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About 3-4 weeks ago the shaft sheered off in my 1989 Johnson 225. I have tried about everything to get the shaft out of the powerhead but it is not budging. I have started looking into repowering and Yamaha is including 3 years of Yes (extended service) plans till December 1st on new motors. Do manufactures normally have these incentives in the spring as well? An extra 3 years might get me to move faster (guess that is the idea). I just would prefer to put off buying a motor to make sure the shaft is not going to come off. It is a shame b/c the motor runs perfectly just has a fatal flaw.

Thanks,

Steve

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I would say it is a buyers market right now and that will continue for a little while. Recreational products are hurting and the good manufacturers will be doing whatever they can to spur sales. Extending warranties and service plans is a logical first step. If that does not have the desired effect, you can expect rebates and other forms of price reduction. The good companies will emerge quite strong when things turn around and sales get back on track. Though I'm no expert on Yamaha, they are a large well capitalized company that can weather the current slowdown in sales. I would bet that they extend the offer you referred to into next year. I wouldn't feel any pressure to pull the trigger now. Talk to a few different dealers and see what they think. If Yamaha stops the incentive, some other manufacturer will no doubt pick up the slack. Good luck Steve, and sorry to hear about the problems with your Johnson engine.

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ETEC and Suzuki at times have given an up to 7 year warranty and offerd them at different times of the year

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Thanks for the input guys. I decided to go ahead and repower. I am going with a Yamaha F225 (four stroke) and get the 6 year warrantee. I know that it is generally light on power; many have said it usually is putting out closer to 210hp. I am thinking about a 17pitch Saltwater Series II. I am looking for hole shot and ability to maintain planning speed over top speed. Anyone have experience with this or the High Seas 4 blade that Yamaha has? Thanks again.


Oh and Tom I purchased this outrage in Murrells Inlet, SC. It still has a DeBordieu sticker on the side of it!

-Steve

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I saw that you were from VA. Searching the web, I ran across Ed's marine. They look like they have good deals.

http://www.edsmarinesuperstore.com/yard_sale_motor_prices.htm

PS Suzuki has an additional 3 year warranty too!

John

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I hope you ate some good seafood while you were there. DeBordieu is a beautiful place.............Have spent a lot of time there.......almost like make believe world! :D

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Merc is offering 5 year deals

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Ok guys, finally got to break in the motor today. Clemson, I picked it up from Ed's Marine Superstore last weekend and I am happy with them. I wanted to wait till I received it and everything was in order before I said anything. Everything was just as we discussed except that they put a 19 pitch Salt Water Series prop on instead of the 17 pitch I asked for. After running it for an hour at 2,000 rpm and an hour at 3,000 rpm I opened her up. It topped out at 5700 rpm and 40kts. This is with 2 people, about 35 gallons of gas and the enclosure up on the t-top. My question is how much more would I gain with the 17 as far as rpms? The owners manual has the wot range of 5,000 to 6,000 with max hp at 5,500. Thanks, for the input.
-Steve

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Steve -

What model boat do you have?
How high is the engine mounted?

FWIW - 40 kts = 46. 1 mph

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I have a 1989 22' Outrage. I also have a T-top and Yamaha T-8 on it. I tend to run with 3 or 4 people. I was running yesterday with just 2 but I did have an enclosure around the t-top up. It climbed up on a plane with no problem, and I am just trying to figure out if I should worry about dropping down in pitch.

I am also thinking it may be mounted a little low because the cavatation plate was covered. I will need to do some more running to check that out. It is not supposed to be covered right? It is mounted on the second hole from the top (which I think is considered 3 holes up?)


Thanks,
Steve