New outboard needed - input appreciated

Bought the boat a year ago & knew this was coming ... just wish it hadn't happened so soon. Verdict on our '83 225 Black Max is that the compression is low and every cylinder is scored. We also know there's at least one bearing/bushing issue. The dealer that diagnosed this is well-attended and reputable & based on driving it last summer, we may be disappointed, but aren't really surprised at the findings.

Options:
1) Rebuild - mechanic says that honestly, he isn't convinced that it would be money well spent, but if that's what we want he estimated $5000+
2) Non-Current - they have a 2002 Evinrude 175hp that has zero hours and comes with a 3 year factory warranty.
3) New - One dealership says E-Tec all the way, calling it the "engine of choice".

Assuming we decide to do something, we'd appreciate your thoughts & reasons on which option you think has the most merit.

Thanks in advance!

Kim

 

Kim,

The E tech's are good engines. The Verado has not really made a mark in the ski-boat arena. Optimax's are good and are noted to be very fuel efficient. One of my 18 foot Dynes is powered by a 250 XS Optimax which I purchased used. This boat will do anything you want it to do from pulling multiple barefoots from deep water to slow speed trick runs. It sips fuel when you don't hammer it, and with a 19 pitch High Five prop will pitch any observer into the back seat if they aren't hanging on tight. One thing you really should consider if going up in horsepower is converting it to hydraulic (Sea Star) steering. Althought it might be a little costly it's well worth it.

Your boat looks like a beauty, and well worth investing some money into to be able to get years of service out of it.

Bob

 

Kim,

I gotta agree with Bob. You may also want to consider buying a used ex-club motor from the U.S. that is still under manufacturer's warranty (there are usually some really good deals out there). Also, the price difference between Canada and the U.S. is ridiculous and you can save big $$ if you are willing to go south to get your new motor.

Do you live close to the border.

Nice looking boat BTW.

Kevin

 

I went on show skiers, but there isn't anything right now and what I did see was further south. I'm about 6 hours from ND, so a vacation with the boat is possible, but I have no idea where to take it. Ideas?

I guess another option is to limp through this summer and deal with it next year.

 

If the motor has a bearing issue, it will not last long before it blows in my opinion.

There have been lengthy discussions here about how much hp an 18 needs. I have run a 150 for many years and it will pull your arms off with a 17 pitch prop. I have never slammed the throttle open pulling up a skier for that reason.

If you research the hp discussions you might find a quote from one of the club members saying that a 150 on an 18 will pull as much as a typical inboard ski boat.

A ski club boat is a different issue. If you want to pull 8 bare-footers, then you need a big block motor like the dhl. Be aware that it weighs 500+ pounds and the 18 is only 6 ft wide.

The oil can be rinsed out of the tank, but the tank should be checked carefully for rust if it is steel.

You prices sound high, but I don,t know the present exchange rate. There are many used motors on the market down here, maybe you should check around.

Hopefully, one of the club member motor guys will respond to this post with a some information. They often have good deals on their take-off motors. However, if you are not familiar with motors and rigging them, you might want to stick with a dealer and pay the big bucks.

jim

 

Did you ever figure out the origin of that boat? It looks like a converted I/O to me.

jim

 

For what its worth, our dealer has a 150HO left from our season last year for $9995. 130 hours and a couple years of warranty left. My understanding is promotional motor warranty on US motors IS valid in Canada, but I don't think if you buy a NEW motor from a US dealer that warranty will be good in Canada or there may be some paperwork to fill out by the US dealer. This is Evinrude only, I cannot speak for other companies.

We'll have a 200HO and a 225HO after this season also.
I personally think a small block on an 18 is the way to go unless you have a serious need for speed.

Happy to help you identify what you need for rigging items if you decide to go with an Evinrude.

 

You might check these guys out, I don't know if they can ship to Canada with a warranty.

http://www.boatwrench.com/EvinrudeE-TEC.html

jim

 

Jim,

I emailed the previous owner but he never replied so the origin remains a mystery. Remember I couldn't find a number on it, well neither could the dealer & they searched saying "it has to be here". Also no coast guard rating so... Guess we'll never know. At any rate, despite the fact that I was taken on price, I have the boat of my youth and will just go forward from here.

Sounds like I should rule out a 4 stroke but am still wavering on hp and merc vs E-Tec so if there are more opinions out there please educate me. Any thoughts on the non-current but full warranty 2002 vs. new & current? I don't know much as I was always BEHIND the boat

While it would be nice to save the money by heading south, we will very likely buy locally.

If we find there's rust in the fuel tank do we have to replace it or is there a cleaner? Just searched online but didn't come up with anything. Can't for the life of me see how we'd get another one in there.

 

I think 12k for a 10 year old motor is too much even with 0 hours.

I would go with a 150 or 175 etec. The difference in the two will be in the top end. I would prefer the 150 since you don't need top end. The 17 or 16 pitch prop is the key to performance with those motors.

Cut the bulkhead, slide old tank out, measure, and order the same size and slide new tank in. Repair bulkhead. If it has been using pre-mix, it is probably ok.

I think they removed the bulkhead when they did mine.

jim