I posted this in the Lounge too, but I thought it would be more appropriate here.

Over the past year I have been fighting motor problem after motor problem with my '97 Johnson 200 Venom. It was in and out of the shop too many times to count and just never seemed to run just right. Well, back in June it finally just got so bad that it wouldn't even get on plane. I took it into a different shop and they told me the bad news that sounded something like "You have no compression in #2". So the search and savings began for another motor.

I got a line on a motor and it was installed yesterday. It is a 2000 Johnson 200hp. He sold me the new (rebuilt) motor for $2500 which included the install, and took my old one so he could rebuild it and sell it.


The old motor just before we started the removal.


On the hook, getting ready to disconnect.


Disconnnected and hanging free.


Officially dead, and laying on the cradle.


My boat with a naked butt.


Another naked butt pic!


The new one on the stand, waiting to meet it's new owner.


The new motor meeting my boat for the first time.


The new one installed. We were holding our breath to see if she'd come alive.


IT'S ALIVE!! IT'S ALIVE!!!


Install complete.


...and just a few hours later, this is me on the water for the first time SINCE JUNE!

I took a little video of the first visit to my home lake with the new motor. Do you think I'm happy?