1998 Outrage 20 Re-power

[wabamebon]

I have a 1999 [or maybe it is a] 1998 Outrage 20 currently pushed by a 1999 200 Mercury engine with EFI. I have replaced the head, stator, switch boxes, rebuilt the VST, and had the injectors serviced 35 hours ago. It is time for me and this thirsty beast to part ways.

I like the looks and price of the four-cylinder Suzuki outboard engines. My local dealer recommends I go with a 175-HP Suzuji outboard engine, and he is willing to take my Mercury on trade. How much should I expect for the Mercury?

Is a 175-HP Suzuki enough to push my Whaler?

[Jefecinco]

No idea on the value of your Mercury engine but at 17 years of age I wouldn't expect much. Your dealer may have a decent used engine business, but, if not, he can't value the engine for much more than half of what he thinks he may be able to sell it for.

As to the adequacy of a 175-HP four-stroke-cycle engine as a replacement for your 200 HP EFI four stroke who can know better than you?

The Suzuki may weigh a bit less but not enough to cover the deficit of 25-HP unless it will be sufficient for you. How does the torque compare?

How do the torque curves between the engines compare?

Do you tow skiers or participate in other water sports activities?

If you use the boat mostly for cruising or fishing, and you're happy with a more modest turn of speed, you may well be happy with a few less horsepower.

[jimh]

As to the adequacy of a 175-HP four-stroke-cycle engine as a replacement for your 200 HP EFI four stroke who can know better than you?

Mercury was not able to manufacture a 175-HP four-stroke-cycle outboard engine of their own design in 1999. I don't believe they offered any four-stroke-cycle engines in that horsepower range in 1999. They really had no product in this category until they bought about 4,000 engines from Yamaha of the F225 model, had them painted black, and sold them as a "Mercury" engine. That happened c.2003. I am about 100-percent certain that the 175-HP EFI Mercury engine that is under discussion must be a two-stroke-cycle engine.

Here is the clue that the 175-HP engine under discussion was made by Mercury, not by Yamaha:

I have replaced the head, stator, switch boxes, rebuilt the VST, and had the injectors serviced 35 hours ago.

[jimh]

Is a 175-HP Suzuki enough to push my [c.1999 Boston] Whaler [OUTRAGE 20]?

I think you are considering the Suzuki DF175 in-line four-cyclinder 2.8-liter displacement engine. Of course, you will be getting lower peak horsepower, and probably a narrower torque band. On the other hand the boat fuel economy and the engine reliability will improve very significantly and you should have freedom from the frequent repairs you have been making to keep the Mercury running. I suspect you will be giving up some top speed, about 7-percent lower MPH at full throttle, based on the difference in horsepower.

How much should I expect for the Mercury?

A c.1999 Mercury two-stroke-cycle engine is one of the last of its kind, and since you have gotten it back to running condition and replaced the components that have failed, there may be a market for it. The value will depend on its condition and appearance.

When I re-powered my boat in 2009, I was able to sell my 1992 two-stroke-cycle engine (225-HP) for a very good price. Of course, I did not get my asking price and had to take an offer that was well below asking, but the engine did give me several thousand dollars toward my new engine. In 2009 my engine was 17-years-old, and that is the same age as your 1999 engine is now in 2016. Since the dealer is buying it on the trade-in, he probably won't give you full value, but you won't have to wait for an independent buyer--which could be a long wait.

In your situation, i would be very happy if the dealer gave me $2,000 credit for the engine, but I suspect you might not get that much.

[wabamebon]

Thanks Jimh, that is exactly the kind of input I was looking for. I really love the hull and will keep it for many, many years. I mainly used the boat to run to St. Cats off the coast of Georgia, and light off shore fishing. Thank you

[Jefecinco]

Shame on me for making unsupported assumptions. I assumed the 200 HP EFI on the OP's boat was a four stroke manufactured by Mercury simply because it was EFI.

I believe the market for 17 year old two stroke cycle engines has faded a bit since 2009 due to the increased number of used four stroke engines available. It's very possible the prices will begin to climb in a few years when there are far fewer two stroke cycle engines available causing them to be almost a rarity. For now, except for direct injected computer controlled two stroke cycle engines such as Evinrudes and Mercury Optimaxes, two stroke cycle engines are far less sought after.

[porthole]

I have a 1999 [or maybe it is a]1998 Outrage 20 currently pushed by a 1999 200 Mercury engine with EFI. I have replaced the head, stator, switch boxes, rebuilt the VST, and had the injectors serviced 35 hours ago. It is time for me and this thirsty beast to part ways.

I like the looks and price of the four-cylinder Suzuki outboard engines. My local dealer recommends I go with a 175-HP Suzuji outboard engine, and he is willing to take my Mercury on trade. How much should I expect for the Mercury?

Is a 175-HP Suzuki enough to push my Whaler?

I looked at a lot of 1997 -2001 20 & 21 foot Outrages.
By far the most common HP was 200, for either the 20 or 21.

I only saw one 20' Outrage with a 175 and that was a 2004 Johnson. The marina owner where the boat was kept said the boat ran pretty good with that outboard. He was also a Suzuki dealer and had a 175 Suzuki sitting in the showroom that he was willing to "make a deal" for.
All the other 20's and all the 21's seem to be about 50/50 200 or 225.

My 1999 21 Outrage has a 200 Yamaha FI 2 stroke, it runs pretty good, but if I re-power I will definitely consider going to 225HP. Although my Outrage is a slightly bigger and heavier boat, I definitely would not drop to 175HP.

On the smaller 20, a 200 should be very adequate. Dropping to 175 I would really have to think about it if I already had a 200.
How are you going to run the boat? Solo, or with a group?
If solo mostly, how often would you really be able to utilize the extra HP of a 200 over a 175, especially once the seas pick up when you are offshore?

[wabamebon]

Thanks for all of the help and suggestions. And Jefecinco, thanks for all the......questions??? I have priced Suzuki motors at three dealers. Two of them strongly suggested the 175 over the 200, not because of HP but because of some perceived design superiority. I am taking the boat to a dealership on Monday so he can examine my motor and give me an exact trade price. I will be sure to post the results. Thanks again.

[Swellmonster]

I have the same boat with trim tabs but i have the 225 merc efi
Zero problems on motor and run a 17" rev 4
Full power and torque in rough seas with heavy loads

[Outrage Puerto Rico]

Hope this helps:
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/007541.html

[jcush87]

I was just going to chime in and say that I (used to be Commander Coo1) am still satisfied with the ETEC 175. Usually the seas are the limiting factor in how fast I can go, and I never have trouble getting on plane (even with 5 divers and tanks on board when I was over-propped!)