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Random Quote: They talk of my drinking, but never of my thirst.
I'm looking at a used Regulator 26 with twin 1997 200 hp Yamaha Saltwater II engines with 700 hours. Any thoughts on the potential longevity of these engines?
Based on my mechanic's opinion and my experience with my 94 200 on my 20' Grady...they are iron. I sold the boat with 1350 hours on the engine and as I told the new owner...if you could promise me flat seas and enough fuel and oil, I'd take her to Bermuda! They're gonna shake a little a idle, minimized if you keep them decarbed, but they should have 2000 hours in them, properly maintained. Best of luck.
Great engines, however as with any engine that age it could go the day you first take it out or go for another 1000 hours without a hicup. Do a compression test, all cylinders should be within 10% of eachother. I believe they can also pressure test the lower unit.
Good luck!
Ed
__________________ See my 2002 185 Edgewater for sale here on THT
I bought a 1997 26 Regulator with Yamaha Saltwater II series engines with approximately 700 hours two years ago. The past two seasons the engines ran great and I have confidence that they will last a while. My plan is to run them to the end and then replace them with a newer set off 225 EFI's.
You will the love boat! I have owned a 27 and 31 Contender previously and the Regulator holds its on.
My oldest friend has a 1987 Yamaha 200 with around 2800 hours. On the second or third lower unit but the power head is original. 95% of the time it is carrying max load if not more. Lots of dive gear.
They will last forever. I had a set of 89's and a set of 97. Placed over 2500 hrs on each set with only changing plugs, impellers, filters and lower unit oil. Simply put, thirsty......But reliable.
My wife and I have found a '96 Grady White 209 fitted with a '96 Yamaha Saltwater Series II (200 hp) that both look to be in great condition.
I've arranged for a surveyor to check her out this week. Unless he finds something terrible and warns me away from the boat - we're buying it. Compression check and sea-trial are part of the deal.
I've liked what I've read about these engines. Now that this thread is a few years older - do any of you with personal experience have any further advice about these Yamahas? Sounds like ringfree will be a must with today's ethanol fuels everywhere....
While my experience seems to differ from most, I had nothing but problems from the pair of '98s I owned. I buy all my stuff with longevity in mind. I've driven my last 4 trucks 200,000+ miles each... 275k on one, 250k, 200k and 250+k now and aiming for 300k+ on my current. I've had both my current boats more than 10 years and no plans to replace either. My last motor on my marsh boat was running great when I replaced after 13 years... just wanted a 4 stroke. Just saying all this because some on here will just accuse me of not knowing how to maintain stuff.
Chances are you will have no problems with these motors but the pair I had were the biggest pieces of junk I've ever owned. It does happen, though apparently not often with the SWS motors. I keep all my records on file for all my boats, trucks etc. The stack of repair reciepts was so thick for those motors I had to start a second file folder for that boat. Mine weren't "iron" and now, they're probably just beer cans LOL. Thought you should hear from someone who had a bit of a different experience.
Oh, and my Yammies had right at 800 hrs on them when I junked them.
Thanks for both the (differing) opinions. I, too, take immaculate care of my toys. My biggest concern is that I have no way of knowing how well the motor has been maintained for the last 15 years... It looks great - if there were any signs of rust/corrosion/leaks I'd probably be a little hesitant...
But every single wire/connection/nut/bolt I can see is spotless. I'm eager to see the compression test and then take her for a run. Some of my friends are telling me I should EXPECT the engine to reach it's top RPM (Yamaha Spec) or dang close - too much lower indicates some problem.
The closest I found to any Yamaha documentation is from their Performance Bulletin for the Grady White 209 which charts MPH/GPH up to 5400 RPM. Does that mean I should be happy if the outboard can turn 5400? 5100+?
What would you expect (assuming it is properly prop'd)?
I have two 1996 models on the back of a 24 Whaler Outrage.I went through the growing pains of the ethanol with the low speed jets stopping up in the carbs.You don't have to worry about the high speed jets stopping up because they are about the size of your thumb.LOL They like lots of gas at high speed but they are very easy to work on and are very dependable.Carbs are very easy to remove and disassemble.
Yamaha Saltwater II series 200 hp 
