Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Replacement Motor for 17' Newport

Posted by Exit Zero on 06/25/10 - 11:08 AM
#1

Hi there,

I am looking at repowering my Newport. It presently has an '89 90hp Johnson. I'm wondering if I should consider downsizing the motor to a 75hp in order to keep the cost down and to get better "gas mileage." Or should I keep it at the 90hp? Any thoughts on performance issues and cost issues are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Posted by CES on 06/25/10 - 11:39 AM
#2

If you're looking to re-power with a new motor, most Whaler folks will tell ya that you cant go wrong with the Etec. If you put a new Etec 90hp on your boat, it would drink less gas than your conventional 70hp 2 smoker.

EVERYONE I have met that has an Etec is happy with it.

Posted by Jeff on 06/25/10 - 1:03 PM
#3

You will not get better economy by going with a smaller hp. In fact you will likely have to run the the lower HP harder to maintain the same constant speed a 90 would at the same RPM. Also most 75's weigh in the same as a 90 so why power with loss horsepower if you are still going to have to push the same weight?

Also, I personally believe a 17' Whaler with a 75hp motor will take longer to sell and sell for less than the same exact boat with the 90hp version on the transom.

Edited by Jeff on 06/25/10 - 1:04 PM

Posted by Ric232 on 06/26/10 - 3:52 PM
#4

CES wrote:

EVERYONE I have met that has an Etec is happy with it.


Not only that, but many (if not most) of us with 4-strokes have "E-Tec envy" and wish we had them.

Posted by Bo Neato on 06/28/10 - 11:36 AM
#5

90 hp Etec is your replacement of choice.

When my 90SPL goes (if it ever does), I'll be hanging one as well.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 06/28/10 - 11:42 AM
#6

Read our article on Current Engine Choices and their Weight.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...ticle_id=5

Posted by Exit Zero on 06/29/10 - 9:30 AM
#7

Thanks to everyone on the replys and the Motor Choice guide was fantastic. I'm in a situation where the all mighty dollar will rule, so I'll be doing this on a budget unfortunately. I have a line on a used 75hp Mercury that I think will work out well. Very low hours and a good price. Thanks again for all the info.... Film @ 11.

Posted by Finnegan on 06/29/10 - 2:33 PM
#8

A 75 Merc 2-stroke is a very strong engine, and should run about 42 MPH on your boat (per Clark Roberts report on CW). This engine appears to be very close in power and performance to the 90 E-tec, except for slightly higher fuel consumption.