Repowering my 2000 Osprey 17.5

[swflcracker]

Currently have a 1999 Johnson 90 which has run it's last.  Wanting to repower.  90 Yamaha or 115 Yamaha?  Newphew thinks that the weight of the 115 will be too much.  What say all?  What should a new 90 or 115 run installed?

[pete]

Don't think the weight will be an issue the diff on the yamahas is like 35lbs.

[RickK]

Can we assume you're staying with 2 stroke?  If so, I see no issues with either of your choices.

[louiefl]

On the 175 Osprey (like mine) I've heard that the 115 is only slightly faster and definitely more thirsty than the 90, but the hole shot is better for a given prop pitch. If you are interested in skiing and tubing, I'd be tempted to go with the 115. Mine is powered with an old 88 special, and with a 17" pitch prop, I can get 36 mph at WOT (4,800 rpm). I'm hoping mine will last forever, but if it goes, I'll be looking for 90 (4-stroke would be sweet).

Is your old 90 toast or on its last legs?

[kchaudha]

I've got a 115 SPL on my 175 and it is great.  Not too heavy at all - but then I think the 90 vs 115 Evinrudes back then were essentially the same motor so the weight difference probably was very minimal if any.
I have been up to 38 mph at wot with two adults and a full tank of gas on a nice day (not much more than folks report for the 90)..  I think that speed depends more on balance, prop, and other factors than just HP.  I haven't played with props yet.   I have noticed that I can get better speed with two adults in the boat if balanced right than if I am alone.  If I was going to repower, I would probably base it on the deal I could get on the best available motor and would go for the 90 to save the bucks.  A couple of MPH isn't worth thousands of dollars to me.  Let's face it - the 175 is a bay boat anyways and you are not travelling super long distances where a small speed increase would really matter.

[swflcracker]

This is why this forum is one of the greatest.  Great down to earth people with straight to the point responses.  Thank you all.  The 90 Johnson is on its last legs...just replaced the lower unit and now it won't go past 2200 rpm without choking out.  Everythings been rebuilt on it but it just won't get it on plane. Tired of putting money into it and want something reliable.

[seabob4]

Cracker,
Keep in mind the re-rig costs, as all the harnessing, gauges, binnacle, cables, will have to be swapped out...

Thought of an Etec?  Or is that a no go?

[swflcracker]

Thank you.  Yes, I have thought about Etec.  If I could keep it in the ballpark of the Yamaha, I would probably go with it.  Down here in SW FL, no one deals.  One guy out of Lake Placid is real promising.  I ended up thinking about Yamaha as the Commercial fisherman swear by their reliability.  If you're in the business or know of someone that would discuss it, shoot me a number to call or email me at vettert@embarqmail.com  .  I just want a good, reliable engine that I can get out on the water when my Son comes home on leave so we can fish again.  Thanks again.

[Group W Bench]

I have 2 carbed Honda 90s (20 inch) and 2 FI Honda 115's (25") that may fit the bill. Give me a call if you are interested 727.452.0031.

[CTsalt12]

I have a older 1997 2 stroke Merc on my 175.  Wouldn't want less speed that what it provides me, but a newer 90 might be just as fast.  Cruising speed seems to be about 33 mph, picks up wakeboarder with ease.

[louiefl]

The 90 Johnson is on its last legs...just replaced the lower unit and now it won't go past 2200 rpm without choking out.  

Have you checked compression? If you have good compression, I wouldn't give up yet. Did you try running on a small portable can? You could have a fuel restriction problem upstream of the engine.

An often overlooked problem with higher speed perfomance on a 2-stroke is a sticking or broken reed valve; the engine will idle ok but bog down under load. I'd be tempted to check that.  Check spark with a tester (Harbor Freight $6) to eliminate ignition problems. Perform a lynk and sync to make sure your timing is advancing as the throttle opens. Last, I'd check the high speed jets again to make sure nothing is plugged.

If all else fails, let me know what day is trash day and I'll come by before the truck hauls it away.  

[illman]

i have a 90 yammy on my 1995 175,i would like to see what it would do with the 115 but my 90 2s gets great fuel economy and runs 38 wot.stays on plane at 13 mph with trim tabs,with 3 people and full of gas it run 32 wot.im happy with the 90.oh it has a 17p prop.

[SC170nFL]

Just repowered my 170 with a Johnson 1989 90HP from a Johnson 140 looper. Although I haven't checked speed with GPS, it doesn't feel like that much difference in performance, but it handles better and doesn't sit so low in the water. Glad for the change.

[SC170nFL]

Swflcracker, I see you are not far away, practically neighbors. I have a good running 140 Johnson looper in the back of my truck in Punta Gorda that I changed out with a 90Hp, although it exceeds rating for our boats, and it is much heaver. Was on the boat when I bought it in early 90's.

[flounderpounder225]

wanna fly....
http://pensacola.craigslist.org/boa/3211656172.html