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Author Topic:   Outboards For Sakonnet in Bahamas
Hillman1935 posted 06-08-2006 07:54 AM ET (US)   Profile for Hillman1935   Send Email to Hillman1935  
Let me begin by admitting to total ignorance in all matters boating. Never owned one till now. Just bought a beautiful 1967 Sakonnet (I LOVE classic old cars, boats, airplane, etc) with a 1982 Evinrude 90 HP, power trim/tilt, and stainless prop, that runs well.

I am sending this lovely old boat to a small island in the Bahamas where I will hopefully enjoy it for many years of fishing, lobster diving and such. Outboard motor repairs, parts, mechanics and even fuel itself are difficult to find and are very costly there.

Considering all this, I am wondering if it would be wise to refit and re-power the boat here in the States before I send it there. Or should I keep the old Evinrude on her until it dies and try to buy/ship/install it there later?

If refitting makes sense, what would be some good HP size, type and brand motor choices?

What motors stand up best in salt water?

Since gas there is now $7/gallon, how about fuel economy?

How much might such a re-powering cost me and how should I pursue it - is this a do-it-myself thing? Take it to a boat dealer? See -- I told you I knew NOTHING! Can anyone help me with a basic set of brains?

Lynn

jimh posted 06-08-2006 08:46 AM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
In many out of the way places, you will see outboards in use, and the simpler the better is often the paradigm. This implies you ought to get a classic-two stroke and use pre-mixed gasoline/oil fuel. The classic Yamaha outboard is often seen in these types of applications.

On the other hand, fuel at $7 per gallon suggests going for the maximum fuel economy. This would be most likely a much newer design and more complex motor. It all runs well, it will get better fuel economy, but, if repairs are needed, it is unlikely that you can get great service everywhere.

If the old motor is still running, why not just stick with it? Have it thoroughly checked out. Have the usual maintenance done, which would consist of an overhaul of the water pump, the fuel pump, and almost everything made of rubber on the engine, such as the hoses. Give the engine a tune-up with new spark plugs and have the carburetors checked and cleaned. Perhaps you could take a few spare parts with you.

Run the boat and motor before you take it to your remote destination to work out any problems. If there is anything that needs immediate attention, it should become clear after a few hours of use.

Kingsteven18 posted 06-08-2006 10:06 AM ET (US)     Profile for Kingsteven18  Send Email to Kingsteven18     
Depending on your usage, you could also go with a small 2 or four stroke putt putt engine and go for days on a few gallons of gas.
PeteB88 posted 06-08-2006 04:15 PM ET (US)     Profile for PeteB88  Send Email to PeteB88     
I saw all Yamahas in Mexico - Play del Carmen, S of Cancun. Most rode real hard but ran fantastic.
andygere posted 06-08-2006 04:41 PM ET (US)     Profile for andygere  Send Email to andygere     
I would stick with your current 2-stroke Evinrude. Parts are easy to get via mail order, just about any outboard shop (or you) can work on it, it's light weight and it runs! It also has rather minimal battery requirements, a big plus in areas where marine parts are scarce. As much as I love new technology motors, they require more sophisticated marine mechanics for service, and many parts may only be available from authorized dealers or service centers. Your motor has a very strong aftermarket parts network, making it much easier to keep the old girl running strong. If it's a pre-mix motor (one where you must mix oil into the gas) so much the better, it's one less thing that can go wrong. The 1979 85 hp Johnson on the Montauk I used to own is still going strong, a testament to the durability of those old OMC V4 outboards.

One area you will need to pay attention to is corrosion prevention. My '79 did not have sacarficial anondes (zincs) so I had to rig a manual system to keep things from getting eaten away. Have the motor checked out by a good marine shop, and ask about this. Have him clean/rebuild the carburators, replace the water pump, and decarbon the cylinders. Also, get some touch up paint, and make sure you keep after any nicks or scratches to the finish.

A new 4-stroke or DFI 2-stroke will cost you $7,000 to $10,000 or more installed. Even at $7/gallon, that's 700 to 1000 gallons of fuel you will have to [i]save[/e] before you are at break-even on the deal. Roughly speaking you will have to burn 1400 to 2000 gallons of gas in your current motor before a new motor begins to pay off in fuel savings.

TC Goldman posted 06-09-2006 03:35 PM ET (US)     Profile for TC Goldman  Send Email to TC Goldman     
Lynn,
Here is what I would do. If money is not a problem, I would find out what brand of outboard is common down there, then have it repowered with that brand, before You send it. You said "You know nothing" (about boats I assume)but are into classic cars etc... You may be asking if You need/should keep a old hull with a old engine (example-Muscle cars,being worth more with orginal engines)this is not the case so far with "outboard boats".
If You would like to save a little money- to pay for that $$$ gas in the Bahamas. Then I would just get a good rebuild and enjoy it until it Rusts apart or dies.
Enjoy.

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