Fuel efficiency of newer outboards

[Franknstein]

Does anyone have any info on how an older outboard engine would compare to a newer one effiency wise?

I've got a 1989 Mariner 115hp 2T, and am considering replacing it with a newer (maybe 3-5 years old) 90HP 4T or 2T.

Not sure if it would be worth it though, I mean how much more fuel efficient can the newer stuff be, I bet not by too much - but what do I know?

 

[erik_plus8]

Considering your current engine is an old carburated two stroke and you're moving to a four stroke or a direct injected (I presume) two stroke, I think you should see 40-50% improvement of fuel economy almost everywhere except full speed WOT.

 

[michaelh]

Well I had a 90hp carburetter 2 stroke on a 5m rib. I now have a 150 HP Optimax 2 stroke on a 6.5 m Rib. I used to get about 1.33 miles/ litre on the old boat and get 1.25 on the new one so, I'd guess about a 40% improvement HP for HP.

 

[landlockedpirate]

Newer 4 strokes and especially Evinrude E-tecs will give you much better fuel consumption. But you will never get your money back. Stick with what you have and then upgrade the whole lot when you can, it makes better financial sense.

 

[Robg71]

I had a 150 v6 johnson on my rib when i bought. It was proper old school tech, and a pig to start. Never let us down though.
Swapped for a mercury 150 optimax.....
Difference was awesome....
More power everywhere, smoother quieter, and used half the juice... It payed for it self in fuel it didnt use....
Go for it....
Apparently the four stroke outboards you can go down considerably in bhp, as they have the torque.....

 

[Spi D]

I went from one like yours (with the peculiar 2+2 system) to a Suzuki 140 four stroke. Was happy with the 115 but beyond description with the Suzuki. In all respects (for my use), simply lovely.

But you will never get your money back. Stick with what you have and then upgrade the whole lot when you can, it makes better financial sense.

Agreed. Unless you get a very good price for the old and a new at a bargain, the maths won't come together to a profit for a loooong time (where time=engine hours).

 

[Robg71]

I went from one like yours (with the peculiar 2+2 system) to a Suzuki 140 four stroke. Was happy with the 115 but beyond description with the Suzuki. In all respects (for my use), simply lovely.



Agreed. Unless you get a very good price for the old and a new at a bargain, the maths won't come together to a profit for a loooong time (where time=engine hours).

So when did boats ever make financial sense....
Buying a new range rover, aston, porsche... Never makes financial sense, but you will justify it to yourself if you want it bad enough....
I cant see financial sense in me looking at two new inboards for mine, but i am looking any way...
Go with your heart and enjoy it
Its only money.... No good to you dead

 

[Kawasaki]

So when did boats ever make financial sense..

Never


Although I am trying to Commercially!


Go with your heart and enjoy it

The way to go


Its only money.... No good to you dead

Ferzackelry{

Motorboating is brilliant
There is a Cost of course
So is a Static Caravan
An a Bricks and Mortar Holiday Home
Fishing for Trout on a Chalk Stream
Proper job shooting pheasants?
Kinnel, those larks can take some drinking coupons out the job!
Flying?
That's another dear do
By the time you have your PPL
Then rent or by an Aeroplane?
Makes boaty stuff look right cheap
imho

 

[landlockedpirate]

So when did boats ever make financial sense....
Buying a new range rover, aston, porsche... Never makes financial sense, but you will justify it to yourself if you want it bad enough....
I cant see financial sense in me looking at two new inboards for mine, but i am looking any way...
Go with your heart and enjoy it
Its only money.... No good to you dead

Fair enough, but the OP's only criteria for changing seems to be to save money on his trips out.

Unless he does mega hours, the numbers dont stack up.

 

[Lakesailor]

Except that the new motor will have value, which burnt fuel doesn't.