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Posts: 36
| I am looking in the 8 to 15 horsepower range and wondering what everboyd thought was the most reliable. Looking to buy used for a 14 foot fiberglass boat. Right now I am leaning towards older evinrudes but open to other thoughts. |
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Posts: 114
| All I can speak is from personal experience, but for years we had a 14 ft. Lund with a 9.9 evinrude on the back. It was a 1986 motor, and the thing was flawless. The only issues we ever had was with the recoil, and that was relatively easy to fix (usually from someone pulling the rope out too far and ruining the spring). Trolled down really well, and pushed the Lund around pretty good too. |
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| Hiya,
I would also highly suggest the OMC products in those sizes as well. They were bulletproof if taken care of. Case in point: My father's 1973 Johnson 20hp is still running strong, excellent compression, and starts on the second pull cold yet.
With the 9.9 - 15 hp models, I would highly suggest looking for a mid to later 80's motor where the carb was built with all metal components. I had a 1988 15hp that I just could not get to idle properly. Replaced the carb (a 3-screw metal bowl if memory serves me correctly) and it ran perfectly from there on out... I should have never gotten rid of that motor. Strong and always reliable.
Steve |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | I've had a 1992 9.9 Evinrude and 1998 15 hp Merc (both 2 stroke) that I've used lots. Still using the Merc.
Either one was very good. I like the Merc a little better, as it has the shift in the handle feature. No real major engine problems with either.
Bet you wouldn't go wrong with either. I'll bet the a Yamaha is fine also.
Doug Johnson
Edited by dougj 1/12/2011 9:45 AM
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Posts: 433
Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin | The best kicker I had was a 1991 Evinrude 15hp. I bought it used and abused and after they fixed a cracked reed plate it ran for about 1200 hours before I traded it off on a 2000 15HP Evinrude 4 stroke. The 4 stroke was gutless compared to the 1991. It was still a nice motor but the 1991 was a great motor! Of course, every brand has a few clunkers out there, so buyer beware.
Whatever you get, make sure you replace all the hoses on it! They weren't designed for alcohol in the gas and if original are rotting from the inside. You will suck pieces of hose into the carb and that ain't good. |
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Posts: 162
Location: Bemidji, MN | I have an '86 15 hp evinrude that I have been using at least 5 day /evenings a week during the season since I got it in 2001. This thing is bullet proof! I rebuilt the carb last year just because it had never been done, and it keeps on going.
As far as boats though, in a 14' I would go aluminum. I had an old 14' sears gamefisher fiberglass that belonged to my grandfather. It was heavy as $%^$, and more trouble than it was worth. |
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Posts: 81
| Have a 1978 Johnson 9.9(actually modified into a 15hp) and it is awesome! My old man got it in 78 new and used it frequently. He handed over to me in 2004. I have used it hard since and only replaced the rope recoil spring and the fuel diaphram!! Pushes my 14ft aluminum semi-V 20mph with myself and my musky gear! |
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Location: Eastern Ontario | I wonder what the part situation is or will be with older OMC motors I don't believe Bombardier is supporting them. I have a 1962 6 hp Merc that I bought new (giving away my age ) I use this motor every 3 or 4 years for portage lakes and will bet money that it starts with 2 pulls. I also have a 54 Johnson 3 HP that has been bulletproof but wonder about parts. I don't expect my new large HP motor to last as long. |
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Posts: 23
| I had a '69 evinrude 6 horse that was really neglected and always ran top notch. I now have a '89 25hp johnson that runs excellent also (take better care of it). Older OMC motors seem to be extremely reliable in my experience.
My 6 hp sat for 4 years when I was in college and one day decided to take it out fishing. Just grabbed it, the gas tank and threw it in the boat and away we went. Even with nasty varnished gas it start on the 2nd pull. Burnt up that tank (I know, not a good idea) and 3 more that summer. The next spring I went through it and had to replace the fuel filter but I think it still would have continued to run.
Sold that boat and motor to someone my dad works with and he says that it still runs like a champ.
Edited by foulpole18 1/22/2011 9:38 AM
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Posts: 3862
| Ditto on the motor size and that heavy glass boat. You might need at least the 15 to get on plane.
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