Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Maria on 09/20/07 - 6:37 PM

My mechanic is offering me a 2004 Johnson 225hp 4-Stroke brand new in box for $8,000.00 dollars.
The only items not included are the propeller and some cables. My 1989 22' Outrage came with a 1984 225hp Johnson fresh water engine with less than 400hrs in excellent condition. Since it's arrival, we've used the boat twice in salt water. What do you think? I would love to upgrade in a distant future to either single or twin E-tec's, but I can't deny this offer is tempting. Your comments will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Maria

Posted by arthureld on 09/20/07 - 6:43 PM

I bought a E-tec when I was all set to go for a less expensive new Johnson and I haven't looked back.

But from the sounds of it, your old motor isn't so bad. I was forced to make a quick decision when I burned mine up.

Edited by arthureld on 09/21/07 - 7:03 AM

Posted by jsneed on 09/21/07 - 4:47 AM

The question that I would think about is how much gas can I buy for $8000. At $4 per gallon, that is 2000 gallons, If you use your boat daily/weekly year round, you would still take a long time to pay for the new motor out of fuel savings. If you use it 6-12 times a year, it will take forever.... My cousin got upset with me 3 years ago when I put a few hundred dollars into fixing his mercury when I borrowed his whaler for a keys trip. He was jonesing for an excuse to buy a new motor. 3 years and a couple trips to the bahamas later the mercury is still cruising along. If your old johnson is running well the only reason to replace it is because the new one will look better on the back of the boat.

Just wondering though...where is that $8000 four stroke? :-)

Posted by Phil T on 09/21/07 - 7:51 AM

If your current engine is in good shape, stay with it. Sounds like you have many years of use ahead. 8k for a leftover model seems a bit high.

I think the compelling reason to re-power is when reliability starts to decrease and maintenance increases exponentially.

Posted by Maria on 09/27/07 - 6:41 PM

Thank you all for the advice. I'm giving myself sometime but my gut feeling tells me to stick to what I have. The Johnson is still working fine!
Thanks again,
Maria

Posted by PaulTarwater on 09/27/07 - 10:53 PM

I was thinking the same thing Jeff, but too shy of reliable data to offer any legitimate help. Maria, do some homework on that. That 225 Johnson your mechanic is trying to sell you may be a carbed 2 stroke. Paul

Posted by Joe Kriz on 09/27/07 - 11:14 PM

I just opened up my 2004 Johnson catalog...

Yes, there is a 225hp 4 stroke...
Not sure who made it. It might have been Suzuki....

Posted by Maria on 09/28/07 - 8:12 PM

The engine that's been offer was made by Suzuki. I can get parts either thru a Johnson or Suzuki dealer. There's also a 2003 Evinrude 225hp Fitch Ram available with three years of warranty. The Johnson has two years.
Maria

Posted by Joe Kriz on 09/29/07 - 6:04 PM

#10

Maria,

Too many Ficht engines had problems so I would stay away from one of those....
Besides, the Fichts are no longer being manufactured by BRP...
BRP seems to be selling only the E-Tec except for a few small engines that are leftover....