2019 Boat Restoration: Outboard 22 May 2019

[BIGMIKE]

Nice and sunny yesterday, So I was busy prepping the bed for a vegetable garden, while the wife was at work and the kids were at school.  I checked my phone and saw an add for a boat, 3 hours later I was towing this boat home(2000 Smoker Craft Stealth). Its been sitting on someone's yard for a few years covered. Everything looks good. Got an excellent deal, With a little elbow grease, she will clean up good. This will be a spring project. Title says it's a 19' but when I measured the actual length it was just over 18 feet. Anyway, my question is what is proper HP outboard for something like this? I have been reading online and people have anywhere between 90-110 hp. I really like the Yamaha 90 TLR 2 stroke, power to weight ratio is pretty good. I don't have experience with 4 strokes as the current family boat (Classic Montauk 17 has 70hp Johnson). Would I need a professional to mount the outboard? or is this something I can YouTube . and save some money. Instillations seems simple on videos I have watched so far... I am currently looking for used good running outboard motor for sale, if you guys know someone  please let me know. Maybe someone who can install too?

[Stein]

The coast guard plate should tell you the max hp.  If it is missing, you can Google the year boat and find someone that is selling one with a picture of their plate.

A moderately talented tool turner should be able to mount it, provided the transom is in decent shape and doesn't need any attention.  Of course you will need a way to lift and hold the motor.

These days, you will have to go out of your way to find a bad one.  I have had Mercury engines for my last few boats and they have been great, but I just ordered a Yamaha kicker because I don't like the Merc shifters on the small motors.

The Merc motors do have the ability to connect either SmartCraft gauges or the bluetooth module for access to real time engine data, maintenance, hours, etc through your phone..  I did this on my 90 and really like it.  If you are in that range, they also have the Command Thrust motors which feature a larger lower unit (from a 150 I believe?).  My 90 swings a V-6 prop for noticeably better power and fuel economy.

My buddy swears by Yamaha and has had great luck with them as well.

I wouldn't buy a 2-stroke after having a newer 4-stroke.  They have really closed the gap with weight and power and having the thing start right up with no smoke during cold mornings is awesome.  Trolling with the wind from the rear pushing 2-stroke gas under the top isn't a pleasant way to fish.

If you want a new one, PM me and I'll send you a contact in Everett that has good pricing.

[Badhabit]

I'd go 4 stroke. Outboard emission restrictions will be a thing to deal with in the future if not now. I think there are a few lakes in CA that completely ban 2 strokes. Just food for thought.

[NRA4LIFE]

I have nearly the same boat, a bit smaller at 17', an Osprey.  I have a 90 HP motor on mine that will push it nearly 45 MPH, just for reference.  Anything 90-110 would do just fine.  I would go 4 stroke.  A bit more expensive, but well worth it in my opinion.  I would work with the dealer to see if they'd mount it for free or cheap.  That size motor is pretty heavy.

[Bill W]

I'd go 4 stroke and close to the maximum hp. At least 115 hp.  I don't think that boat will go 45mph with only a 90 on it.

[BIGMIKE]

thank you to all the reply so far, anyone lookin to sell a 4 stroke 90-115 HP outboard? I found a 2006 Honda 90hp with 90 hours of use for $5500 including installation. What you guys think about that deal. Bought the boat discounted so don't want to spend too much on outboard either. 

[C-Money]

That sounds like a fair deal to me on the 90hp Honda...That should work great. The 2000-2004 class of Mercury 2 strokes are great motors, and would not be afraid of tossing one on if you found a good deal on one. I think I would look at a dealer and have it put on there? 

[PolarBear]

Yamaha 115 4 stroke or Etec 120.  Stay away from Suzuki.

[Griiz]

Installing an outboard is pretty straight forward. It’s nice to have a high beam or an engine lift lifting and installing the bigger motors.

[Wingin it]

Whatever the coastguard plate says is max HP. Always go max HP! YAMAHA!!!

[HntnFsh]

Yamaha 115 4 stroke or Etec 120.  Stay away from Suzuki.

Why is that? 2008 and later Suzuki motors in that power range are regarded as being right in line with the best of the best. Personally I think any of the big name motors nowadays are excellent choices. Just go with one that you can have access to a service shop nearby.

[HntnFsh]

Oh, and the Suzuki is about a 100 lbs. lighter.

[Wazntme]

I think a 90hp 4 stroke is too small

[huntnphool]

 Yamaha 4 stroke without question!

[Parasite]

Personal experience ... had a bad Mercruiser ... never could get that thing to run right, even though it was bought brand new. Can't recommend.