The Boating Forum - Repower Question

I've got a great little flats boat with a 1991 50 hp Force. Say what you want about these motors but it has been a good one. I've run it for years and never had any trouble with it. The only gripe I've had is it doesn't have tilt/trim! When I was younger, it was no problem to yank that thing up and cruise on up to the flats but not so easy any more. I just had it serviced and the guy said it was in great shape, but with Force, you never know when it's going to go. He also added that the parts are very hard to find because the ownership changed hands frequently. I think mine was made by Mercury, but could be mistaken.

Anyway, I want to be able to take this thing out and run wherever I want without worring about reliability. I've looked locally at 40-50hp 2 and 4 stroke motors but don't know which direction to go. I do like the lower gas consumption of the 4 stroke because I don't have much room, but other than that don't care which.
A local boat shop had a new O5' model Yammy but wanted almost 5k for it. I felt that was a little much for a 05 year model.

So for the loaded question, which brand should be trusted? Which models, etc should I look at? Any that should be avoided? Thanks for the input.

All the current equipment are good. You seem to be concerned with price so I would go cost and local dealer. You always have Ed's for price but no support after sale. You know you will have to buy more than the engine- local dealer with a shop and something in stock probably best for you. Good luck- Great time to be a buyer.

Good info My Gal, I didn't know if some of the "other" brands were worth looking at. Suzuki, etc. It would definatly serve me better to find a local shop because I'm sure there is going to be some reworking/adding things for the tilt/trim stuff.
It's funny that you said "great time to be a buyer" because the internet prices don't seem to reflect such strain. Motors or boats. I guess I'll just have to start getting prices.

lot sof options for you. Tohatsu makes a pretty good motor for the price. Might want to look into it. However, it is hard to find someone to service them. keep your eyes open here and on ebay for a used one

Any of the motors these days are good, just pick your color and find a good local dealer to take care of you (this is just as important as the engine, a broken engine is a headache without a good dealer to repair it). 4-stroke would be the best choice in regards to fuel consumption, especially if you can find a left over at the same price as a new 2-stroke. Where are you located?

Thanks for the input. I'm located in Upstate South Carolina. There are very few boat dealers in the area and only a few select certified mechanics. I'm going to keep my eyes open for a deal online. Other than a compression check, any other obvious things to look at with used motors?

For about 5K you should be able to get any of the major brands--Suzuki Yahama, Honda, in good 4 stroke 50 HP. In this case, I would consider Ed's Super Store in Ashland Va--do a search on this vender before you buy. But for a large portable which reqires no major rigging that may be the way to go.

Around the first of the year you could get a 175 Suzuki for $10,000, rigged from several sources. I suspect that these are gone (non current but new with warantee)
In today's economy there are dealers who need to make any sale--and a days drive might pay off for you.