1988 MONTAUK 17 Re-power

[redheadrally]

Q1: which 90-HP four-stroke-power cycle modern new engine is the best choice to replace a YAMAHA 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine for use on a [1988] MONTAUK 17?

Q2: indicate what particular feature of a new four-stroke-power-cycle 90-HP engine should be the most important to consider in deciding what engine to buy?


ASIDE
While comparing the weight and cost of new four-stroke-power-cycle outboard engines in the horsepower range of 70 to 75-HP to similar engines of 90-HP, my observations are the weight and cost between these two groups is not much different, and from that I think that buying a 90-HP model would be worth [whatever extra weight and greater cost that comes with the 90-HP MODEL].

Also, in the past this [1988 MONTAUK 17] had engines between 40- and 50-HP, and I thought 40 to 50-HP was plenty.

I worry that a 90-HP engine will have excessive power and excessive weight.

[jimh]

From your narrative this boat has already had three engines, a 40-HP, a 50-HP, and a 90-HP.

Q3: Why do you now think that buying a new 90-HP engine would be over-powering the boat?

I need to understand this before I can offer a recommendation for a new 90-HP?

[redheadrally]

Thanks. The boat is a 1988, if that's helpful to know.

As far as I know, this boat has only ever had this 90 on it. I was mentioning a 40 and 50 I used on different Montauk 17s. The reason I worry about a 90HP being too much is that I remember the 50 being plenty fast.

Q4: is [buying a 90-HP] worth the extra weight and cost?

[Jefecinco]

There is virtually no such thing as too much horsepower. There is a problem with an under powered boat. There are things an under powered boat can not do which a boat with enough power can do. An under powered boat is difficult to sell and the selling price would be much lower than expected.

[redheadrally]

There is virtually no such thing as too much horsepower. There is a problem with an under powered boat. There are things an under powered boat can not do which a boat with enough power can do. An under powered boat is difficult to sell and the selling price would be much lower than expected.

Fair point.

I hope to never sell this [1988 MONTAUK 17] boat, but I see what [ Jefecinco] saying.

TO ALL READERS

Q5: if I decide to buy a 90-HP engine, what brand of new 90-HP four-stroke-power-cycle engine is recommended?

Q6: should I choose a new 90-HP engine only on price?

[jimh]

The horsepower plays no part in my recommendation.

When you buy a new engine to re-power a 36-year-old boat, the important elements to consider are:

• is the dealer familiar with selling loose engines and rigging them on 36-year-old BOSTON WHALER boats?
• is your boat electrical system in excellent condition?
• is your boat fuel system in excellent condition?
• do you like the brand of engine the dealer is selling?
• does the dealer have an excellent, factory-trained staff of certified technicians who are rated to the highest service levels for the brand you are buying?
• and, because you are going to give him a lot of money, do you like and trust the dealer?