Government emissions and future of my outboard

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Author Topic:   Government emissions and future of my outboard

dmcsc1 posted 10-30-2009 11:48 AM ET (US)
I'm currently running a '86 90 Hp Johnson on my 16'7" and wondered if anytime soon I won't be able to use it due to emission standards and all these crazy gov'ment regualations. Just curious. With all the recent legislation to further impede our liberties I'm starting to get a little nervous. Any facts vs. rumors would be appreciated if anyone happens to know what's in store for us. I would hate to give up my strong running, two stroke, reliable, efficent and easy to fix motor for something else. If there is any pending legislation I can write my representives about that would be helpful as well.
20dauntless posted 10-30-2009 05:44 PM ET (US)
As far as I know there are no pending regulations on the use of existing outboards. Of course, the EPA has mandated that new outboards must meet certain emissions criteria to be sold, but these laws do not effect outboards that are already in use. Some lakes also have regulations on what size or type of engines are allowed to be used but I don't know of any proposals at the federal level to ban the use of dirty engines, only the sale of new ones.
To be honest, I don't think the EPA regulations are "crazy." Cleaner water and air is good for us all, and the new generation of engines are fantastic. It's really nice to have instant starts, no smoke, quiet operation, and lower fuel consumption. Eventually it will come time to replace the engine on your 16'7" and I think you'll realize how great the new engines are. In the meantime keep using your boat, the government isn't going to stop you.
dmcsc1 posted 10-31-2009 07:28 AM ET (US)
Thanks 20dauntless... Cleaner air and water are good for everyone(I wasn't trying to be political). I'm glad to hear your happy with the new bred of outboard. I like the e-tec's and would probably be my repower of choice. Have you had any experience with trouble shooting and general maintenance on the new motors? Curious if they are "user friendly" for lack of a better phrase. When I'm on the water I like to have some confidence that if something happens there a chance I can fix it. Then again, if the motors are as reliable as folks say maybe it's a non-issue.
20dauntless posted 10-31-2009 11:31 AM ET (US)
I've got a Honda BF90D on a C-Dory and it has been flawless in the two seasons and 200 hours I've used it. It's based off of the Honda Fit automobile engine, and as most people know Honda has a very good reputation for reliability in both the automotive and marine industry. Think about how many hours a car engine runs...I've got 70,000 miles on a Honda Pilot, and if I assume an average speed for the life of the car of 35mph, that's 2000 hours of use and I bet it will go 70,000 more miles without any major problems. Granted, these aren't necessarily high RPM hours like a boat engine, but it's still impressive how many hours modern four stroke engines in cars run without any problems. Properly maintained (I don't do any maintenance myself, the dealer does everything, but I'm told by someone who has owned both an E-Tec 90 and repowered with a Honda BF90D that the Honda is easier to work on) modern outboard engines provide years of reliable service.
I'd be interested to see how many people who have repowered with clean 2 strokes or 4 strokes regret the decision. I doubt very many...
Jefecinco posted 10-31-2009 12:53 PM ET (US)
There are few things that can be done by a boat operator on the new engines, especially when one will not start during an outing.
We can thank the computer controls for our inability to do much. But, we must also thank the computers on our engines for how well they run and for much of the outstanding reliability we enjoy.
Much routine maintenance can be easily done by an owner. Oil changes, water pump impeller service, spark plug replacement to name the most common. Filter service is also fairly simple.
One can always look for a loose or high resistance electrical connection and take care of that kind of issue while on the water. When it comes to the fuel system, however, there is little one can do besides pump the bulb or check the filter for water or debris and correct that sort of problem.
Butch

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Author	Topic: Government emissions and future of my outboard
dmcsc1	posted 10-30-2009 11:48 AM ET (US) I'm currently running a '86 90 Hp Johnson on my 16'7" and wondered if anytime soon I won't be able to use it due to emission standards and all these crazy gov'ment regualations. Just curious. With all the recent legislation to further impede our liberties I'm starting to get a little nervous. Any facts vs. rumors would be appreciated if anyone happens to know what's in store for us. I would hate to give up my strong running, two stroke, reliable, efficent and easy to fix motor for something else. If there is any pending legislation I can write my representives about that would be helpful as well.
20dauntless	posted 10-30-2009 05:44 PM ET (US) As far as I know there are no pending regulations on the use of existing outboards. Of course, the EPA has mandated that new outboards must meet certain emissions criteria to be sold, but these laws do not effect outboards that are already in use. Some lakes also have regulations on what size or type of engines are allowed to be used but I don't know of any proposals at the federal level to ban the use of dirty engines, only the sale of new ones. To be honest, I don't think the EPA regulations are "crazy." Cleaner water and air is good for us all, and the new generation of engines are fantastic. It's really nice to have instant starts, no smoke, quiet operation, and lower fuel consumption. Eventually it will come time to replace the engine on your 16'7" and I think you'll realize how great the new engines are. In the meantime keep using your boat, the government isn't going to stop you.
dmcsc1	posted 10-31-2009 07:28 AM ET (US) Thanks 20dauntless... Cleaner air and water are good for everyone(I wasn't trying to be political). I'm glad to hear your happy with the new bred of outboard. I like the e-tec's and would probably be my repower of choice. Have you had any experience with trouble shooting and general maintenance on the new motors? Curious if they are "user friendly" for lack of a better phrase. When I'm on the water I like to have some confidence that if something happens there a chance I can fix it. Then again, if the motors are as reliable as folks say maybe it's a non-issue.
20dauntless	posted 10-31-2009 11:31 AM ET (US) I've got a Honda BF90D on a C-Dory and it has been flawless in the two seasons and 200 hours I've used it. It's based off of the Honda Fit automobile engine, and as most people know Honda has a very good reputation for reliability in both the automotive and marine industry. Think about how many hours a car engine runs...I've got 70,000 miles on a Honda Pilot, and if I assume an average speed for the life of the car of 35mph, that's 2000 hours of use and I bet it will go 70,000 more miles without any major problems. Granted, these aren't necessarily high RPM hours like a boat engine, but it's still impressive how many hours modern four stroke engines in cars run without any problems. Properly maintained (I don't do any maintenance myself, the dealer does everything, but I'm told by someone who has owned both an E-Tec 90 and repowered with a Honda BF90D that the Honda is easier to work on) modern outboard engines provide years of reliable service. I'd be interested to see how many people who have repowered with clean 2 strokes or 4 strokes regret the decision. I doubt very many...
Jefecinco	posted 10-31-2009 12:53 PM ET (US) There are few things that can be done by a boat operator on the new engines, especially when one will not start during an outing. We can thank the computer controls for our inability to do much. But, we must also thank the computers on our engines for how well they run and for much of the outstanding reliability we enjoy. Much routine maintenance can be easily done by an owner. Oil changes, water pump impeller service, spark plug replacement to name the most common. Filter service is also fairly simple. One can always look for a loose or high resistance electrical connection and take care of that kind of issue while on the water. When it comes to the fuel system, however, there is little one can do besides pump the bulb or check the filter for water or debris and correct that sort of problem. Butch