To re-power or not to re-power

[TightLip]

I have a little older 201 that currently has a Johnson on it. I have been trying to decide if I want to re-power with a Yamaha or a Merc. Do not want a e-tech! I really dont like the idea of buying a new boat espicially when I have one that is paid for. What are some of you guys thought on re-powering and does anyone know about what it would cost for either.

[Jason Phillips]

Depends on if you want a new motor or a used one. Also depends on if you are going to want another boat in a couple of years. Or, if your boat is really going to last another 10 years or so.

Repowering is seldomly a very good idea. If you can get a great price for your motor, and get a great deal on another, then you might be ok.

Another thing to consider.......by not going with another Johnson/Evinrude, you'll have to completely de-rig your motor and re-rig another. Meaning, you'll have to run all new controls (shifter, linkages, etc.), oil reservoir, etc. for the new motor after you remove all of that stuff from the old one.

[JohnM]

It cost me several hundred extra in guages, bigger CCA battery, a hot foot and labor when I went from a Johnson to a Yamaha HPDI on my Champion. I'd have a professional glass shop check out your boat before spending the bucks on a repower. If all checks out a good used EFI may be a better choice if you don't make long runs? Just throwing out some options for ya. I know for a fact this is a TOUGH ONE!!!!!!

[TightLip]

I understand that by not going with another Johnson or E-tech I will have to change other things, but would the cost of an e-tech cost more than changing stuff? Why do you think it is not a good Idea?

[Lockjaw]

Is it a 200 or 225 Johnny? If so, why not get the Brucato EFI set up for it? Its 3700 bucks or so, but it would transform that motor.

I sure wish I had my 200.

[TightLip]

the original engine was a 225 - which blew. I found a 200 that I now have and it is on second re-build as we speak

[Lockjaw]

What is the issue with it having to be rebuilt?

Seriously, I would look into the EFI set up if it was me.

[TightLip]

mostly because they are having to replace one of the sleeves and bore the others 40 over. My mechanic said unless I have all the sleeves replaced, it will not be able to rebuild again. If I am going to buy another engine, I would rather have a new one with a warranty.

[Jason Phillips]

The reason it usually isn't a good idea is due to return on investment. Usually people will want to upgrade other things after they drop the chunk of money on a motor. Next will be the trolling motor. Then electronics. Then you'll just want a new hull. In the long run, you may have been better off just upgrading the entire package.

I didn't say it was never a good idea. I simply said it is usually not a good idea. If you are completely satisfied with your boat and feel you will be for years to come, it may be the right decision for you.

I have a buddy that put a new E-TEC on his older 201 and loves it. He also upgraded the seats, electronics, etc. It was the right decision for him.

[Todd Morgan]

It's an investment that will not have a positive return......but hey, it's a boat! They never were good for making money used.

If you like the boat get the engine you desire.

We charge 1000 to swap controls, oil tank, gauges and anything else.......the 225 HO ETEC is higher than the 225 Yamaha HPDI.....the 225 Pro XS is about the same. Going HPDI or ETEC will cost close to each other when the rigging is complete.

We do a lot of these........it's a pretty popular swap.

[dbuf]

72 Marine has a 2000 Johnson 225 HO for sale for $3500. Just another option. It is listed on their website and it is not too far of a drive for you.

[Neilslure]

A new motor can make an old boat look and run new again.

There is a guy I see from time to time that has an older 201 (90s?) boat is in excellent condition, has an HPDI on the back. If I didnt know boats I would assume that was a new rig.

[basser201]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1niceStratos &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The reason it usually isn't a good idea is due to return on investment. Usually people will want to upgrade other things after they drop the chunk of money on a motor. Next will be the trolling motor. Then electronics. Then you'll just want a new hull. In the long run, you may have been better off just upgrading the entire package.

I didn't say it was never a good idea. I simply said it is usually not a good idea. If you are completely satisfied with your boat and feel you will be for years to come, it may be the right decision for you.

I have a buddy that put a new E-TEC on his older 201 and loves it. He also upgraded the seats, electronics, etc. It was the right decision for him. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I updated my carpet, seats, electronics, trolling motor,and a hydraulic jack plate when I put a 2006 225 E-TEC HO on my 1996 201. I will tell you I wish I would have bought a new boat. I will never be able to sell it for what I have put in to it. I have a nice boat now (which I love) but it is still a 1996 boat.

[TightLip]

It is true that I could never get out what I would put in it, but at the same time the one I have is paid for. I can buy a new motor with warranty for considerably less than a new boat. Have not decided yet - I was also concidering a used boat that is only two - three years old. Probably will not buy a new one unless I have the winning lottery ticket! Someone is going to win - Right?

[Lockjaw]

I don't know that you would come out buying a new boat either the cost is so much higher now then it used to be. If you have a good solid hull, then it is probably more cost effective to keep what you have and replace the motor.

Just as an aside. There was someone who said they found a late model 225 HO for 3500. If you put 3700 into the Brucato efi, it would probably make more like 265hp, and you would have all the advantages of the newer engines, without the cost.

I know when he comes out with EFI for the Fast strikes, I am going to get that rather then worry with upgrading to an Etec. I want to be able to work on my own stuff, rather then pay a dealer. C & O might fix things fairly quickly but down here, it takes FOREVER to get a dealer to fix something. Just the nature of the beast.

[Intimidator0756]

what is a brucato efi?

[Jason Phillips]

It's a retro kit to turn your carb'd motor into an EFI unit. Similar to buying a fuel injection kit to turn your carb'd car motor into fuel injection.

[BassCatDan]

D-

I just went thru the same scenarios. 1st, my 99 BassCat Cougar and 2001 Johnson 225HO was paid for. Engine needed a new lower unit. Insurance covered the $4500+ repair bill with a nice check. I pondered decision. I got a trade-in on the engine with broken lower unit for a total of $7500. My boat is in excellent shape and I intend to keep it for a long time. If you plan on keeping your boat, this isn't too bad of a deal. If you plan on selling it in 3-5 years, not a good idea.

My Cougar is gonna stay new for some time!

I was going to get a Yammie 225HPDI or Optimax 225XS. The prices were very close. However, when you consider there was an extremely minimal rigging fee if I went Evinrude, I decided to go that route. No gauges, controls, cables, or props. That really made my decision for me. The ETEC is just wonderful so far. My Cougar has seen 77 GPS my wife and I and tournament load 75 without a problem. Of course I am only at 12 hours so can't judge about anything else. Fuel efficiency is twice that of the 225HO Carbed motor. To top it all off, I got the 5year warranty.

I know the OPTI and HPDI are good too. It's your call. But the change-out to savings on the Evinrude may pay for itself.

Take care and good luck!
Dan

[TightLip]

Thanks for all the great advice - seems like everyone is about 50/50 on the issue also.