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Once again, I'm looking to the group for their experience and advice...
This summer, I lost the original motor that came with my Montauk. In addition to looking for new motor options, I;m wondering if it is worth considering a re-built power head. It looks like a re-built is about $2,200....
Mine is an '84 and if it needs major rebuilding I will NOT do it. When all is said and done we will still have motors that are nearing 30 years old! I would think very long and hard about parts availability and also advances in technology that render many of these dinosaurs as obsolete.
I think they are great motors as long as they are running and do not require major repairs.
Over the years, I have read the success of a rebuild is dependent on the skill of the mechanic. Some have had great success, hundreds of hours, while others got a few years.
I agree that a new motor is big bucks and hard to swallow. One consideration is to buy the engine and install yourself.
Another option is to find a newer used engine or a beater used boat with a good motor. Craigslist and Uncle Henry's are two good avenues.
I used to suggest people talk to local dealers who do repowers for a used engine but they tend to be disinterested.
Edited by Phil T on 11/05/11 - 10:03 AM
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
Horror stories from locals who have had power heads rebuilt sway me away from the entire ordeal. I am unable to fault the mechanics or shops work but it can become a royal PITA.
One guy spent over $3300 on a rebuild and on his first time out all was fine until the engine just quit. Back to the shop and he was told it was a power pack that had nothing to do with the rebuild. After a few more trips he had another issue and again told "Nothing to do with the rebuild". After numerous breakdowns he finally sold the boat as it was more aggravation than he could take.
One basic but very important fact we tend to overlook is that reliability is a demand we all have with our motors. Motors that are 28-30 years old have outlived their reliability forecast even though many of these old dogs are still running very strong. I say run it till it dies, make minor repairs and maintenance expenditures but know when to fold them and give up. At that age anything can go wrong or break.
And you can find stories about people who bought a new engine and had nothing but trouble with it from day one and finally dumped it for something else. Take your time, do your research, and do what you feel most comfortable with.
