Is it worth buying a new engine for an old boat?

Question

My dad has an old 1960's Grumman aluminum boat. 16 foot. It would still shine up pretty good with a buffing wheel. But would it be worth putting a new engine on it? Or just get a used one?
Also, it was rated for 25 hp. Could I safely put a 30 - 40 hp motor on it? It has a steering wheel and lever engine control. The hull is pretty heavy duty, thick aluminum, transom is solid.

Answer 1

If you plan on keeping the boat forever then you could buy a new engine, but like the other guy said maybe try to find a late model 2 stroke. The reason being is they are lighter and produce more power than a 4 stroke. Also, I would not put a larger engine on the boat. Prior to about 1990-1991 they rated the hp at the flywheel not at the prop like today. So a newer 25hp would be like a 30hp back then. Hope that helps.

Answer 2

The first thing I would do is a compression test. You can by a tester at the auto part store for $20-30 and check each cylinder. Or better see if you can take it to a marine shop to give it a look over. They should be able to tell you how good of shape it is in. Also, ask to test drive the boat. Boat and car engines operate similar the biggest difference is I am assuming it is a 2 stroke which is more simple. A two stroke does not have intake or exhaust valves just ports and there is no cam. Also the fuel is mixed with oil to lubricate the engine. I personally think if you can work on a car you should be able to do boats with some studying, so get a repair manual for that specific motor.

Answer 3

I would definitely recommend a new motor.Remember though that back in the 1960s the outboard HP Rating only considered the power head.Modern outboards are rated at the prop shaft.,,So a 25HP engine of the 60s is a lot less power full than a 25HP engine of today.So be careful. Overpowering a small boat can be lethal.Go see an experienced dealer.They should have access to a lot of information regarding re powering.But buy a new engine ..nothing can ruin your day like a troublesome old unit .

Answer 4

If the hull is sound & dosen't leak, keep the hull as the$$of a new 1. The engine you can always put on another hull. If you over power the hull is a safety & legal & coast Guard issues if stopped.4 stroke are nice an guiet no smoke cost more an you get A longer warranty.Weight is a little more.If you only use it once in a while get a 2 stroke.Measure the transom as it should be 15"

Answer 5

Check the difference in weight .a newer 4 stroke with more horsepower may be too heavy. your weight is crucial on smaller boats.

The mtor is usually 1/2 the value of a used boat, and a whole new boat will be 3 times the cost. I would buy new motor on old boat if you like the size

Answer 6

Almost any boat is worth another chance in life, regardless of repairs ( I said almost any) Be careful on overpowering a boat. If & when you get stopped my the marine police, they could check this. It is against the law to over power a boat. But you could change the HP#'s to say 25HP as long as it looked like one. 40HP & 25HP motors look the same, but a 25HP does not look like a 90HP. Good luck, you can find nice motors on ebay & locally where you live,

Answer 7

brand new motors are so expensive, I would go with on a few years old. They are built to last for so long. The newer motors are lighter so maybe you could put a larger on one but maybe you should reinforce the stern some since the boat is so old

Answer 8

if it is rivet hull, check for loose rivets. if welded it's probably ok. check the stern carefully since they used a wood center covered with metal. could have interior rot, insurance may be a problem when overpowering a boat.

Answer 9

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