|
|
Posts: 43
| My 1997 Evinrude intruder has low compression in 1 cylinder. Estimate to repair it is 2800 to 3500. Being retired now I was wondering your thoughts, or experience on having it rebuilt, or to repower it. Its on a 1997 Ranger 681vs, which is in very good condition. Is is a bad idea to put that kind of money into a 23 year old motor, or even a worse idea to put 10,000 dollars into repowering a 23 year old boat. Money is tight, but we could swing it if we had to. I thought about selling the boat, which I love, and getting a lesser boat so the money output would not hurt as much. I am just wondering everyones thoughts or ideas were on this. The boat is rated for up to 135HP. Thank You |
|
| |
|
Posts: 50
| Just one guy's opinion but I would repower because your boat is in good condition, you love it, and it's not hard to think that a 23 year-old Evinrude will continue to have problems which will cost more money to fix. Not to mention that new boats have become so expensive.
Two motors to repower with come to mind: a Honda 135 so you're maxing out the horsepower or a Yamaha VMAX 115. (Your proximity to a dealer I know could play a role, too, in the brand of motor).
With cold weather on the way I think there's a dealer with a leftover outboard that would work with you.
Also, since money's cheap right now, you could put down the cost of what the repair would be towards the new motor and then get some kind of loan to pay off the balance over time. Often times the motor brand you want will offer special financing. The rate will be low so it'll help you from a cash flow perspective. Then you don't have to write a big check if you don't want to.
A quick scan shows LeCannes Marine has a new 2019 VMAX 115 for $11,599 (25" shaft).
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 43
| Thank you for your thoughts, I am leaning that way now and have heard that Yamaha, and Suzuki would be good choices. I wonder about an etec but being out of business , scares me. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4269
Location: Ashland WI | Another vote for repower. That is an awesome fishing platform.
I have a 1994 Ranger 681 that I have kicked around repowering. My 90 Yamaha is running fine tho, so I haven't, but I think I would strongly consider it if something did happen. If I didn't really care for the boat, I would definitely not, but I really like fishing out of it. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 43
| Thank You, I do enjoy the boat, and have had it since new. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1209
| If you like the boat and will keep running it I'd repower. I wouldn't plan on selling it till I quit using it though. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 43
| Thanks ,I agree, never be able to recoop the monies. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1670
| If you decide to sell the boat let me know. Keep in mind the age and in my mind it doesn't have a motor. So I would be buying hull & trailer. You won't get much if you trade it either. Your best option is re-power, however there are other options at least.  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 50
| Suzuki motors are fabulous and their 115 might have the lowest price vs. Yamaha and Honda. I'd definitely pass on Evinrude at this time. One advantage of Suzuki is they have a timing chain vs. a belt that would need to be replaced at some point.
If you're located in Wisconsin I'd give Northern Edge Marine in Land O' Lakes a call. They are Wisconsin's biggest Suzuki dealer. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 100
| I've seen Suzuki dealers advertise 115 4-strokes for less than $8500 in northern WI. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1187
| Although I know Yamaha and Honda are excellent motors, and you can't go wrong with either, I haven't owned either one. On my last boat ('98 Lund Pro V tiller), I had an '03 Suzuki 70 HP. I loved that motor. Had it for ten years. Changed gear lube and oil, once a year, and fogged the cylinders for storage, and that was it. Ran like a sewing machine. So quiet, more than once I tried to start it when it was already running. Learned to look for the pee stream before starting. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 43
| Thank you all for your input. I have never heard a bad thing about Suzuki. Again thank you all. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 43
| Thank you for all your comments and suggestions, I purchased a new Suzuki 115 from Northern Edge Marine in Land O Lakes, very easy to deal with, and a very nice job setting her up. Thanks again. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1203
Location: Walker, MN | Congrats on the upgrade! Let us know what you think of the Suzie when you've put some time in, I'm sure you'll love it. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 71
| Great choice!!! Two best motors I ever owned were Suzuki's.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 43
| Well, so far so good, have about 16 hours of break in time on it, my 1st impression was how quiet is is compared to the intruder, then the gas mileage which appears to have doubled. Northern Edge Marine let me try test another prop, which I promptly returned, they had it set up right in the first place. It is now tucked away for the winter. On a side note, my original Ranger boat cover does not fit correctly ,due to the height of the suzuki, and the props that I have for my evinrude will not fit the shaft of the Suzuki. Over all I am very happy with the choice, Thank you all for your advice. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 50
| That is awesome news, congrats. Welcome to the Suzuki family! That is a sweet motor. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1449
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | I repowered my 2005 619 with a Suzuki from the same place a few years back. The reliability of that 4 is worth the lost snap of the blown evinrude ficht Ho. |
|
| |
