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Off-topic TalkWhere overpaid, underworked S2000 owners waste the worst part of their days before the drive home. This forum is for general chit chat and discussions not covered by the other off-topic forums.
Mercruiser and Volvo make very good I/O motors. Honda & Yamaha make very good outboard motors.
I'm a big fan of Johnson outboards as well. Never really had any problems and the power output was solid.
Mercury outboards seem to start up every time without flaw, but I don't really see them as peak-performers in terms of power output, generally speaking.
Originally Posted by Kermdaddy,May 5 2008, 01:30 PM
Evenrude and Johnson are owned by BRP now (owner of Seadoo). I think?
I do believe you are correct.
A few years back before the transfer took place we picked up a couple 225hp big grey Johnsons for dirt cheap, like $9500 a piece. Dealer just south of the border (that means in the US. Michigan, if I remember correctly) was looking to off load his last few and had them priced to move FAST.
If you're going the outboard route, you might be better off to track down a used hull and search out a rebuilt or new engine at a good price. Obviously the danger here is that you end up with a hull and no engine and have to sell the hull at some point and buy a complete package somewhere else, but you can weigh your options.
A boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into...
Right now the boat market here in Fla is depressed, and I hear it's the same everywhere else. You can get into one relatively cheap. But don't let that affect your decision too much. You need to look into long-term costs of ownership and real world use. Many boats are used less than 100 hours per year - roughly 20 days annually.
You may be better off renting boats on those days you want to get out on the water. No storage/towing/maintenance/insurance issues. But if you decide to get one - do the research and if you buy used (recommended), get a survey done.
I'm not too sure about the kinds of boats that require as much maintenance as some are suggesting here, mine certainly doesn't. I change the oil once a year and that's pretty much it. The only thing I've replaced is one of the flaps that covers one of the exhaust pipes, other than that it's exactly like a car.
I suppose if you were asking about a big sailboat or some 50 ft yacht, then yes there's a lot more maintenance involved, but with a 20-28 ft boat, it's pretty straightforward.
You crack me up.
I ran an operation with 3 boats, CG 38 foot, 28 foot alumacraft and 36 foot cabin. I also ran logistics and got to "manage" a bigger operation of boston whalers.
I planned EVERY year for a replacement motor, and was never disappointed. If the boat is used, there is significant maintenance. Fuel, supplies, wear and tear, trailer, tow vehicle, and more fuel. Overy trip required 1/2 hour prep and checkin and typically over an hour cleanup. On the daily cost I never spent less than 180 usd gas for the boat, and lucklily the trucks had a short run to the put in...
You don't need 1 engine, you ned 2. Either they are designed for 2 or you need the kicker. The honda of boat motors is HONDA. Buy the saltwater 4 stroke ones and get a decent tac/readout.
I would never buy a motorboat. Find a buddy and throw 2x 100 dollar bills at him each trip and thank your diety that its not you.
Consider where you might be boating. Some of these large lakes can get swells like the ocean and if you get caught with a low-profile boat (freeboard?) you can get swamped before you know it.
I'm stating facts of MY boating experience, period. That's what the OP asked for, my boats are in fresh water which is much easier on the equipment than salt water. He's in North Texas, there isn't any salt water near there.
A personal or family boat is not even worth comparing to a company that runs boats.
p.s. "fuel" is not maintenance, is a cost of ownership
