Repower or buy new boat?

[Scrapper]

I agree with Darryl...I have a 20 yr old ranger that I would not want to let go of if my old gt150 let go....I've about got her setup the way I want for crappie now. I have decent electronics but am upgrading slowly. If I was to repower I would go 4stroke. I have not heard any bad reports on them...they sip gas...no they aren't as peppy as 2strokes although they are constantly getting better. If mine goes I'll finance a 4stroke 150 yammie on mine. As said before....no smoke...no noise...not much fuel...and reiable...and some even come with a 5yr warrenty...

The thing I always think about though and cant get out of my head is...that 20 or 30 yr old motor that has probably been run through the ringer...as most outboards have...is still going for a reason...I often wonder how many of the "electronic" wonders will still be going in 20 or 30 yrs. How many of the electronics will eventually let go due to corrosion, moisture, and rough waters. More "technical" is not always better...Same way with vehicles...I see late 90's and early 2000's running around that look WAY worse than alot of the late 80's and early 90's vehicles. Makes you wonder how much of a "throw away" society we are becoming....but I'm not going to get on that soap box :rolleyes: lol.

I would keep the boat though!! :D

You'll be hard pressed to find another you like as well as that one...setup the way you have that one...and well...looks like the lab likes her too...can't dissappoint the dog now!!

[501ROD]

EFI 4 stroke only way to go i have a 115 yamaha like scrapper said sips fuel starts instantly no matter how cold it is put the right prop on and you can't go wrong

[Ranger690]

My boat is about the same age. Now is a good time to pull that motor off and remove any thru-hull fittings. Then poke around at the wood in the transom to see if you find any rot. If so, get it fixed and sealed right before you mount anything new.

Dayton

[lhumphre]

Excellent advice, thank you..and thanks for all the replies guys, i really appreciate..i think i am going to repower with a 90 but not sure what brand..i really appreciate it!!

My boat is about the same age. Now is a good time to pull that motor off and remove any thru-hull fittings. Then poke around at the wood in the transom to see if you find any rot. If so, get it fixed and sealed right before you mount anything new.

Dayton

[Scrapper]

Ranger is right! I would take a small drill bit...1/4" or smaller and drill some test holes on the "inside" of the transom...in the bilige area...around the mounting holes....under them...and down around the stringers (supports on bottom of transom) see what color the wood on the bit is...if its dark and spongy not good...if dry and clean....seal the holes with 3M 5200 and let her bump. If so, get it fixed. I have actually seen water and scum come out of a test hole on the inside of a transom. Check it well. Tilt your engine all the way up and push down on the skeg....you should see NO flex in the transom. Also while everything is off as said before remove EVERYTHING...and reseal...through hull fittings should be resealed every few years anyways...most transom failures are due to not resealing through hull fittings.

If you have a week transom check out posts on other sites about seacast....some REALLY good stuff and can be doen diy without much trouble. Good luck!!

[fingerlicken]

I would get a newer motor its a lot cheaper payment than a new boat.

[brevet]

I replaced a 91 evinrude spitfire 175 w 3500 hours when the head went bad.
I replaced it with a 150 E-tec. The boat is a 91 Ranger in great shape.
Lets face it,, hulls should last forever. AND $12.5K vs $45K,,,it only makes sense.

And Evinrude,, come on 3500 hours,,,,AND I still have 1947 Zephyr 5.5, 1958 Fast Twin 15, evinrudes and a 61 Johnson Seahorse 10 all working.

[Arkie John]

However you fix it, fix it with cash, buddy. Forget the payment routine. I could not focus on the enjoyment of fishing if I had a huge boat payment looming over my head--especially in these times.

I'd look hard at a four-stroke. They're quiet and fuel-efficient.

aj

[lhumphre]

I totally agree and usually wait till I have the money, but I dont ahve that kind of cash laying around..i will be able to apy it off in 1-2 years...i dont want the thought of having no boat for spring time slab slayin looming over my head all winter!!!

However you fix it, fix it with cash, buddy. Forget the payment routine. I could not focus on the enjoyment of fishing if I had a huge boat payment looming over my head--especially in these times.

I'd look hard at a four-stroke. They're quiet and fuel-efficient.

aj

[Scott S]

Well I have a huge problem and dont know what to do, so might as well turn to the c.com guys..I got a 1986 mercury that blew up on me and a 1987 that is a great boat and will last forever and i have it set up the way i want it....money is tight but i cant go without a boat..if it were you would you repower or buy a new boat? here is a pic to show condition of boat..thanks guys for any suggestions..

I once put a new motor on a 10 year old boat and never regretted it. Economic times being like they are if you make the rounds to all the dealers maybe you'll find a bargain. I ended up buying mine from a dealer with good reputation for service but not necessarily for good price yet he was smooth $500.00 less than the next closest price. Then he called me and bought my blown motor for more money than I thought it was worth. I was pleased all around.
BTW, who cleans your garage for ya, I want to hire them.
Scott