Repower 2000 Osprey 175?

[Jgnichol7]

Folks, I bought a 2000 175 Osprey with a 2000 Johnson last year.  It is my first boat and I was pretty excited.  Ran great the first 4 times I had it out then it started bogging down and stalling at 2200 RPM.  Had carb work done, fuel tank sucked out, replaced power pack, optical sensor, spark plugs and probably some other items I’ve forgotten about.  Tried a different mechanic who found a gasket that was questionable.  He said it’s running better, but he really can’t tell if it’s fixed till we get it on the water.  He’s guessing 50/50 because he said he really couldn’t find anything wrong.  He’s suggesting I repower it.  Thinks even if it is fixed it I’ll probably just end up running into something else due to age.  For peace of mind I’m almost in agreement with him.  My wife isn’t comfortable going out on it, I really don’t feel like getting stuck somewhere, plus I want to be ready when the season starts since it’s so short in NH.  I’ve priced out 90 and 115 hp Suzuki, Yamaha, and Mercury.  Suzuki priced out the best, has the best warranty and if I go with the 90 I’m only adding 20# over the current motor.  Am I insane to be considering putting a brand new motor on this boat?  I know folks have preferences on motors, but for the most part they all seem to have a loyal following.  One concern I have with Suzuki is some folks say they’ve had corrosion after 5 years or so.  I’m looking for thoughts and suggestions on my predicament.  Should I repower and with what size/brand,try to continue work on the motor I have, or just get rid of the boat and start over.

[scoflaw]

 :woohoo:If the compression is good on all the Johnson cylinders, I would stick with that. That's a good dependable motor. Sounds fuel related, he probably missed something in the carbs.

[mshugg]

I think the Suzuki corrosion issues are with older motors.  Their newer models seem quite well put together.  I had a DF60 on an inshore skiff and it was great.

As for the decision to repower, if you love the boat, and plan to keep it for 5 years, a repower is a great option. It will give you the reliability and economy of a fuel injected Four Stroke.  Just don’t look at it as an investment, and you’ll be fine. 

[Jgnichol7]

I’ve had 2 different guys work on the carbs.  Both said it sounded carb related, neither found anything.  That’s when we got into power pack etc. It’s been a complete disaster to this point.  Compression is good in all 4.

[smccall]

Im in agreement with Scoflaw. It has to be something simple. I have the same boat. Just a couple years older. Maybe even same motor. You have a 33 gallon enternal tank. Bypass that tank with a remote deck tank. How old is your fuel line and primer bulb?  If that fixes it, it’s your below deck tank. Could be something as simple as a fuel pump. Rebuild kit cost 20 bucks. Sure sounds like you have a fuel restriction. Fix that fuel restricted motor and go about your business Sir.

[Capt. Bob]

Not that it makes any sense, I put on a $16K Yamaha 4 stroke to replace the original 200 2 stroke that came from the factory on my 1991 WAC. I like my hull that much.   

[Fish Head]

Have you tried Bass Pro? They are considered a boat builder and get special pricing on motors so they can beat anybody’s price on a Mercury. My buddy bought a 90 Merc 4 stroke last summer for $8300 plus another $800 for controls and install, so $9100 out the door. 3 year warranty. Not too shabby!!He loves the motor and no issues so far.
Don’t feel bad you own a Classic Aquasport!! Your still ahead of the game even once you figure out your motor situation considering it’s still cheaper than spending $35,000 and over on a new bay boat!

[Jgnichol7]

I did try Bass Pro.  They came in a little higher than the Suzuki.  I have priced out some new boats and that’s not the route I want to go.  Especially since I’m new to boating.  I’m like that teenager with his first car; I’m bound to hit something:).

[wingtime]

That Johnson is a very simple and reliable motor that will get yout home. Sounds like you need an upgrade in mechanics. 50/50 guess it's ok? Really? I'd find a mechanic that is familiar with those motors.

I can tell you a new four stroke will probably be way to heavy for that 175. Those hulls were just not designed for that kinda weight.

Oh and get a Boat US or similar boat towing membership. Cheap piece of mind for any boat.

[CTsalt12]

I repowered my 175 last year with a new 90 HP Merc.  The peace of mind, fuel economy, the silence is amazing.  It improves my boating and fishing experience.  The weight was not an issue for me, Merc was roughly the same weight as my 1997 2 stroke Merc.  I had the 2-smoke for 6 and a half seasons.  It was cantankerous to start, a gas and oil hog, leaked oil on my deck, and was not as fast as I'd like anymore (altho compression was still good).  But, it really always got me home, and was simple to maintain.  It still ran fine when I sold it actually.

I agree with whoever said don't look at it as an investment, and be really sure you want to keep this boat for awhile.  I think it's worth it, I haven't found a much better boat for the size.  From the storage, to the ride, to the looks.  Sure it doesn't have the amenities and seating and fancy chit newer 18 footers have like a Scout or a Grady, or the deadrise and high gunnels and general beefiness of a Parker/C Hawk/Jone Brothers.  But it's a hell of a little fishing and cruising boat, and a hell of a lot cheaper than a new boat. 

[smccall]

308 lbs is the weight of a 90 hp crossflow. Still a bit heavy. I have to put in scupper plugs to stay dry. 1998 model. Runs good . Simpler to maintain. Dependable. I figure if I go out twenty miles or so it costs maybe an extra 5-6 bucks per trip compared to a 90 etech.. it’ll take a long time for to get a ROI.

[TopherMichael]

Folks, I bought a 2000 175 Osprey with a 2000 Johnson last year.  It is my first boat and I was pretty excited.  Ran great the first 4 times I had it out then it started bogging down and stalling at 2200 RPM.  Had carb work done, fuel tank sucked out, replaced power pack, optical sensor, spark plugs and probably some other items I’ve forgotten about.  Tried a different mechanic who found a gasket that was questionable.  He said it’s running better, but he really can’t tell if it’s fixed till we get it on the water.  He’s guessing 50/50 because he said he really couldn’t find anything wrong.  He’s suggesting I repower it.

Not sure if you still own the boat. Did you ever figure out what the issue was?