Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1991 BW 17' Montauk Repower - Tohatsu or Honda?

Posted by HBeric on 07/29/14 - 8:49 PM
#1

I am in the process if repowering my 1991 17' Boston Whaler Montauk with a new 90 horsepower engine, and I have narrowed my selection down to two choices:

Tohatsu 90 TLDI - what appeals to me most about this engine are the price, the simplicity and hole shot power of a 2 stroke (I previously had a 1991 Yamaha 2 stroke 90 on this boat and loved it), the weight, and the 5 year warranty. I have heard good things about this motor as well. The best quote that I received is $9,200, and this includes controls, a tach, a trim gauge, and a prop (all come standard with a TLDI), as well as rigging and tax (I live in Southern California). The price seems pretty good to me, because I called two other Tohatsu dealers and they were about $1000 higher.

Honda BF90 - what appeals to me about this engine is the Honda name, the 5 year warranty, and the fact that I can get excellent financing on the purchase through Honda Credit (the Tohatsu would be a cash purchase). What I like less about the Honda is the extra weight, and the price, which I was quoted at around $11,400 (this is with controls, prop, gauges, rigging, and tax). I am also thinking that the 2 stroke Tohatsu would pull a skier up quicker than the Honda, but I don't know this for sure. And by the way, I have a 27 gallon Moeller fuel tank (the white one from West Marine) under the pilot seat, and my single batter and switch are under the console.

I am very interested in hearing your opinions about these choices, and if you have any experience with either of these engines mounted on a classic 17' Montauk (especially if you have the Tohatsu - I haven't found anyone yet with this setup, but it seems like a good one for the price).

Thank you all in advance!