---

With the help of Balboa Boat Yard, I am restoring a 1965 Boston Whaler Eastport. Hull work and gelcoating are in process now!

QUESTION: For power, I was thinking Yamaha 90 HP, but was advised to ask for recommendations because this engine might be too heavy. Any thoughts would be great.

PRIMARY USE CASE: The Boat will mostly be used for bay cruising. I also expect to take it outside the harbor and cruise along the coast, exploring the various nearby coves and towing my son and friends for wake boarding, etc. This boat will not be used for fishing and I do not expect to ever leave the sight of shore.

Thank you

(first post of many I am sure!!)

---

William,

Welcome to Whaler Central. I've always liked the look of the woodwork on those older hulls.

There are a number of threads on this subject here in the engines section, whatever choice you make note the set up and propeller recommendations available here as they will allow you to get your new engine set up perfectly the first time without a lot of trial and error.

The classic Whaler hulls are sensitive to too much weight on the transom and perform much better with lighter engines. When these boats were new even the largest horsepower engines allowed on them didn't weigh much over 300 pounds. Two very popular choices have been the Evinrude Etec 90 HP (direct injected 2 stroke) and the Yamaha F70 (4 stroke EFI). Each has its advantages and both are good choices. I've had a 90 HP Etec for three seasons now and am very pleased with the performance and economy.

Good luck with your choice. Please set up a personal page so you can post some pictures of your boats.

---

I've had an etec 75 on my 1963 Eastport since 2007 and am very satisfied. Only repair was a leak in power tilt/trim and that was late last year. Starts first time every time and is very good on fuel.

---

I have 2 of the same hull. One with a 70 hp yam 2-stroke, and one with a 90 hp yam 2-stroke. I never thought the additional hp was necessary and still do not believe it is. However, I will say the 90 is so strong that if I were to have the need for a little extra power, I would go there.
I stayed with 70 because my kids were reaching the age where I was letting them use the boat. A 90 is possible to get you in trouble if no experience.

Seems that members not into speed have been very happy with yam F-70 on these hulls.

---

Members have reported the difference in top speed between a 70 and 90 hp motor is 5 mph.

When correctly mounted with the appropriate prop, a 70 hp motor will give you a wide open throttle (WOT) speed of 36-39 mph whereas a 90 hp motor will give you a WOT speed of 39-44 mph. The range is to allow for gear, fuel and passengers.

---

We've got a 1970 17',
and run a 1988 yamaha 90 2-stroke on a 12" bracket,
that most on here would disagree with,
however it is one solid bay boat!

We ran an older 50 that was perfect for 2-3 people cruised 20-26 mph,
but dogged to get on plane with a good load,
however that setup was a gas sipper.

It's tricky to limit the throttle as the 90 at half throttle is the 50 at 2/3+,
and it's fun to blast around,
but if mellow the 90 gets similar gas mileage.
It's the blasting around that sucks the fuel!

Our yamaha was pulled from a mint 80's Montauk,
(it looked like it was used once a year)
which was being replaced by a 4-stroke yamaha 90 to go on CA lakes.
I think we got the better deal!

TP

---

Thanx to everyone for the information. I am heading out to CA in a few weeks to be there when the furniture is installed. At that time, I will be making the final decision on the power. I am leaning towards a 70HP Yamaha, but I will also inquire about the weight of the 90HP Yamaha and consider it - I've been told the new ones are much lighter. If I do go with a 90HP, I will make sure the weight is not too much, because most of the hours I will put on it will be in harbor and the back bay, cruising with no-wake.

By February, I will start posting pics, both before and during.... and by May, I should have pics of the final product!

For those interested, I am going to put up a new post today on "non-skid".

thanx