Etec 115

[K9Kampers]

Replacing the lower engine cover on a 3 year old OB is under $1300 just for the big parts. Re-using the small parts & doing the work yourself would cost not much more than that.

Consider the cost difference of replacing your 3 year old, functioning, trustworthy engine with cosmetic damage with the latest & greatest engine that may be too big for your wallet, may be too big for your boat, may not be covered by your insurance, and may be more expensive to run.

These things are made for the enviroments in which they run. I don't think a big hole in a plastic cover would compromise corrosion protection where it counts.

[Billy]

Billy,

What kind of speeds do you get at WOT with that 140?

Lighted loaded, unballasted with 3 adults on lake water about 35+ mph.
Loaded for a week in the Bahamas, ballasted, 2 adults on Key Biscayne almost 25 mph.

The majority of the 400+ hrs. on the motor was at or slightly above an idle. The 40 amp alternator pays off. I find when on a long sail with other larger boats, with the engine idling in gear, the X points slightly higher and usually keeps up with the other big boats.

The only downside (if you want to call it that) is the engine is so quiet, I sometimes forget to cut it off--for real.

Would I do it again? Yes, sir. But I might would go with the 'zuki 115 @ $6500 since the price spread between it and the 140 has widen.

[Love MACs]

May be an inane question...but how to do you get on and off the transom with that monster 140 hanging off the rear?

Allan

[Billy]

May be an inane question...but how to do you get on and off the transom with that monster 140 hanging off the rear?

Allan

Actually it's not that tight on an X. I'm 6' and 215 lbs. Had to remove the ladder as it would not swing up -- missed 1/2 inch. If needed I hook the ladder with quick pins, but most if the time I grab the rudder line, step on the cavitation plate and climb in. The hard part is when dive gear is involved.

IIRC, someone in Alaska mounted a 140 on a M.

[delevi]

Thanks Billy. 35 must be nice! That's quite a dropoff with the boat loaded and ballasted, however. I'm a bit surprised. The slowest my 50 went at sea level WOT was 13 mph. Lightly loaded w/o ballast, I can hit 18-21, depending on conditions. Of course at 6000 feet, it's a different ballgame. Then the 13x11 prop comes out vs. 14x13 which I normally use. I know I'm comparing apples to oranges here. Suppose increase in HP has diminishing returns in top speed. I think common sense dictates that I should replace the casing of my damaged ob. Won't use the motor with it all mangled, and resale value would drop significantly as well. I'll probably squeeze another year out of it prior to looking to trade up to more HP. Now if they would only build a 100+ HP engine that would tilt all the way under the seat of the

[beene]

Gotta say......... I simply Love Billies motor choice.....

If I had the bucks.....

Oh ya baby....

But alas, my 75 will just have to do.

G