posted 10-18-2005 12:36 PM ET (US)        

Anyway, it is time for me to re-power my 85 Montauk. I'd like to spring for a new 90 E-Tec, but with the new rigging/controls, plate, etc. it is out of my budget range. I found a 2002 90 Johnson 2-cycle from a dealer that I trust for $5700. The motor is new, comes with the Johnson warranty which was 1 year at the time. I am hesitant as this motor is pretty close to the quality issues time at Johnson. I am also thinking that if I buy a new motor I may be better off buying in the fuel efficient/emission friendly spectrum of offerings. I'm thinking that as the manufacturers discontinue 2-cycle designs, the price for the newer technology 'should' drop.

My current problem - my '83 Johnson 90 has a lower unit seal problem and the power trim died (2nd time). I figure I have approx. $1500 in repairs. Also the 83 currently operates a bit under original specs for compression, not sure why (my top end with two adults, light load has dropped to about 36 mph).

One other option is a used 1989 Johnson 110. For $3000 I should be able to keep my controls and move into a motor that still meets specs. Since the dealer is going through the motor for me top to bottom, I s/b able to get 2-3 years w/o major repair bills, and hopefully move into a more fuel efficient motor down the road. I can’t find much on the internet re: the Johnson/Evinrude 110. Seems like a relatively trouble free motor.

posted 10-18-2005 02:28 PM ET (US)            

The E-TEC does not have "blind hole" mounts. Regardless, the set-back brackets/jackplate is optional for an E-TEC:

If your current engine is mounted using the second set of top holes (one hole down from the top hole) AND using the lower "sliding" holes, then the E-TEC should mount directly to the transom in the identical position.

If your current engine is mounted using any of the top holes AND using the "blind holes" (ie. the lower mounting bolts go through the transom and screw directly into the engine bracket) you will need to fill in the blind holes and drill new lower mounting holes that fit into the 'sliding' holes of the engine bracket lower mounting holes. The other option is to buy a jackplate/set-back brackets, drill the blind hole mounts in the jackplate/set-back brackets, then mount the engine to the jackplate/set-back brackets. This allows you to bridge the incompatable blind mounting holes.

posted 10-18-2005 05:52 PM ET (US)            

I did check out the prices at Ed’s Marine. Heck of a trip for me…..but I do have a cousin in the area. Will call them to see what deals they may have lying around.

Fourdfish – Orland Park is quite a bit closer than Richmond, VA. Please share which dealer you work with. Thanks. I have been calling dealers from lower WI to Fox Lake to Chicago looking for good used motors and off year new. Not much luck except for used and new Mercs. No offense to Merc owners, I am not a big fan (though my kicker is an old Merc). BTW Bass Pro has quite a few 2004 2-cycle 90s for 5600 plus install if anyone is interested.

Thanks also for the info on the E-Tec mounting. If I do decide to call it a season and shop this winter, it will be helpful to know if I can avoid the bracket, though I’m not sure I should even if I can. Lots of good threads on this site re: the E-Tec and other motors, thanks and I wish it was a bit closer to my budget limit – who knows – maybe by March I can swing it.

posted 10-18-2005 07:52 PM ET (US)            

I agree with Nick, the 2002 motor should go for about $4500, and that's if you can get a warranty with it.

posted 10-28-2005 12:50 PM ET (US)            

I took a close look at the ‘89 110 and took a pass. I ended up buying the 2002 Johnson 90. The dealer gave me what I consider a very fair deal. The new motor cost me $4.9k plus oil tank, and some electronics. It also has a new factory warranty. I may have done better with a little more time but I think it is a fair deal. Plus the dealer has been servicing my boat for years and I am happy to keep the relationship. They went out of their way to do the set-up according to my wishes - they have asked me for some fairly specific information during and after break in and want to see the boat as many times as it takes to help make sure everything is tuned for maximum performance. Having a local dealer that cares - priceless?

A quick side note. Several years ago I was heading up into Canada for a fishing trip. About 50 miles into the trip I blew a bearing (yes it was packed with grease - have no idea why it failed). This was on a Saturday at about 11:45. I called the dealer, they said no problem, they had everything I needed, come on in. They normally close at 12 on Saturday. The owner waited for me, gave me two complete bearing kits (some uncertainty over which one I needed - charged me for one - just bring the other back after my trip), gave me some sandpaper to smooth out a knick in the axle, and his cell phone number in case I ran into problems. He did not end up leaving till about 1:30. His plans that afternoon - taking his Daughter out for her birthday. Long story short, I thanked him and tossed in a little extra for a nice dinner with his Daughter. Anyway, this small dealership saved me a day or two on my trip. I really wanted to give him the business on the new motor and am happy that it worked out.

Picked up the boat yesterday. I'll be out tomorrow enjoying the fall foliage and getting my fix for a little late season Musky fishing! Thanks to all for comments on this thread and others. Great site filled with just about everything a whaler owner might want to know/discuss.

posted 10-28-2005 01:15 PM ET (US)            

I'd also recommend waiting...get as close as you can to those muskies and use your kicker motor for the fall. The new, low-emission motors are the way to go, and I'm betting there will be some nice extended warranties offered at the Chicago boat and RV show, and again at the fishing/outdoor expo at Allstate Arena in Rosemont (still getting used to calling it that instead of the Rosemont Horizon!)

It's unlikely that a local dealer will come very close to Ed's pricing. If you find one locally (or even regionally) who will, let me know, because they'll sell me two E-Tec 90's and guages.

Since you hunt muskie, you want a quiet motor that you can troll with all evening. If you get a 4-stroke, you won't even need your kicker, since it will get about the same economy as a 2-stroke kicker at trolling speed.

The other place to consider for Evinrude E-Tec's is Custom Marine in GA - they seem to beat Ed's pricing, and it's "on the way" to Florida - perfect opportunity to have the engine installed, test it on the warm, florida waters, and bring it back on the way home for a 10-hour inspection.

(you think that thought has crossed my mind before?!)

Anyway - good luck in whatever you decide, and welcome to the site.

posted 10-30-2005 12:25 AM ET (US)            

Ok. Enough with the formalities. Got about 4 1/2 hours worth of break in time today. My wife and I cruised the Fox Chain in IL and killed a couple+ bottles of wine in the process. Beautiful day - 60 degree high but a bit windy. The boat ran great. I opened it up a few times. As part of the motor purchase, I bought some new electronics including a new speedometer. If it is correct, top end was 47 - 48 1/2 depending on wind, rpms touched 5600. Not bad for first pass. I will check it tomorrow with a handheld GPS. I put a no thrills 17 pitch aluminum prop that I had lying around for break in (have a better one on order - do I need it?). Besides the two of us I had approx. 20 gallons of fuel on board, but I did not have the kicker on the boat. The motor ran beautifully. With the kicker, I may be dead on with 5500 at WOT. I did notice mild porpoising at about 4000 rpms with trim up. Pulling the trim back down fixed it quickly. Still, need to work that bit out. Saw a mid 80s Newport out on the water today. It looked like a Whaler commercial - must have been 10 people on board. Had a great day - all my fishing gear on board - hardly fished at all. Enjoyed the time with my wife. Thinking of taking a week off and heading north towards Eagle River. Why not? GOOG hits 375 next week - I am gone.

I have owned this boat for 12+ years. Fell in love with her again today.

posted 10-30-2005 07:57 AM ET (US)            

Are you off of Grove street on Princeton?

posted 10-30-2005 11:44 AM ET (US)            

Too funny neighbor - yep, that's me. Where are you at? Oh heck, just stop by and say hello. Will be home this morning (still shaking some of the cobwebs out), then heading back to the chain.

posted 10-30-2005 10:43 PM ET (US)            

Took the boat out this afternoon. It was just myself. My wife had a commitment and my buddy bagged with a work issue. Clear skies early, strong wind. Fishing was not looking good, so I decided to explore. I put quite a few miles on the boat, met some nice folks in a couple of establishments. The speedometer is way off. I did a couple of quick runs early - with and against the wind in a bit less than a foot chop. The GPS hit 42 mph one way 44 the other. I did get a chance to open it up later. I think it was a 'windless' run, flat water, 45.4 on the GPS.

posted 10-31-2005 08:38 PM ET (US)            

It planes easier, is more stable, and incredibly has a higher top end with the foil on. I do have a jack plate which may make the foil more effective. I would reccommed you get one and your porpoising will dissappear. Its also possible you had the engine mounted a little too low at the dealer. It should be mounted at least two holes up from "all the way down"

posted 10-31-2005 10:18 PM ET (US)            

Thank for the note. I read through some of the posts here on porpoising. I talked with the dealer. They suggested raising the motor, but then talked with the technician that mounted the motor. Apparently, the way the original motor was mounted limits the options on raising the motor. It appears to be something to do with where the lower bolts were put in. I was not at home during the discussion so I had to check the transom this evening. The motor is on the lowest setting. The lower bolts appear to be hidden - from the motor side of the transom - not sure what kind of mount this is. It may be more apparent in daylight. Is this a common problem with re-powering Montauks?

The good folks at Denna also suggested moving weight forward - not easy unless you want to throw a couple of weights in the bow locker. They also suggested trying different props. My problem is not bad, with 1 and 2 people in the boat sitting behind the console, I can eliminate the problem using trim. It just seems that running the trim down is not the most efficient way to cruise. They told me they had worked on a few smaller whalers through the years - as far as they can recall - all with the same original mounting. I am a bit confused at this point. It seems to me that raising the motor is the most correct course of action - not sure how to accomplish this. Any and all comments appreciated. I can post pics if it would be helpful (though I am new to the site will have to figure out how to do it). Do you think the Raker prop has enough bite to resolve this problem? I have not tested any weight distribution tactics, but I am guessing I have a 50 lb problem - if that.

posted 10-31-2005 10:31 PM ET (US)            

Thanks again,

posted 11-01-2005 10:18 AM ET (US)            

Thanks Don, and congrats on the beginning of the next 20 years with your Montauk, eh!?

posted 11-07-2005 04:54 PM ET (US)            

Here is my setup. Unless you feel the need to make constant adjustments on the fly a hydraulic plate is not necessary

posted 11-07-2005 05:41 PM ET (US)            

Thanks fo the pics - and yes, the 'blind' holes are the problem. Do you have any reservations regarding the Rite-Hite jack plate?