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Hello everyone,

I am repowering a 1988 Montauk and its between the Yamaha F70 and the Etec 90. I have struggled with a Johnson 88 for the last couple of years that would only start on odd numbered days and only if I stood on one leg while pulling an ear lobe and whistling. Between the above two, which will start and run better? It's a small lake and top end speed is not important. I just want something that starts and runs well. Thanks for your thoughts. Tom

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My 1988 Montauk has an 2012 ETEC 90. Since April 2105 I have put about 150 hours on it in NJ and love it. It starts right up, requires very little maintenance and sips gas and oil. I bought the boat because of the motor and it was a great choice.

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I would consider the same two motors if I re-powered.

Really depends on what HP you want. 70 or 90.
Both motors are fantastic.

For me personally, I would lean towards the 70hp as that is what I had on my prior 1978 Montauk for 15 years and never really needed more power for my uses.
I have a 70hp Evinrude on my 1977 Montauk now.

Let us know what you end up deciding.

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So, I have 2 Whalers, one with the Yamaha F70 (15') and the other with the E-Tec 115 (17' Outrage). I have been very happy with both motors. To answer your question, I would say that the Yamaha is somewhat smoother running than the E-Tec since I have had a minor issue with the E-Tec running a little rough when cold. However, the E-Tec is very fast, very fuel efficient and has been a great motor. Both motors start very easily. The F70 is perfect for the 15', a marriage made in heaven, however, I'm thinking that the F70 may not be enough power for your Montauk, depending on how you use it. If it was me, I would probably lean toward the E-Tec 90.

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Like Whaler 15 said it depends on how you will use your whaler. If top end is not important then the F70 is the way to go. If you are going to pull a big slalom skier the F70 will probably not do it. My big kids, 25 and 26 like to wakeboard, so the F70 does great. With 3 people, full tank of gas, and full cooler, the boat jumps on plane. The engine has always started with just a single turn of the key. My F70 has 142 hours and I really like it for what we do. We have fished the lakes and ocean, even about 15 miles offshore on a very good weather day. We cruise around and get above 7 mpg even in the ocean, almost 8 mpg on the lakes. That is over 140 mile range with the 24 gallon tank! Good luck on your engine choice.

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Brad,
What is your top end speed with 3 aboard. Thinking to repower with the F70. Usually have two adult and two kids aboard for some tubing. Only need a top end speed of low thirties at most. Usually cruise in the low twenties.
Would really like the four stroke yamaha but worried about the reduced power. Currently have a 90 johnson.
Thanks
Bernard

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Bernard,

I went with the Yamaha F70, based primarily on dealer access. There are 5 Yamaha dealers in the local area and only 1 Evinrude dealer some distance away. I am repowering from a Johnson 88 to the Yamaha F70 so as soon as I get the boat back from the shop I can share some thoughts with you on any difference I note. Primarily we just cruise local East Texas lakes with two people in the 1988 Montauk 17. The F70 was approximately $7,600 for the engine and $9,046.00 out the door , installed with everything, tax, title, and license. That is based on a $400.00 dealer credit Yamaha has at this time. Hope this helps. Tom

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Thanks,
I would appreciate to hear about your experience.

Bernard