Classic AquaSport

Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter => Engines & engine woes => Topic started by: ralpht44 on August 15, 2007, 09:59:43 PM

Title: Outboard Motor Reviews/Opinions?
Post by: ralpht44 on August 15, 2007, 09:59:43 PM
I have an 87 222 Sandpiper with an 89 200 black max. Motor runs excellent but I am going to repower as I don't feel comfrtable with an old motor. Looking for opinions on repower. Leaning toward a new 225 Evinrude ETEC however the 4 stroke engines seem real intriguing. Looking for something in the 225-250 range. Thoughts?
Title:
Post by: John Jones on August 15, 2007, 11:03:27 PM
If I were in the market right now it would be an E-tec.  I get to ride on lots of different boats and E-tecs are as sweet as they come.  In that size motor, a 4-stroke is like adding another person weight wise.

Of course, my opinion is only worth $0.02
Title: Motor
Post by: GoneFission on August 16, 2007, 12:02:55 AM
If you don't mind the price, I would vote for a Honda 4-stoke 225.  But they ain't cheap!
Title:
Post by: LilRichard on August 16, 2007, 08:40:27 AM
I think it depends on quite a few factors.  I just bought a Suzuki, but I would have been happy with an Etec, an Opti, or the Suzuki.  It came down to the price... several thousand better.  Speaking of which, there is a gentleman in Hudson who may still have a 225 or 250 Suzuki leftover.

Now to be fair to Suzuki, the weight difference between it and an Etec are small...  A 25" shaft 225 Etec is 525lbs, while Suzuki comes in at 580lbs.  IMO that's not a decision point.  Now some other 4strokes do weight more... notably the Verados.  

The real question is do you want two or four stroke?  Both have disadvantages... I am not thrilled about having a valvetrain on my outboard- but it is a chain driven cam at least.  Oil changes are not a huge deal, but they are regular maintenance.  On the two stroke side, you have to watch for carbon buildup... there are a lot of debates about that- but trust me, after building small two stroke motors for years, I know that carbon buildup is not a fallacy.  The other drawback to two strokes is that they all rely on high pressure direct injection.  This makes them more efficient, but if the pump goes out, it's $1k minimum.  

Sit back, read up on both, and make an educated decision.  Once again, I was so torn between the two that it came down to which was the best deal.  I doubt you will be disappointed with either.
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