something. I personally wouldn't go offshore with one option no matter how new or reliable.

I kind of liken it to my old beater work car. I drive that thing everyday and it never fails me. No way I would send my wife and kids on a trip in it because I have no faith in it and the consequences are to great.

 

[dingbat]

Re: when is motor unreliable?

My motor is 11 years old and has a little over 2,100 hours on it now.

I wouldn't hesitate on moment to run 30 miles out to the Hambone if the bite turned on tomarrow.

Then again I do all my own mtor work and know the inside of that motor like the back on my hand. As the other said, it all depends on how it was treated.