Need New Motor Guidance

[Spinner1]

Started researching new motors today. I am really getting confused on which way to go. I have waited a long time and was just sure I wanted a 4 stroke, now I am not so sure I can justify the additional cost. The new 2 strokes seem to be a huge advance from the old days. I have a 97 Alumacraft Magnum 165. It's a deep V that measures 16-10 by 81" wide, 800 pounds stripped. I currently have an 87 Mariner 45HP. It just doesn't cut it when my favorite uncle climbs aboard. Absolutely won't get on plane with 3 passengers unless they are all small guys like me. I am thinking 60HP is required. If that is too small I will absolutley be forced to go 2 stroke due to cost. An Alumacraft dealer insisted a modern 50HP would be large enough. I'm having trouble believing that. (He was showing me a '04 with identical dimensions that happened to have a 50HP on it) Seems the 75HP is the point where the engine weight takes a big jump. I use this boat on MN lake chains where I frequently have to get out and drag the boat through shallow creeks. Another 100 pounds of motor would be noticed. I am currently looking at Mercury, Evinrude and Yamaha. There are local dealers for the Evinrude and Mercury that are informed and don't act like sharks. I guess my most important questions are HP needed, LONG-TERM reliability, and relative ease of service. Emmissions seems to be less of an issue. I do most of my trolling with electric. I am an auto mechanic and capable of learning how to service my new motor, provided it doesn't require a stupid amount of electronic special tools.

[Fishinglund]

Spinner1,

I have a 1675 Lund Explorer with a 60HP 4-stroke Mercury tiller on it. The boat weighs a little over 900lbs stripped. It is 16'6" long and 90" at the beam. For the most part it works just fine with the 60hp on it. My only complaint is it is a little slow to get on plane, but I put a 12 pitch prop and a hydrofoil on it and helped a lot. This motor is easy on gas, starts easy, and runs quiet.

When I have 3 adults (175lbs each) a full tank of gas, and the livewell full, I can get about 26-29 MPH at 5800rpms. With just me alone I can get 29-32 MPH at 5800rpms.

Fishinglund

[Knotwood]

Check the nameplate, what is the limit? I've been in some under powered boats, and sure, they might get you on plane, but the manufacturers have designated ratings for a reason... they have a pretty good idea what works well for each boat. Get as close as you can. The ratings for older outboards were at the crankshaft, but over a decade ago, they changed the system of measurement to be a prop shaft rating. Right now, I've got a 50 hp on a 15' fiberglass boat rated for 75, and it's good on mileage, but a little slow getting up, tops out at 26/27 on the GPS with 3-5 on board. I might get 35/38 mph with a 75, but not so important to get it to jump up, we're not skiing... (tubes work OK, tho) and I'd like a little more reserve power at times.

[Spinner1]

Thanks for the input so far guys. Agreed. I will not ever exceed the recommended engine size. The Alumacraft is rated for 80HP. Unfortunately my wallet is rated for 60HP 4 Stroke or perhaps 75-90HP 2 Stroke. Unless I go used which I don't think is prudent.

It would seem that adding another 100 pounds of motor is almost the same as adding a passenger and would negate some of the advantage of stepping up to the 75HP which is the point the weight goes way up.

Am I correct in assuming my Alumacraft should require slightly less motor than FinshingLunds due to beam width?

Everything I had read a few years ago seems to now be invalid. 4 strokes are not much heavier at all, and 2 strokes don't have to pollute anywhere near like they used too.

Thanks again

[Guest]

Have you checked on the OptiMax motors by Mercury. I've heard a lot of good things about them and am giving some thought to trading up to one. Although they don't start until the 75 hp range, they are a bit lighter and a few hundo cheaper than the 4 stroke.

[Guest]

If you mostly troll with an electric and are concerned about wieght, look at the 2 strokes. You could get a good deal I bet if you look around.

If you can afford it, look at the new Etec by Evenrude.

My first choice would be the 70 hp 2 stroke Yamaha. It uses less oil than the other 2 strokes, doesn't smoke as much, is very smooth and is very dependable.

[Spinner1]

I have checked out the Optimax and Etec but had probably ruled them out due to cost. Very expensive for a 2 stroke. Also very nice engines with seemingly great technology. The Yamaha 2 stroke seems like old technology, but the tests on the Yamaha HSOforum are sure impressive for an engine in the price range. The local Yamaha dealer is expensive compared to prices on the net. I'll have to try somewhere else I guess.

[Spinner1]

Thanks again for the assist. I bit the bullet and purchased a Yami 60HP 4 stroke today. $5950 seemed out of reach but they gave me $950 trade for my 1987 Mariner 45HP that has a bad ignition control box.

The dealership techs said the new Yamaha 2 strokes were good motors, but insisted I would never buy another 2 once I owned a quality 4 stroke. I've been told that a lot lately so I decided maybe I better listen.