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Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had some exteriences or suggestions on powering an 1982 15' sport. I am looking at the new Etec, but wondered what benefits/issues might exist for choosing 75 over a 60?

Thanks for your input!

simsinca

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Tony,
My experience with my small whaler is to go with the max hp or weight allowed. The 60 weighs 240 and the 75 weighs 320 lbs.. That's quite a difference but I don't know if it would make that much difference. A friend has a 60 hp on his and it does an adequate job, but I'd like more power. His is a super sport with more wood, but you have more seats. If three seats means three people fishing, then I personally would go with the 75.
Mike

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The 75 E-Tec weighs 80 pounds more than the 60 E-Tec. That is a lot of extra weight. See these Current Engine Choices:
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=77

Also, take a look at ioptfm's personal page. He has an E-Tec 60 on his 15'.
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...er_id=2910

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If going with the extra weight of the 75, what about the 90 hp that weighs the same... OR is that too much power?

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Congradulations on the new 15! I'm happy with a Yamaha F60 on my 1982, so much that I'am doing it again on my 1988. But, the old 2 stroke OMC 70 seemed to have a little more mid range torque, and maybe even a little more top end. I'd go Etec 75, but before I did that, I'd contact an88carrera. Len repowered this past winter with a new Etec 90 and loves it. He also has a hydraulic jack plate. I'd talk to him before I did anything. zot.

F60 238 pounds, manual jack plate 24 pounds. Weight of Etec 75/90?

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I was going to go with the 75 ETEC and the dealer talked me into the 60. Told me that if I didn't like it he would swap me to the other. I could not be happier than I am with the 60. It pops out of the water like a rocket and will run almost 40 at WOT. Not sure if you have been in a 15 doing almost 40, but it feels like you are literally flying......I very seldom ever run mine at WOT......you might get another 5 or so mph out of the 75, but I don't think that you will enjoy the feeling of going that fast! :o Gas consumption on the 60 hp is fantastic and it uses such a little amount of oil that it almost makes you wonder if it is actually using any. By the way, a friend of mine has the same boat with a 70 four stroke on it and when take off from a dead start I leave him in the dust, but he does out run me on top end :D

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ioptfm, sounds like a very honest assessment. My F60's are very light on fuel, and noise. Though I never do holeshots, I would certainly expect an Etec to smoke me out of the hole. I have not seen 43 mph yet on the Garmin, but as you say, it is mildly violent. Having ridden on Len's stand up 15 with a worked Merc. 70, I'm sure he is virtually powering through the chinewalk with his 90. We need input from Mick, 2 stroke 130 Yam. and the pad. I'm thinking Low Country Rendevous. What do you think? zot.

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That sounds like a fantastic idea to me! :D

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Thanks guys... I think I'm leaning toward the 60 for simplicity.

Low Country Boil. I could go for that. Haven't been to Charleston in a while, but the redfishing was great...

T

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One other thing to consider...

I don't think you would find a dealer to install an engine on any boat that was not rated for that hp. Most, if not all outboard dealers, will not install it.
Therefore, you would have to buy the engine and install it yourself.

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I grew up with a friend who had a 15' with a 75 omc 2 stroke. That boat would really run and was fast out of the hole. 25 years later my friend found his old 15' hull and bought it. He re-powered with a 60 etec and was never satifided with it's performance. The dealer he used swapped the 60 etec for a 70 Yamaha. Now that boat runs like it should again. My point is that hull was made for a 70hp 2 stroke motor. Added weight or anything less than a 70 hp and that hull will not perform like it should.

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Sorry, but I am going to have to disagree with you on that statement. A lot has to be taken in consideration other than HP. Mainly the prop and setup of the motor. Not sure if your friend was after speed, torque or crusing, but I can tell you first hand that the 60 pushes my 15 beyond my expectations.

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The classic 15 foot Whaler was designed to operate with anything from 20 to 70 HP. Obviously 60 HP will be plenty for all but the very most speed conscious.

Given the weight of the 75 HP E-TEC, I would recommend the 60 HP E-TEC. It will be a much more satisfactory motor for that boat.

A bit of trivia: The Sport 15 was originally rated for 75 HP when it was introduced but the rating was almost immediately reduced to 70 HP. Having owned one myself with 70 HP, I cannot imagine wanting anything more than 70 HP under any circumstances. It is probably the one and only Whaler model I would never consider overpowering.

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Very informative thread! What about prop pitch on the 60 E-tec or on any 60 - 70 hp unit?

Just as a performance note: I will likely be carrying 2 adults and 3 kids with a total weight of 600 lbs.

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I will check at first opportunity and see what size prop I have on mine and let you know

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Tom,

I stand corrected. I talked to my friend that tried an e-tec today. It was a 75 e-tec, and he wasn't happy because of the extra weight. He had a lot backwash if he slowed to quickly.

Paul

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With my 1982 Sport, original configuration, I have to be aware of my own wake on deceleration. Hoping to move significant weight forward with the CC conversion project. In fact, this is exactly the type of info I was soliciting on my "15 Owners" thread. Trying to fit 12-15 gallon fuel cell and battery inside console. 48 quart cooler with cushion forward, (always full), and then some type of elevated livewell below leaning post. Not really sure where to start mounting console for correct weight distribution.

Simsinca, I bought my prop from Tom W Clark. It is a Turbo Hot Shot SS 10.5 X 15. With one other person, full cooler, fishing gear, and cast net, I have a very difficult time getting on plane. More noticable possibly from the weight of the new fuel tank, and additional fuel. I am propped for top end and light load. (When the boat is this quick, most of your friends will choose to watch from other friends larger boats.) Have fun experimenting. zotcha.

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I have a Solas Stainless Prop. 13 1/2 x 15. On my ETEC 60HP. Good all purpose prop for my size application B)

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I have a perfect match classic engine for you. Any interest in a lightweight 1983 Johnson 70, mint in every category, with less than 75 original fresh water hours on it since new, stored unused for 25 years?

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v42...051-24.jpg

Basically a brand new one owner engine for an economical expenditure. Does not have trim, and oil injection wasn't yet available at the time. Sitting on a rack at my dealer, ready for shipment. Ignition harness included.

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Zot,

You run an F60 while Tom runs an E-Tec 60... How does one choose between a Yamaha and Evinrude these days if buying new?

Pros and Cons?

Tony

PS: As much as I love the nastalgia of old classic engines, but the reality is that I need the security of an engine that will perform without fail running kids out in the Pacific, so new engine it's going to be! (not that risk isn't considered, it's just lowered with a new engine over an old one I think)

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Tony, good question. I'd be driving to Charleston to check out Tom's Etec, if I had to do it again. In fact, as much as I enjoy top end performance, I'd be traveling down to Tampa to check out Lens 90. But I'm very happy with my F60's. Nice match, and I enjoy the added height of the power head while using the manual jack plate.

Do you own a personal jet like the Big 3 automakers? Very close to launching for a day of Red and Sea Trout fishing...they are so hungry right now they're taking Gulp artificials equivalent to live bait. Wanna fish?

Tom, are you having the same luck up your neck of the woods? Monday, the boys caught and released 36 reds and 13 trout. Of course I was in class refreshing my EMT skills...Have a Great Day. zot.

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Reds are running and tailing all over the placea around here

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Can't make the trip over, just now, but my buddy in Mt. Pleasant keeps buggin me to come visit. Perhaps in Spring! Thanks for all your feedback.