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Which of 2 older 2-strokes should I use?
mtjarrett	#1  Posted on 07/19/21 - 9:22 AM
Member Posts: 17 Comments: 0 Joined: 02/10/18	I have a 1971 16' Custom. I cruise around the shallow waters of the Laguna Madre in South Texas but also want to start fishing out on the gulf side. Right now, the boat has a 1986 Johnson 110. I have access to a 1985 Yamaha 90 as well. Considerations: • the Yamaha is nearly 100# lighter which may be helpful in the shallow water • the Yamaha hasn't been run in 20 years • I've put about 20 hours on the Johnson and the only issues I've had were fouled plugs so far • I think my hull is rated for 90HP. I don't mind pushing the limits but don't like to push the limits in ignorance and I know nothing about the concerns of leaving the larger motor on the boat. • I would like to pull my kid skiing as well What I want/plan: • I want a reliable engine and am planning on dropping one of these two off at the mechanic to have him check and replace everything that needs it. I can spend a couple $1000 but can't afford a new motor right now. What are y'alls thoughts on which one I should go with?
acassidy	#2  Posted on 07/19/21 - 10:02 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 268 Comments: 1 Joined: 11/21/05	I would keep running the Johnson and save your money. A motor that has not run in 20 years probably is going to need more that just $1000. Plus the Johnson has way more power and is working right now. Maybe store the Yamaha. The absolute worst thing you can do to an outboard is store it. Why did they store the Yamaha? Usually people store a motor because there is something wrong with it. Every rubber seal on that motor is probably toast. Not to mention internal rust. Those old Johnsons where the best motors ever made, way better than the Yamaha. You never see old Yamahas being run but see old Omc outboard everywhere. Archie
mtjarrett	#3  Posted on 07/19/21 - 12:32 PM
Member Posts: 17 Comments: 0 Joined: 02/10/18	Thanks Archie. If anyone else has another opinion, I'd love to hear it but I will stick with this advice unless I hear otherwise. Is there any sort of list of checks I can do on the water to determine any issues this Johnson might have?
wrangler	#4  Posted on 07/20/21 - 2:56 AM
Member Posts: 264 Comments: 0 Joined: 03/14/08	In Florida it is illegal to exceed the maximum rated horsepower on a boat. You have to check for your state. Most Insurance companies will not approve a claim for illegal boats (overpowered). If you are ever involved in a mishap, and the engine HP was the reason, then your liability becomes a problem. Responsible boat dealers do not install overpowered engines on boats. Your choice and your risk.
mtjarrett	#5  Posted on 07/20/21 - 7:32 PM
Member Posts: 17 Comments: 0 Joined: 02/10/18	Thanks Wrangler. Sounds like one vote each way. Anyone know how expensive it will be to replace all the stuff acassidy mentioned would be shot on the Yamaha?
mtjarrett	#6  Posted on 07/21/21 - 8:14 AM
Member Posts: 17 Comments: 0 Joined: 02/10/18	When determining the HP rating for my hull, how precise of measurements do I use for determining the "factor"? i.e. The measured boat length is 16'7" and the width at the transom is 5'7". 2 X 16.6 X 5.6 - 90 = 95.92 = 100HP 2 X 17 X 6 - 90 = 114 = 115HP
Joe Kriz	#7  Posted on 07/21/21 - 1:36 PM
Site Owner Personal Page Personal Album Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 11447 Comments: 452 Joined: 03/18/05	All Classic 16' hulls have a max hp rating of 100hp. https://www.whalercentral.com/userpho...allery.php Also see our Engine Choices and Weights in our article sections. https://www.whalercentral.com/article...ticle_id=5