kjackson Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I'm starting to get serious about picking up a newish boat, and I realized that I no longer know much about the various outboards around, having run Yamahas for the past 15 years. Every brand, to my knowledge, has problem models--those where the engineers didn't get it quite right. For instance, I once owned a 45hp Mariner four-cylinder that would troll very, very slowly (which was good) but was a gas hog. The old Johnson 40 was another one that made you wished you owned your own gas station. I had a Chrysler once that gave me a bad taste for anything of the same name after leaving me adrift in the saltwater in a 10-foot boat. I've been looking at a lot of boats with Mercury and Mariner OBs as well as older Johnson/Evinrudes. Is there a lemon list of motors that should be avoided? I've been looking at a couple of boats with 115 hp and 125 hp Mercs. Any problems there? I should say that the boats I'm looking at are multi-species boats and not bass boats, if that makes a difference. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rps Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 The Etec Evinrudes less than 150 hp have avoided the early Etec model problems experienced by the large versions. My 75 hp sips gas. fishinwrench will have the best info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishinwrench Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I've been looking at a couple of boats with 115 hp and 125 hp Mercs. Any problems there? Yeah, the 90-115 4 cylinder-4 carb Mercs are plagued with repeated hole shot and ignition/charging system problems. The design was centered around fuel economy and smooth idle (which it accomplished) but they are definitely one of Mercury's "dogs". I would own one, but only because I understand them well and know how to recognize and rectify problems early. If you keep pushing them when something just "isn't quite right" it'll cost you. The most dependable earlier model ('80's-mid 90's) outboards in that HP class are the V4 Johnson/Evinrudes...with exception to the 140 which is basically a factory hotrodded 115 (stay away from that one). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mic Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 FW... what about the smaller 9.9 models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishinwrench Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 FW... what about the smaller 9.9 models. For the most part all 2 cylinder/2stroke outboards are fairly bulletproof, the reason being because a problem with ONE cylinder results in a very noticeable problem and has to be dealt with immediately if the motor is to be used. A 4+ cylinder powerhead can have one cylinder failing yet the engine will still produce enough power to continue using it...... and that's what pays my bills Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSBreth Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 The V6 Ficht Ram Evinrudes (before the E-Tec) were known for trouble - but the I know a couple of people who have the V4 (I have one in 90HP) are mostly trouble free. Mine is a 2003 and runs great and strong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjackson Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 So any issues with the 175 Mercury--probably 10 years old or so? Ran across a good deal on a larger boat than I want, but...it's a really good deal. The outboards have been gone through by a mechanic, FWIW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishinwrench Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 The V6 Ficht Ram Evinrudes (before the E-Tec) were known for trouble - but the I know a couple of people who have the V4 (I have one in 90HP) are mostly trouble free. Mine is a 2003 and runs great and strong. The FICHT engines really are awesome, as are all the 2.4-2.5 Mercs in both carb and EFI configuration. If there wasn't this assumption that they all need to be rigged on a jackplate, with a hotfoot, and propped to turn 62-6500 rpm max, and operated by mid 20 to mid 30 year old wannabe hotrodders then the reputation those pieces of machinery have would be way WAY better. The Trans am was an awesome CAR too, but look at where they all ended up..... (Wrapped around trees). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjackson Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 Thanks, Wrench. I don't have a problem going to too fast on the water, and I don't want to fish tournaments, so all I want is reliability and a boat that does what it's supposed to do. A buddy had the same hull as the one that's a good deal, and I drove it a lot. It had an 85-hp or 90 Johnson tiller, and it was a great combination as far as fishability. I'm guessing that just because there's a 175 on the back doesn't mean I have to open it all the way. Outboards can run at half throttle, right? Thanks again, all, for the advice. I'm still looking and thinking about the good deal and other boats... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjackson Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 So the 90hp ETEC is a good one? I may have the boat if it is... I decided against the Lund with the 175hp. It is an 1890 Pro V at Bill Vance Marine in Cassville. It's a really good deal, but it ain't for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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