Re-Power Dilemma

Gooseman · 01-08-2009, 07:08 PM

Have a 20'-6" Willie Predator Light Guide model.

Had a 75hp 2 stroke Mercury, tiller control, prop drive that recently gave up the ghost.

Would like to bump up the horsepower to 90, stay with the tiller control, and the prop drive.

My concern is that light guide model Predator wouldn't be able to handle the 150+ extra pounds that a 4-stroke motor puts on the transom.

So, what are my choices?

E-tech, Yamaha, or ?

Anyone have a similar set up that I can compare mine to?

Starfish · 01-08-2009, 08:07 PM

I haven't explored that boat model but I would have a hard time believing that any 20'6" boat would have any problem with the weight of a 90hp modern 4-stroke.

TEC · 01-08-2009, 08:28 PM

Just my opinion, but you have a light weight boat, why put a heavy 4-stroke on it. Go with one of the new 2-strokes.

sidewinder · 01-08-2009, 09:03 PM

Are'nt those boats rated for 200's? A 90 or 115 e-tec would be enough power with a prop.

Flatfish · 01-08-2009, 09:18 PM

So......a few dudes, dekes, dogs, lunches, blind stuff, coffee (In my case this is no less than 162#~so it counts), shells, camo coats, calls, and Mtn. Dew.......but a bit bigger motor is too much?

If you are worried about the weight on the road, put in a transom saver.

Elk Mania · 01-08-2009, 10:01 PM

stay with the prop and get a two stroke merc or yami vmax or e tec you'll be fine the only thing you gain in 4 stroke is fuel ecom. as long as your not running the ocean stay witha 2 storke there are many options out there different prop pitches ect let me know.

foxer · 01-08-2009, 11:02 PM

Call Willie and ask?

Waterfish · 01-09-2009, 08:11 PM

Go with an e-tec! I've had a 90 hp E-tec over a year, and it's a flawless engine. Check the Saltly Dogs forum and see Tracker's recent posts. He just repowered his ocean boat with twin E-tecs and he seems to be very happy with them.

If you decide on an E-tec, be prepared for lots of raised eyebrows from others who believe that four-strokes are the only way to go. Get used to hearing the same old myths and half truths that the Bombardier made E-tecs are just re-badged OMC Evinrude Fichts; that since they are 2-strokes, they will soon be banned, or other such nonsense.

HOGTIDE · 01-09-2009, 09:53 PM

Get a new Optimax 115 or 150 bolted on. It will look more balanced on a boat that size and improve your resale value later. imho

KingSalmonBoy · 01-11-2009, 05:29 PM

I agree on the 90 e-tec being a nice motor at 320 pounds. It is pretty light and I have heard good words as well (55 pounds lighter than the 90 optimax). I noticed suzuki has come out with a new (2009) 90 hp 4-stroke at 341 pounds (dont know if has a tiller control). The suzuki seemed to be a boat buck cheaper but have not heard much about that model.

weekender · 01-13-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterfish

Check the Saltly Dogs forum and see Tracker's recent posts. He just repowered his ocean boat with twin E-tecs and he seems to be very happy with them.

How many hours does he have on his new E-tecs that he "seems very happy with"?

Starfish · 01-13-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weekender

How many hours does he have on his new E-tecs that he "seems very happy with"?

Why don't you ask him?

weekender · 01-13-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starfish

Why don't you ask him?

Because it was tongue in cheek. There are brand new motors. 10, maybe 15 hours on them. He could have opinions on things like "they pull hard" or "they are quiet", but that is about it. He'll know the good stuff in about 1500 hours.

Chrome Bumper · 01-13-2009, 03:13 PM

You can move weight forward to maintain trim, the fuel and battery(s) are heavy.

Waterfish · 01-13-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weekender

Because it was tongue in cheek. There are brand new motors. 10, maybe 15 hours on them. He could have opinions on things like "they pull hard" or "they are quiet", but that is about it. He'll know the good stuff in about 1500 hours.

My 90 hp E-tec doesn't have 1500 hrs on it but I have put quite a few miles on it in the last year. I have talked to a couple of guides who have at least 1500 hours on theirs and they are going strong. On the east coast where they have caught on big time, many bass boats have way more than 1500 hours. Contrary to what the Japaneese boat motor salesmen would like people to believe, they are NOT the old Evinrude Ficht motors. If they were, they would not continue to spread in the east where they are outselling everything else. Slowly, people are discoving that the bad press is nonsense and they are making inroads here in the northwest.

Gooseman · 01-13-2009, 07:14 PM

The batteries & fuel have already been moved forward. It was pretty well balanced with the 2 stroke 75hp Merc on the transom.

Still doing research, but the added weight & average yearly cost of the maintenance on a 4 stroke is making me lean towards a 2 stroke. My only issue with an E-Tec, is the 2 additional boat bucks they demand.

Thanks for the input.

boatnbubba · 01-14-2009, 03:08 PM

What hp is your boat rated for? I would suggest going with as much hp as possible on a repower. But if the 75 did ok for you, then the 90 E-Tec would probably work for you. The E-Tecs are not the cheapest motor on the block, but im my opinion the best outboard on the market. Better fuel economy than any 4 stroke, and more torque to the water. Also you have less servicing to do over the years. The 75 and 90 engine are the same motor (I-3). The 115, 115HO and 130hp motors are V-4's.
I am a die hard Mercruiser person, but after running the Evinrude E-Tecs, I would put one on before a Mercury in a heart beat!

Waterfish · 01-14-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatnbubba

What hp is your boat rated for? I would suggest going with as much hp as possible on a repower. But if the 75 did ok for you, then the 90 E-Tec would probably work for you. The E-Tecs are not the cheapest motor on the block, but im my opinion the best outboard on the market. Better fuel economy than any 4 stroke, and more torque to the water. Also you have less servicing to do over the years. The 75 and 90 engine are the same motor (I-3). The 115, 115HO and 130hp motors are V-4's.
I am a die hard Mercruiser person, but after running the Evinrude E-Tecs, I would put one on before a Mercury in a heart beat!

Slowly, steadily, the negative E-tec myths are being dispelled as more and more people try them out!

Flatfish · 01-15-2009, 08:05 AM

Until the Etec's have lots of hours on them, no myth will be uncovered. 1500 hours is starting to be a lot of hours.

Any motor should run trouble free for the first 3 years.

boatnbubba · 01-15-2009, 09:14 AM

Yes, anything should last three years when new!....lol Evinrude E-Tec is going into it's 6th year and I do believe in them. I personally DO NOT agree with their 3 years, no maintenance statement though. Any motor needs to be checked over yearly no matter who makes it. I would also say the cowl should be pulled off once and a while and just check over the powerhead for leaks and what not. Even spray it down with a corrosion block of some sort.
Personaly I feel you should try and stay with 2 stroke motors when ever possible. Less weight, more torque to the water, better fuel mileage and less maintenance to deal with. I will also say that none of the manufactures make a "poor product". I just comes down to what your looking for in a motor and your prefference. Kind of like buying a car...some like GMC and won't buy a Ford and vice versa.
I'll just say educate yourself on what's out there and take your time. Don't be forced into something your not comfortable with.

boone · 01-15-2009, 03:00 PM

Don't know if this is a good deal or not but it's listed on CL in Seattle. sale-991182126@craigslist.org

Gooseman · 01-15-2009, 06:59 PM

Not a bad deal. Unfortunately, I need the 20" shaft.

Thanks for the lead !

Quote:

Originally Posted by boone

Don't know if this is a good deal or not but it's listed on CL in Seattle. sale-991182126@craigslist.org