Best/worst used outboards in 70-150hp range?

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Author Topic:   Best/worst used outboards in 70-150hp range?

ddcIII posted 04-05-2005 01:22 PM ET (US)
Hi,
Which outboard makers and hp configurations would you try to avoid from 1985 to present in the 70-150 hp category?
Which ones are bulletproof when serviced properly?
I ask as I begin my search for a used Montauk or Outrage.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions,
ddcIII

bsmotril posted 04-05-2005 02:34 PM ET (US)
The three cylider Johnson and Evinrudes of 60-70hp from the mid 80s were some strong running and reliable motors. The small block V6 Merc 150s are also very reliable. And lastly, there are bunches of the old V4 110-120 hp Johnson and Evinrudes still in service and running strong that I see on our TX coast. Avoid OMC motors with the electro-shift lower end.
project13 posted 04-05-2005 02:58 PM ET (US)
-Probably goes without saying, but I would avoid force/chrysler product from the 80s/90s.

-The '80s 4-cyl mercs (in the 100 HP class) never really idled right and always needed carb adjustments. Some mercs had electrical problems too but I am not sure which.
-The '94-95 OMC ocean runners had a run of defective block castings and one overheat will bring a quick demise to your powerplant.
Thats all I know...
ddcIII posted 04-05-2005 03:05 PM ET (US)
This is great information so far, thanks.
Anybody have any experience with the 1995-96 90 hp Johnson/Evinrudes- there seem to be quite a few Northeast Mantauks out there with them.
ddcIII
brainstormer posted 04-05-2005 07:46 PM ET (US)
I just sold my '93 Johnson 90hp I bought online 3 years ago.
for $1500...It fired right up every time, could idle longer than I could and didn't seem to care how many people were aboard. It wasn't VRO when I got it, so didn't hook it up.
It wasn't babied, used 3 days a week in varying water and was what ended up convincing me to try this '99 115hp. (which has a 18,19, & 21 pitch prop on the way to test)
Teak Oil posted 04-05-2005 08:01 PM ET (US)
My 20 year old V4 Evinrude hit 45mph on the Montauk today. she is just getting broken in :)
When she goes an E-tec is going in her place, but it looks like it may be 20 more years at this rate.
Avoid early model Ficht and Optimax's in the 150hp range. Pretty much all the Mercs, 'Rudes, and Johnsons in that HP range are damn good engines. I have no experience with the Japanese engines.
John W posted 04-05-2005 08:29 PM ET (US)
Yamaha V4's are very reliable, but all 1980's Yamaha's were much more subject to corrosion than Merc's or Johnson/Evinrude, due to lower grade aluminum alloys used then. The good news is, corrosion problems will be obvious from the appearance of the used motor.
The type of use and maintenance that a used motor recieved by prior owners will make the biggest difference in it's longevity, no matter what brand...but I'm sure you know that already. Have a mechanic check out any used outboard for you prior to purchase.
joee posted 04-07-2005 09:58 AM ET (US)
bsmotril, I recently picked up a 90hp johnson about an '89 and was wondering what an electro shift is?
bsmotril posted 04-07-2005 11:13 AM ET (US)
Elecro shift has an electric solenoid that moves the shift dog clutch versus a mechanical linkage. Some good info here:
http://www.outboardrepairs.com/shifter/electric_shift_0.html
I also think they need a specific type of lower unit oil, not sure on that though.
AllanR posted 04-08-2005 09:24 AM ET (US)
I also support the 90Hp carbed Johnson. Mine is a 1994 I have had since new, and it runs like new. Very strong engine. I have had 7 adults in my Montauk, with the stern seat, 3 gas tanks, etc, and the boat just planes right off. Cruises nicely at 23-24 mph and would easily hit 34-35 mph even with a heavy load.
They are as simple as an outboard can be, easy to find parts for if you need to, which I haven't had the need to. I just service it with new plugs, change the lower unit oil, grease it up every year and every other year or so put in a new water pump. And it keeps on going.
jimh posted 04-08-2005 07:00 PM ET (US)
Taking a simplistic economic approach, I'd posit that among the best outboards are the ones you already own and are paid for; among the worst are ones you would have to take out a loan to buy.
Sneddog posted 04-12-2005 10:45 AM ET (US)
We are running a pair of 20 year old Johnson V4 120's on the 22 Outrage. Other than being a bit tempermental now and then (normally when we haven't used the boat for a coiuple of weeks, you think she is telling us something?)they run like champs!
homey posted 04-12-2005 10:56 AM ET (US)
My twin 1989 Johnson(VRO)150's have been great...Very reliable, and plenty of power on my 25' Outrage. Only complaint, they are abit thirsty but that is to be expected...
rmart posted 04-12-2005 01:51 PM ET (US)
My 1987 Outrage 18' has a 1987 Yamaha 115hp runs great and has been perfectly reliable. For us, the Yamaha 115hp is a perfect combination of power, weight and reliability. Other than a Carb rebuild when I purchased the boat several years ago, I have not had any problems. Also, I have not experienced any corrosion problems like those John W references. Though I would have to agree that part of that is probably due to diligient maintenance with washdowns and flushing after each use and touchup of any scratched/loose paint since this is a trailered boat which sees plenty of time in salt and fresh water.
andiamo posted 04-13-2005 05:12 PM ET (US)
Remember it is not so much the year as the number of hours on the motor, and that can be very difficult to figure out. Boats in the North may have fewer hours on them as they are not used (much) in the winter, but then again they may be used very hard durring summer holidays etc and may not be winterized well if at all when put away for the winter. Southern Boats on the otherhand may not be used very much (you know how it is, because you always can you don't always have the same desire).
I bought my '86 Montauk with an '86 Evinrude v 4 90 hp ran ok (stalled when in gear at idel)for 2 summers, but last year she died (out in Mahone Bay) so there is 18 years on her. After that I did not want to trust a rebuild so I have a new E TEC I have not yet tried.

I guess the answer is, find a nice boat, the newer the motor the better, have it compression tested and then hope that you get lots of years out of it before you need a new motor, but you may not and that is life.
ddcIII posted 04-14-2005 09:08 AM ET (US)
Great suggestions,
Thanks to all.
ddcIII
The Chesapeake Explorer posted 04-14-2005 10:19 PM ET (US)
The late 80's early 90's OMC V4s were the largest CC or CI motors in their HP class and strong, Mine (88 evinrude 90) took a beating lasted 1800+ hours never wanted for power. new 2004 Yamaha 90 just rigged will see how that one goes.. some things so far not so great but will see..may be a champ!
fairdeal2u posted 04-15-2005 03:13 PM ET (US)
there is a huge difference in price between the two.
many more montauks than 18 foot outrages.
you will have to decide whether you want to spend more.
elaelap posted 04-15-2005 08:43 PM ET (US)
Just hit 320 hrs today on my 2004 Yamaha 115 EFI four stroke (1988 Outrage 18)...absolutely no complaints in almost exactly one year. The dealership printed out my motor data at the 300 hr tune-up--2/3 of my motor's use was at slow trolling speeds, under 1000 rpm. Top speed with 19" pitch black steel prop, 40 mph/5600 rpm WOT. Good fuel economy; quiet; always starts with first turn of the key; smokeless.
Tony

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Author	Topic: Best/worst used outboards in 70-150hp range?
ddcIII	posted 04-05-2005 01:22 PM ET (US) Hi, Which outboard makers and hp configurations would you try to avoid from 1985 to present in the 70-150 hp category? Which ones are bulletproof when serviced properly? I ask as I begin my search for a used Montauk or Outrage. Thanks in advance for your suggestions, ddcIII
bsmotril	posted 04-05-2005 02:34 PM ET (US) The three cylider Johnson and Evinrudes of 60-70hp from the mid 80s were some strong running and reliable motors. The small block V6 Merc 150s are also very reliable. And lastly, there are bunches of the old V4 110-120 hp Johnson and Evinrudes still in service and running strong that I see on our TX coast. Avoid OMC motors with the electro-shift lower end.
project13	posted 04-05-2005 02:58 PM ET (US) -Probably goes without saying, but I would avoid force/chrysler product from the 80s/90s. -The '80s 4-cyl mercs (in the 100 HP class) never really idled right and always needed carb adjustments. Some mercs had electrical problems too but I am not sure which. -The '94-95 OMC ocean runners had a run of defective block castings and one overheat will bring a quick demise to your powerplant. Thats all I know...
ddcIII	posted 04-05-2005 03:05 PM ET (US) This is great information so far, thanks. Anybody have any experience with the 1995-96 90 hp Johnson/Evinrudes- there seem to be quite a few Northeast Mantauks out there with them. ddcIII
brainstormer	posted 04-05-2005 07:46 PM ET (US) I just sold my '93 Johnson 90hp I bought online 3 years ago. for $1500...It fired right up every time, could idle longer than I could and didn't seem to care how many people were aboard. It wasn't VRO when I got it, so didn't hook it up. It wasn't babied, used 3 days a week in varying water and was what ended up convincing me to try this '99 115hp. (which has a 18,19, & 21 pitch prop on the way to test)
Teak Oil	posted 04-05-2005 08:01 PM ET (US) My 20 year old V4 Evinrude hit 45mph on the Montauk today. she is just getting broken in :) When she goes an E-tec is going in her place, but it looks like it may be 20 more years at this rate. Avoid early model Ficht and Optimax's in the 150hp range. Pretty much all the Mercs, 'Rudes, and Johnsons in that HP range are damn good engines. I have no experience with the Japanese engines.
John W	posted 04-05-2005 08:29 PM ET (US) Yamaha V4's are very reliable, but all 1980's Yamaha's were much more subject to corrosion than Merc's or Johnson/Evinrude, due to lower grade aluminum alloys used then. The good news is, corrosion problems will be obvious from the appearance of the used motor. The type of use and maintenance that a used motor recieved by prior owners will make the biggest difference in it's longevity, no matter what brand...but I'm sure you know that already. Have a mechanic check out any used outboard for you prior to purchase.
joee	posted 04-07-2005 09:58 AM ET (US) bsmotril, I recently picked up a 90hp johnson about an '89 and was wondering what an electro shift is?
bsmotril	posted 04-07-2005 11:13 AM ET (US) Elecro shift has an electric solenoid that moves the shift dog clutch versus a mechanical linkage. Some good info here: http://www.outboardrepairs.com/shifter/electric_shift_0.html I also think they need a specific type of lower unit oil, not sure on that though.
AllanR	posted 04-08-2005 09:24 AM ET (US) I also support the 90Hp carbed Johnson. Mine is a 1994 I have had since new, and it runs like new. Very strong engine. I have had 7 adults in my Montauk, with the stern seat, 3 gas tanks, etc, and the boat just planes right off. Cruises nicely at 23-24 mph and would easily hit 34-35 mph even with a heavy load. They are as simple as an outboard can be, easy to find parts for if you need to, which I haven't had the need to. I just service it with new plugs, change the lower unit oil, grease it up every year and every other year or so put in a new water pump. And it keeps on going.
jimh	posted 04-08-2005 07:00 PM ET (US) Taking a simplistic economic approach, I'd posit that among the best outboards are the ones you already own and are paid for; among the worst are ones you would have to take out a loan to buy.
Sneddog	posted 04-12-2005 10:45 AM ET (US) We are running a pair of 20 year old Johnson V4 120's on the 22 Outrage. Other than being a bit tempermental now and then (normally when we haven't used the boat for a coiuple of weeks, you think she is telling us something?)they run like champs!
homey	posted 04-12-2005 10:56 AM ET (US) My twin 1989 Johnson(VRO)150's have been great...Very reliable, and plenty of power on my 25' Outrage. Only complaint, they are abit thirsty but that is to be expected...
rmart	posted 04-12-2005 01:51 PM ET (US) My 1987 Outrage 18' has a 1987 Yamaha 115hp runs great and has been perfectly reliable. For us, the Yamaha 115hp is a perfect combination of power, weight and reliability. Other than a Carb rebuild when I purchased the boat several years ago, I have not had any problems. Also, I have not experienced any corrosion problems like those John W references. Though I would have to agree that part of that is probably due to diligient maintenance with washdowns and flushing after each use and touchup of any scratched/loose paint since this is a trailered boat which sees plenty of time in salt and fresh water.
andiamo	posted 04-13-2005 05:12 PM ET (US) Remember it is not so much the year as the number of hours on the motor, and that can be very difficult to figure out. Boats in the North may have fewer hours on them as they are not used (much) in the winter, but then again they may be used very hard durring summer holidays etc and may not be winterized well if at all when put away for the winter. Southern Boats on the otherhand may not be used very much (you know how it is, because you always can you don't always have the same desire). I bought my '86 Montauk with an '86 Evinrude v 4 90 hp ran ok (stalled when in gear at idel)for 2 summers, but last year she died (out in Mahone Bay) so there is 18 years on her. After that I did not want to trust a rebuild so I have a new E TEC I have not yet tried. I guess the answer is, find a nice boat, the newer the motor the better, have it compression tested and then hope that you get lots of years out of it before you need a new motor, but you may not and that is life.
ddcIII	posted 04-14-2005 09:08 AM ET (US) Great suggestions, Thanks to all. ddcIII
The Chesapeake Explorer	posted 04-14-2005 10:19 PM ET (US) The late 80's early 90's OMC V4s were the largest CC or CI motors in their HP class and strong, Mine (88 evinrude 90) took a beating lasted 1800+ hours never wanted for power. new 2004 Yamaha 90 just rigged will see how that one goes.. some things so far not so great but will see..may be a champ!
fairdeal2u	posted 04-15-2005 03:13 PM ET (US) there is a huge difference in price between the two. many more montauks than 18 foot outrages. you will have to decide whether you want to spend more.
elaelap	posted 04-15-2005 08:43 PM ET (US) Just hit 320 hrs today on my 2004 Yamaha 115 EFI four stroke (1988 Outrage 18)...absolutely no complaints in almost exactly one year. The dealership printed out my motor data at the 300 hr tune-up--2/3 of my motor's use was at slow trolling speeds, under 1000 rpm. Top speed with 19" pitch black steel prop, 40 mph/5600 rpm WOT. Good fuel economy; quiet; always starts with first turn of the key; smokeless. Tony