130 e-tec on a 22-2

[TikiDoc]

Wondering if anyone has tried a 130 Evinrude e-tec on a classic 22-2.  I have a '77 22-2, 12 degree, that currently has an '83 Evinrude 140 v4 on it.  The performance with this power is satisfactory for my uses, but that motor has had it's share of issues.  I have a chance at a decent deal on a 130 e-tec.  Should be a little bit heavier, roughly 80 pounds, but I think my boat will tolerate it.  I think the engine may actually outperform what I'm currently running in spite of the slight decrease in nominal rated horsepower, as I think it develops more torque and can thus swing a bigger wheel.  Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Blake

[RickK]

I think you'd be happier with a 150 to 175.  Most people run 175-200 on them.

[fitz73222]

Wondering if anyone has tried a 130 Evinrude e-tec on a classic 22-2.  I have a '77 22-2, 12 degree, that currently has an '83 Evinrude 140 v4 on it.  The performance with this power is satisfactory for my uses, but that motor has had it's share of issues.  I have a chance at a decent deal on a 130 e-tec.  Should be a little bit heavier, roughly 80 pounds, but I think my boat will tolerate it.  I think the engine may actually outperform what I'm currently running in spite of the slight decrease in nominal rated horsepower, as I think it develops more torque and can thus swing a bigger wheel.  Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Blake

These boats do need a lot of horsepower to reach a decent cruise speed. I guess the daunting question always is, how much water weight is she carrying in the foam? Your '83 140 was the last year of the powerhead rated engines which means it technically is developing about 126 +\- hp at the prop so the 130 etec should be a little stronger and if your current 140 isn't healthy, even more. I have twin 115 Mercs on my '73 22-2 and honestly other than the cool factor, a waste of horsepower on that boat. I like to cruise at 26-30 mph, a 130 will do exactly the same thing. Since you are already accustomed to a an older 140 on that boat, the 130 will suit you fine with better fuel efficiency. Yep, I can pin up against 48 mph with the 115's and it drives like crap so who cares? I'd be just as happy with the original twin 70 hp Johnsons she had on her with half the fuel consumption and same cruise speed. Just my $.02

[fitz73222]

These boats DONT need a lot of hp...

[Blue Agave]

I agree with Farley, 130 hp will be just fine.

[wingtime]

The Etecs produce a bunch of torque

[TikiDoc]

Thanks for all the input.  This boat is very usable for now, but I will be rebuilding it at some point.  The transom has cracks, but no flex whatsoever.  The floor needs to be replaced.  Everything else pretty good.  Does not sit low in the water (no water in back even with four fisherman on board and two in the back), and gets up pretty easily with current power, so my guess is it isn't water logged.  I want to close the transom and put on a bracket, but that begs another question that could alter the calculus of repowering now.  I would just love the reliability of an essentially new motor with only 50 hours on it for this season.  The new e-tec is a 20".  It seems like most guys set up for 25" lower units when they modify for closed transoms.  I wonder what the thought process is there.  Are all aftermarket brackets designed for 25" lower units?  Is it simply a function of the greater popularity/availability/resale value of 25" motors?  If I thought I'd just have to get rid of the 20" motor when I rebuild, I might pass.

Thanks in advance,
Blake

[Blue Agave]

You can get a bracket for a 20" shaft but why would you. The advantage of the 25" is that your powerhead is 5" higher out of the water.  Your problem is going to be that you want to run the boat and do the rebuild later, so you need the 20" so that you can enjoy the boat until you start the rebuild.  If you rebuild and go with new power I would recommend the 25" motor. Good luck!