I have an older (circa 1980's) Marlin fiberglass boat, w/ a 90HP Evinrude (2 stroke, carbureted on it. It was built as a ski boat, so I pulled the seats out and replaced them with pedestal's for fishing. I am needing a new engine. I am wondering if I shouldn't get a 75 HP to replace the 90. I do not ski, and have no great need for maximum speed. And the 75 will save me about $600 over the 90 horse.  The 90 pushes me along at about 30 mph, which is more than enough. 20 or 25 mph would be fine by me. I am thinking the 75 will still bring it up on plane quickly, and probably be better for trolling on the few big lakes I fish. I almost always fish alone, and have minimal weight in the boat. In addition, I am going to 4 stroke EFI. I use a 14' alum skiff for the smaller lakes, or a canoe. The majority of lakes I fish are 40 -  600 acres. We have very few or the vast reservoir's a lot of you guys fish, so I rarely run more than 30 minutes to a fishing spot.

Do any of you guys have some insight into this?

Edited August 3, 20205 yr by Whatever
additional info

Speed wise, the 75 will probably be fine for you, but, the boat will take longer to get up on plane. Many years ago, I bought a Ranger boat rated for a 115 that came with an 80. Seven years later, the motor crapped out and I replaced it with a 75 because that’s what I could afford. I’m like you, I seldom run wide open, and am happy running at 25 mph on the waters I fish. I did have to add a hydrofoil to get the boat to plane faster and it stays on plane at much slower speeds than it used to. If $600 is a big factor, get the smaller motor, but years from now, if you still have the boat, you will forget how much you paid and probably wish you’d gotten the bigger engine. 

Everything eventually gets sold.  When you buy a boat or make an investment into it, you should consider how your decisions affect it's resale value.  This also applies to homes and cars.  

10 hours ago, Scott F said:

Speed wise, the 75 will probably be fine for you, but, the boat will take longer to get up on plane. Many years ago, I bought a Ranger boat rated for a 115 that came with an 80. Seven years later, the motor crapped out and I replaced it with a 75 because that’s what I could afford. I’m like you, I seldom run wide open, and am happy running at 25 mph on the waters I fish. I did have to add a hydrofoil to get the boat to plane faster and it stays on plane at much slower speeds than it used to. If $600 is a big factor, get the smaller motor, but years from now, if you still have the boat, you will forget how much you paid and probably wish you’d gotten the bigger engine. 

Scott,

You have good advise, and I think you are probably right. I can afford the bigger engine, I am just being cheap.

It works fine with the 90, so I will probably just replace it in that size.

Dee

Any reason you need a 4 stroke? 

The weight and cost difference can be significant.

Tom

WRB,

I understand they are quieter. I know the new Merc 20hp I put on my skiff last year is. As I am already almost completely deaf, I am trying to not accelerate the loss of my remaining hearing.

I understand that 4 strokes are required in some areas. i keep dreaming about going south one of these winters, to someplace where you don't have to" walk on the water" to fish. I really hate ice fishing, which is required 4 months a year up here

Can you recommend a good, reliable 2 stroke in 90 hp?

 

 WRB, from what I have seen they both run approx $7500, 4 stroke or 2 stroke.

Am I missing something here? I have just started looking, and am unsure of what to get.

Which is your preference? Which brand?

I have been running outboards all my life, and have purchased exactly one.

Thanks,

Dee

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Personally I don't think brand is as important as a reputable, local, dealer. 

 

 

They're man-made, they will break!

I've had Evinrude, Mercury, Johnson, Yamaha ( both 2 & 4 stroke), and now a '87 Mariner.

The four stroke I had was the most quiet one I've owned, and the best on gas. It was also quite heavy, and didn't have much of a hole shot. It's a trade-off.

Same as aluminum vs fiberglass.

 

Are there any 2 strokes that are still being made? Now that Evinrude stopped production.

I just got an email from a local dealer. $7000 for an engine, and an additional $3200 for installation and shipping. Total = $10200, for a 35 year old boat I paid $2500 for.

I am thinking a new boat might be a better deal.

Can you install it yourself? You can get a harbor freight engine hoist for $200, lifting ring for $30-$50. Rent a trailer, or a truck, pick it up yourself.

 

Price a new comparable boat first. You might repower after that.

Well, I don't have anything fancy. It is not a bass boat, per se. I just need something in the 16' range, with no deck, and capable of handling a 2 - 3 foot chop. A 50hp would be fine, I don't need a lot of speed. I see them in the $15 - $20000 range, for a basic boat.

If I refit a new engine to the old boat, I have no idea on whether everything will line-up, fit- and function.

If you switch brands you will also have to switch the controls and cables.

I believe the outboards have universal mounting holes. Standard BIA, I think it's called.

I just put a jackplate on my boat. My '87 Mariner bolted up fine.

Mercury 75 hp Command Thrust?  

After the local dealer quoted $10200 for a new engine w/ install, I started looking at new boats. I can get a deep v Crestliner w/ 40hp Merc for $14000 - $15000. It is looking like a better deal. It won't be until next year though.