I have a 2004 triton Aluminum 176 Sport with a 60 Mercury.  I bought the boat used in AZ so it is not compliant with two lakes by me here in CA.   The motor runs well, but I was thinking of moving up to a 90 HP (i believe its rated up to 115) for both power and compliance.  I use my boat for my local club and although a 90 HP and general dynamics of the boat won't keep up with all the other guys, I figured it would help me get from point to point a little faster.  During the draw, I always say just let me go last, so I don't get buzzed on the way out lol

 

I paid 7 K for the boat about a 1 1/2 years ago and it seems to fit my needs, and although I thought of all the downsides posted about tin boats, mine has been OK so far.  I upgraded the TM to a 24 volt and upgraded the scanners; and with the power pole it a nice little package.

 

I guess I'm just wondering by the time I upgrade the motor (figure between 8-10K) is it better to just get another boat.  If I got another boat it would have to be used, the boss will not let me fork down 30K being so close to retirement, so with a used, you never know how someone took care of the motor.

 

Thoughts?

 

Old motor will offset the cost of new. I'd bet you could get 3k for the 60 if it's in good working order 

Old motor will offset the cost of new. I'd bet you could get 3k for the 60 if it's in good working order 

 Yeah, the 60 works great

If you were a few hundred miles east, like maybe the east cost, the motor would be a lot more valuable, but as you well know, there are a bunch of lakes on your side that two strokes are off limits.  So, that makes yours a little harder to sell there.

If you were a few hundred miles east, like maybe the east cost, the motor would be a lot more valuable, but as you well know, there are a bunch of lakes on your side that two strokes are off limits.  So, that makes yours a little harder to sell there.

 

Right now, there are only two, but you are right about it being harder to sell.  We have a lot more ocean boats being on the coast, so it would pair up with someone that wants to upgrade their skiff or bayrunner.

Sweet ride, never seen an aluminum with rims and a power pole. Upgrade the motor and keep that bad boat for yourself.

Have you talked to Anglers Marine?, they have lots of good used boats you trade yours in for.

Keep in mind SoCal lakes have 35 mph speed limit, believe it or not! If the boat has a 115 hp rating, why not consider a 115 Optimax, 3 cylinder with excellent mileage and performance with 3 star rating allowing you on every CA lake.

Your current engine is more than likely a short shaft, most salt water boats use long shaft engines.

Tom

Have you talked to Anglers Marine?, they have lots of good used boats you trade yours in for.

Keep in mind SoCal lakes have 35 mph speed limit, believe it or not! If the boat has a 115 hp rating, why not consider a 115 Optimax, 3 cylinder with excellent mileage and performance with 3 star rating allowing you on every CA lake.

Your current engine is more than likely a short shaft, most salt water boats use long shaft engines.

Tom

Haven't talked to Anglers yet, but that's where I would go when I decide which way I want to go.  One of my buddies is a mechanic there and I buy most of my tackle there as well.  The one thing about buying a boat from them would be the opportunity to fish their tournaments. 

It might be worth looking into a used motor from someone else looking to upgrade for more power. You'll be able to get one cheaper and also you won't be in the hole as much on your boat. It seems that putting a newer motor on most boats doesn't increase the value much. The whole value factor doesn't really matter if you plan on keeping your boat for a long while though. 

Thanks for all the great advice, and definitely some things to think over.