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Hey Whaler Nation! I have a 1993 Montauk 17. I’ve been trying to repower but the COVID environment has made it difficult. My dealer talked to Yamaha today and was told they won’t have any new F90s until OCT 20, maybe even NOV 20. I trust this guy. But my dealer said he did find a brand new, still in crate 2018 F90. Same exact model as a 2020 F90, just not as new off the production line. He said he’d take $600 off the price. The warranty would be the same as the 2020 as well. Dealer also said The Yamaha rep also mentioned there will not be any promotions anytime soon. Which makes sense, why discount engines they don’t have to sell?

I’m not sure how long I will have this boat before I upgrade. But for resale purposes, should I wait 3 months to repower with a 2020? I’m not in a rush to repower. But I do want it sooner then later.

Any advice? Am I missing something about a 2018 F90 vs a 2020 F90? Thanks!!


(please follow the guidelines at the top of this page and use the Full 4 digit year)

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$600 is not much off a 2 year old engine. You would be doing him a favor. I would want $1k off an engine price under $8,500 at least.

The thing about repowers are you never get your money back ever so spending as least as possible for a decent engine/rigging/install is key.

I would negotiate hard on spending less.

If he will not discount on the engine, get the savings somewhere else.

Get a detailed quote for the entire repower.
What is cost for each item below.

List separately.:
Engine price (should be $7800-8xxx)
Labor - removal
labor - install
labor- repairs
Rigging
- harnesess($ each)
- Ignition switch
- binnacle
- Tachometer multifunction gauge
- Additional gauges?
- shift/throttle cables
Prop - either 13-1/3 x 18 Yamaha Performance or 13 x 19 Painted SS (2 holes up)
Sales Tax:

Have him price all these, then ask to find $400 from them.

Ask a second Yamaha dealer to price you a 2020 F90 and compare.

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Some states would title, and tax, that 2018 as 2020 if sold in 2020. You should at least negotiate the extended warranty.

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1979 Montauk.

I just repowered my boat with a (2019) Yamaha 90.

According to the dealer, Yamaha no longer uses model years on its engines. They use the serial number. The reason is rather than wait to the end of the model year to make a change, they can make a change mid year or whenever. So a engine built in January 2019 may be different in one or two items than a engine built in June 2019.

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Mattynp,

Phil had some excellent advice on obtaining a detailed quote and negotiating the price down.

That said, I want to revisit your statement in bold above. Phil mentioned this somewhat, but I would go a step further and caution you about re-powering if you feel you may be shopping for a new boat soon.

Re-powering can be a smart move if you have a good condition older hull that fits your needs, and that you plan to keep for many years. That way for all the expense and hassle of the re-powering, you get to enjoy a great deal of the benefits. This can make it financially worthwhile.

But normally I would only recommend an elective re-powering if you plan to keep the boat for a fairly long time. In re-sale, older boats with new engines do not recoup the cost of re-powering. So you would likely take a big loss if you sell in the near future.

In other words, you will usually come out financially better off if you sell your older boat with its current seviceable engine. The money that you save by not re-powering (and not taking a loss on re-sale), is more money you can put toward the upgrade.

Just something to keep in mind as you consider your options.

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That is some awesome advice by everyone and I’m absolutely grateful.

I have thought long and hard about the option of upgrading my boat now but my whaler is perfect for my family now but the engine on it is a 25 year old Evinrude with slipping compression and a “mostly reliable” start. I have lost confidence in the engine and I dread the thought of waiting for a Sea Tow boat with my wife and two kids. Plus being in the Navy and moving every few years just make the future hard to predict. I could have this boat for a long time. But I do need a reliable motor now. I understand I’m risking some $$ but a boat is only an investment for time.

I love this website and the wealth of resources of the Whaler community!! Thanks again!