On Mon, 22 Oct '07 08:39am, db wrote:
Just curious since I've been outa boating for 30 years. I used to
boat daily with a small 18 footer with an outboard motor in the east
end of Long Island. Back then it seemed like the outboards were
always in need of repair or in my mind often ( I guess the salt water
was tough on them) and I wonder if the outboards are more sturdier
today or about the same? I can imagine the motors are higher tech
but salt water hasn't changed so I'm just curious with those of you
who are currently boating what your opinion of them are? I know
today there is more selection of brands. Back then, I only saw
Evinrude, J&J, Mercury and Chrysler (a small amount then).
thanks.

1st thing you'd notice, the high HP motors are higher. You don't have
to settle for an I/O anymore for a 5,000 lb boat.
2nd, in the lower HP range, they're getting more power out of less
weight.
3rd, buying a four cycle motor doesn't mean just "Homelite" any more.
They all offer 'em.
4th, reliability, upside is, they don't seem to break down as often
(at least while they're still new). Downside though, when they break
down, you're less likely to be able to fix it yourself. Fuel injection
and computer controlled electronic ignition aren't as easily patched
out on the water (i.e. people can't afford to carry spares for that
stuff). And even the new carburetors are more complex. So expect to be
towed home as often as before. But expect to pay $ a pro for the tow
these days (a six pack'o Bud won't cut it anymore), Many members of
the boating public simply don't look out for each other like they use
to.
5th, expense. They're a LOT more expensive to buy. And a lot more
expensive to maintain than they used to be. I bought a new 20hp Honda
a couple of years ago. I paid about the same for it as I paid for a
new 19' Thunderbird in 1971. By now, I've thrown in another 30% (of
the purchase price) for maintenance and repairs. IMHO, that's
ridiculous for a little motor like that. But.... whutcha gonna do?

Rick ---- just my 2 cents