Should I upgrade my outboard?

[Pwoida]

I realise there is no hard and fast answer to this but any input may help me decide.

My current donk is a 1978 Evinrude 115 V4 and have done around 50 hours on it since I bought the boat & motor second hand (obviously). The problem is its been a fantastic motor and has never given me an ounce of trouble. Its also got heaps of grunt, the compression in each cylinder is spot on, gear box is like silk, starts well for an oldie, cooling system is A1, electrics look clean and healthy, etc, etc.

Why is this a problem? Well like all good things, they must come to an end. I'm worried its going to fail on me while I'm outside, or just start giving me heaps of grief. Surely if I just maintain it well, keep it serviced it'll keep going on and on, right? Well, all mechanical parts have a lifespan and I'm worried some major parts are going to run down.

Now I realise that recent model donks can also develop unexpected problems, although surely they are more reliable than a 27 year old motor? Also I've heard of people upgrading to a new motor and not been happy with performance, so there are definitely pros and cons.

I guess what I'm after are more pros and cons for either keeping my existing motor or upgrading to a recent model (cant afford new).

Cheers,

Peter.

[hoga]

if you cant aford a new one keep it till it gives up if you get another one it could be a lemon hoga

[Pual]

I recently upgraded my motor only because I had no faith in it. It had let me down to many times and I was wanting to fish further afield safetly.
I Luv the new motor ;D, but did not luv the price :-/.
I now have a rig that if I don't keep for a long time, say 200/300 hrs I will lose a lot of money on. Oh well I'll just have to keep it and use it a lot, dam.
But in your case it sounds like your motor does not warrant changing and as you say you may be disappointed by the money you may have to pay to change over.
I doubt whether you would be disappointed by the performance of todays motors as compared to your current motor, unless you go down in size in an attempt to reduce your outlay. But as you say motors can develop problems at any time and of any age. A friend of mine recently had his new merc develop some major internal problems resulting in a rebuild after 50 hrs. Something you wouldn't expect from a near new motor. Hey thats life. Will he ever have the confidence in that motor again? ::) I doubt it.
It really sounds like you should stick with what you've got.
Hey but the torment of the problem is yours and yours alone.
Have fun trying to work it out.

Pual

[redspeckle]

I going thorough same thing about six months ago after weighing it all up and asked the question here in topics about it
I decided to keep what I have got about ten years old and is a V4 but 90 hp instead Johnson
I do too head outside over the south passage bar ( you need a very relabile outboard heading out there) motor has been relaible but it things like fuel (sea water getting in :o ) and spark plugs leads come off have let down so far which where things been out my of control these things happen too me after decided too keep it
So I know the V4 motor are pretty relaible just outside things that run it are not
Mitch

[finga64]

If your happy with it keep it.
A motor is a bit like a woman (or man for the ladies) really. If your regular one gives you no grief and does everything right why "upgrade" to a newer version that hasn't been proven or you know about.
You'll get nothing for the old one and as everybody says even a new one will break down.
Keep up the services though

[revs57]

Hi Pwoida,

If you have no reason to doubt it...don't...if it starts giving you grief...then move it on...if you're concerned about being stuck outside...perhaps consider picking up a 15hp aux....I'ts certainly a cheaper option to replacing a motor that is still preforming well...and there are no guarantees a late model motor wont let you down... and you have the peace of mind knowing you'll always be able to get back in...plus an economical trolling motor to boot

I like the saying "If it aint broke...don't try to fix it!!!"

Just a couple of my thoughts...

Cheers

Rhys

[DaveSue_Fishos_Two]

Hey Pwoida

I'm with Revs 57 on this one. Your motor has proven itself to be reliable. Sure, all good things eventually come to an end, but that doesn't necessarily mean an abrupt end. I would suggest, especially as far as $'s are concerned, keeping your motor well serviced and looked after, and, if you don't already have a good VHF perhaps consider purchasing one. This would help to ease your mind and fears of being left helpless if your motor does ever completely fail.

My two bobs worth!

Cheers
Dave

[billfisher]

Do you know how many hours its done? No matter how well its running a rebuild is on the cards if its got much over a thousand hours. If this happens its probably not worth rebuilding due to its age. The parts value would be around $500. What people are saying (in keeping it), makes sense but remember you should get quite a bit more for it while it is still running. If you get a new basic two stroke it should be trouble free for quite a few years and have advantages of better fuel economy, oil injection etc.

[Spaniard_King]

Peter,

It sounds like you are loosing faith in the engine :-X

Your engine is not going to bring you didly squat if its not running. A wrecker is likely to give you more than a dealer if it's still as good as you say.

I would be getting some prices and weighing up the situation from there.

You may find a good second hand engine for under $5K changeover.

What boat do you curerently have

Garry

[Spaniard_King]

You only gotta look..check this one

Yamaha 115hp 4 stroke, fuel injected, 2004 model, very low hours, very good condition $10,500 TOORBUL

;D

Garry

[familyman]

Pwoida I'm in the same boat(well not THE same boat but you know what i mean) as you .I have a 84 merc inline6 115hp,starts ok runs well and appears to be in good condition,have not had cause to open it up but its still a 21yo motor .I dont have transom room for an auxillary but I do have quality vhf and 27meg radios and always take my phone so what can you do? :-/
Better the devil you know than the devil you dont ::)
cheers jon

[dachamp]

HI Powida
I have recently purchased a secondhand evinrude 130 1997 and i am worried about its reliability although no problems yet i hav opted for an aux 15 hp as a backup as i previously have had probs with a second hand mercury blueband so perhaps that may be a safe option for you,sounds like you got a good motor so contine a good maintaince plan on it a a few more years may be had .
Gus

[dfox]

Pete ,it is a hard one to answer.
Everyone given the choice probably would love to have a new engine.
Especially the new generation outboards with there improved economy quiet operation lack of smoke and better performance.
Its a well known fact that even a new engine can play up and we should all take precautions in the event that happens, fortunately thats what vmr's and coastguards can assist us locally with.
I think this decission really is up to you, sure the engine is old (27 years)and a new one would be nice.
Obviously you enjoy your fishing and boating, and if your finances allow and you genuinely believe youll use the boat for many years to come then invest in the piece of mind of a new engine, and enjoy its benifates... we only live once.

[Pwoida]

Thanks guys, some great advice there. Much to think about. I like the idea of an auxillery and will probably go down that path, although Gary that Yamaha looks tempting. On the other hand I'm pretty happy with the boat itself and a new motor wouldn't be wasted as I intend to be boating and fishing for a long time yet.

Dave, I've got a VHF to fall back on so I guess I should just chill out and not always think the worst is going to happen.

Cheers guys, I'll keep you posted,

Peter.

[Y-Not]

I had a 1981 johnson 115 V4 on my boat motor worked fin but the trim/tilt unit packed it in and I couldnt dig it into get back onto the plane(even after jumping overboard and releasing the manual relief bung. left me stuck with a long slow trip home. End result was a nice shiny new 90 on the back. just remeber your old dontk is 115 measured at the power heard whish is 85-90 probably at the prop. new motors are all measured at the prop. so a new 90Hp is as strong as the old 115.