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Author Topic:   70 or 90 hp Yamaha on a Katama

Dick_Russell posted 03-23-2004 07:24 AM ET (US)
History:
I purchased a 1970 Katama and have been restoring it. It had a 115 Merc (toast) on it. I have located a 1989 70 Yamaha in like new condition (never in saltwater). I am planning on keeping this boat (like most of you) for a long time. Would it be a mistake to buy this motor instead of continuing the search for a 90? I don't plan on racing it -but it would be nice to get home fast - when I have to.
Clark Roberts posted 03-23-2004 07:51 AM ET (US)
Dick, I have had loads of Yamahas and the 70 is my favorite for powering a 16-17 Whaler. It is almost as fast as the Yamaha 90 and is (my opinion only) quicker to rev. and quieter and should be more economical on gas. Bottom line is that I wouldn't pass up a good deal on that 70 assumming that it is like new (low hours), passes a compression test, leak down test, lower unit is ok...etc. and be sure to check the trim/tilt unit (motor is notorious for corrosion) and steering tiller and bracket for same. My 2 cents.. Clark... Spruce Creek Navy
greyg8r posted 03-24-2004 02:02 AM ET (US)
Dick,
I, too, own a Katama. Mine has a 1982 90 Evinrude. This boat, with a 17" prop has enough oomph to get my lard-laden 205 pounds out of the water on one ski and good top end (so much that my kids request a more "reasonable" top speed).
If you are not skiing, I think a 70 would be fine. I had a 15'6 Cobia with a 75 Evinrude (you have a little less engine and a little more boat) and it moved okay to get me back if the weather turned sour. And, since you don't plan on selling it anytime soon, any loss of resale value from having a small engine (70% of max rating) would not be an issue with you. And, when gas hits $3/gallon this summer, you will be in the drivers seat...
You don't have to commit to this engine in perpetuity anyways. Buy it and try it out. If you are pleased with the performance - keep it. If not, I suspect you will be able to sell it on eBay or boattrader.com for a tidy profit.
Just my dos centavos...
Richard

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Author	Topic: 70 or 90 hp Yamaha on a Katama
Dick_Russell	posted 03-23-2004 07:24 AM ET (US) History: I purchased a 1970 Katama and have been restoring it. It had a 115 Merc (toast) on it. I have located a 1989 70 Yamaha in like new condition (never in saltwater). I am planning on keeping this boat (like most of you) for a long time. Would it be a mistake to buy this motor instead of continuing the search for a 90? I don't plan on racing it -but it would be nice to get home fast - when I have to.
Clark Roberts	posted 03-23-2004 07:51 AM ET (US) Dick, I have had loads of Yamahas and the 70 is my favorite for powering a 16-17 Whaler. It is almost as fast as the Yamaha 90 and is (my opinion only) quicker to rev. and quieter and should be more economical on gas. Bottom line is that I wouldn't pass up a good deal on that 70 assumming that it is like new (low hours), passes a compression test, leak down test, lower unit is ok...etc. and be sure to check the trim/tilt unit (motor is notorious for corrosion) and steering tiller and bracket for same. My 2 cents.. Clark... Spruce Creek Navy
greyg8r	posted 03-24-2004 02:02 AM ET (US) Dick, I, too, own a Katama. Mine has a 1982 90 Evinrude. This boat, with a 17" prop has enough oomph to get my lard-laden 205 pounds out of the water on one ski and good top end (so much that my kids request a more "reasonable" top speed). If you are not skiing, I think a 70 would be fine. I had a 15'6 Cobia with a 75 Evinrude (you have a little less engine and a little more boat) and it moved okay to get me back if the weather turned sour. And, since you don't plan on selling it anytime soon, any loss of resale value from having a small engine (70% of max rating) would not be an issue with you. And, when gas hits $3/gallon this summer, you will be in the drivers seat... You don't have to commit to this engine in perpetuity anyways. Buy it and try it out. If you are pleased with the performance - keep it. If not, I suspect you will be able to sell it on eBay or boattrader.com for a tidy profit. Just my dos centavos... Richard