Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by kamie on 04/26/11 - 7:32 PM

Compression test will show more about how the engines are runing than anything. In general the hull is rated for 100HP, what do you plan to do with the boat? If your going on a sunday cruse than maybe the 75 is fine, if you want to pull tubes then maybe you want the 90. On the other hand, if the 90 is about to die, then maybe the 75 is a better deal or you get $$ off the deal on the 90 and repower.

Lots of missing answers and questions as you can see.

In general both engines have good reputations as far as I know and since they are 2 stroke, will probably last a while longer, if they have been maintained. Also, salt or fresh, since your in NY there is both, and it matters.

Posted by Gamalot on 04/27/11 - 6:04 AM

Given the info at hand the Yamaha would be my choice. If both motors were 90 HP and both had good compression I would probably go with the newer of the two depending on the price differences. Both brands are good motors but I think a 90 is a better choice overall.

Posted by Finnegan on 04/27/11 - 2:47 PM

I would take the newer BRP engine anyday, no comparison. Aren't they both similarly sized 3 cylinder engines? The BRP Evinrude has got to have a lot less hours on it. The late 80's Yamahas are very vulnerable to expensive salt water corrosion repairs, and besides it's only an 82-83HP engine anyway. The performance difference between a 75 Evinrude/BRP and an 82HP Yamaha is probably insignificant. Go for the much newer engine of only slightly less HP.

Edited by Finnegan on 04/27/11 - 2:50 PM

Posted by Marty Johns Isd SC on 04/27/11 - 3:26 PM

I personally would not go with an engine that is over 22 years old. The newer engine should also be more fuel efficient. Depending on what you are doing with your Whaler a 75 hp would be fine. I have a 1989 17 foot SS LTD and it has a 2004 75 hp Merc 2 stroke. At first I thought it would not be enough horse power, but it moves the boat very well. Even with myself and three other adults it still really moves. I do not pull skiers or do any towing. If you don't like the engine later on you can always sell it and upgrade the horse power. That is what I thought I would do if I didn't like the mercury or if I needed more power. That is just my personal opinion. Post some pictures up of your SS if you can. Good Luck!

Posted by RMS on 04/28/11 - 6:28 AM

I owned a 1989 Yamaha 90hp on a 17' SSL for 11years. I bought the rig in 1998. Boat was docked in salt water 6 months a year. Engine always started and ran great. I repowered with a leftover 90 Yamaha 2 stroke, I liked the motor that much. However, corrosion was a PITA. Needed to replace the lower unit and trim/tilt due to corrosion. There were enough problems that I would not buy another saltwater Yamamha of that vintage. Bob

Posted by Dave Wheeler on 04/28/11 - 2:06 PM

Better check out the 75 hp Evinrude very carefully. I believe that it must be a FICHT to be a 2002 75 hp. Hard to tell if that is a good engine or a bad engine. Easy to identify very poor resale and a whole history of problems if it is a Ficht.

Dave

Posted by Tom W Clark on 04/29/11 - 9:51 AM

#10

Yes, a 2002 Evinrude 75 is a FICHT. While the fact that is running now after a decade probably means it is fine, it will not have good resale value as Dave points out.

It is also a very heavy V-4, weighing about 360 pounds.

The Yamaha is about 100 pounds less.

Posted by mouchacs on 04/29/11 - 4:54 PM

#11

I was told it's a 2001 engine (first season 2002) with "high pressure fuel injection, fully computerized." Controller head replaced in 2007. Thoughts?

Posted by mouchacs on 04/29/11 - 6:38 PM

#13

He wrote controller head. Is that same as powerhead? Seeing the boat tomorrow. May buy it if I like it but I am nervous now about this Ficht business. I found this interesting link: http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000863.html

Thoughts?