Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Pipe13Sport on 11/02/14 - 6:26 PM

Hello guys, I just bought a 1980 13' sport and it came with a running 1981 30hp two stroke Johnson outboard. The Johnson runs good but I would like to upgrade to a more newer and reliable engine, I was looking at the newer 4 stroke yamaha engines.

So here's where the question is: the yamaha are a lot more heavier than my actual two stroke, so a 40 hp at 221lbs would be too heavy for my 1980 transom? Or should I go for the 25hp yamaha engine at 181lbs.

Do you think the 25hp would be enough power to pull 4 adults or are there any other outboard recommendations.

Thanks

[Moderator corrected model name]

Edited by Phil T on 11/03/14 - 7:21 AM

Posted by butchdavis on 11/03/14 - 6:08 AM

I have an 1981, same boat, with a 30 HP EFI Merc 4 stroke T/T. I would not want less HP.

I would keep the Johnson 2 stroke. It's a 1981 so that should tell you something about it's reliability. Just maintain it carefully and save some money.

[Moderator corrected year]

Edited by Phil T on 11/03/14 - 7:22 AM

Posted by Pipe13Sport on 11/04/14 - 7:30 AM

butchdavis wrote:
I have an 1981, same boat, with a 30 HP EFI Merc 4 stroke T/T. I would not want less HP.

I would keep the Johnson 2 stroke. It's a 1981 so that should tell you something about it's reliability. Just maintain it carefully and save some money.

[Moderator corrected year]

Can I ask you, how much did your new setup costed you, thanks

Posted by Blake Whitney on 11/04/14 - 9:03 AM

Butch is a man after my own heart!

Got the same motor (Evanrude) on my 1969 Sport and it is still fantastic. Was a wreck when I got it but went through it and runs like a champ. Can still pull a tube at 6000' and flies with only 2 aboard at sea level. My next step is a better prop.

Keep the 2-stroke and your cash!

Posted by butchdavis on 11/04/14 - 4:04 PM

Pipe,

$4K with the engine. The hull and all accessories were in excellent condition. No gel coat cracks. The bottom was painted. The trailer was old but useable. I used the trailer for about three years but had to have it welded and it was time for new springs and hubs and there was a lot of rust here and there. Ultimately I replaced the trailer a few weeks ago. Due to the hull condition and the almost new four stroke I felt the price was very reasonable.c

Posted by fred s on 12/14/14 - 2:09 PM

Butch,
I have a 1968 13' Sport with that same 30 HP Mercury 4 stroke. I love it. The 4 stroke replaced a 1968 Mercury 35 HP and after many hundreds of dollars trying to keep it I finally threw in the towel! Reliability on the water is a beautiful thing!

Posted by billjnh on 12/16/14 - 7:47 AM

I had a 2001 Johnson 35hp 2 stroke on my 1985 13 which blew a piston this past summer. I replaced the motor and all the rigging with an Evinrude Etec 30hp and have been very happy. Very quiet, very fuel efficient, starts instantly every time. I looked at the Yamaha 30hp 4 stroke but it was heavier than the Etec and the maintenance schedule on the Yamaha required more time / $.

Edited by billjnh on 12/16/14 - 7:48 AM

Posted by c1walts on 12/16/14 - 10:39 AM

Keep in mind the maintenance factor if you're going to upgrade your engine. It's important to have a good mechanic whom you trust close by that is able to service your brand motor. Also, I agree with everyone else and say keep the Johnson till it dies. Why fix what's not broken? I have an 80's era Mercury 40hp on the back of my 13'. I would really love to upgrade the engine, but that thing just won't die!