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[Mike Carrigan]

Thanks for the reply. Sure, I'd love an etec, but not financially possible at 15K for a new 150. Been shopping used motors and don't see too many used etecs. Will probably have to settle on a 6-7 year old motor in my price range. The more I read about 4-strokes now, the more I want to stick with 2-stroke. Thanks, Jim.

Jim,
Been having trouble sending and recieving E's, 50/50 shot this will show, but, if so, send me your E address to my E; mcarrigan@prolinemail.net
I'll dig up closest specs I can re your new Pro-Line as to H.P. performance and the like on Monday.
May help you with your decisions.
Mike Carrigan

[seabob4]

Jim,
IMO, a good re-power choice for you would be a 200 Ocean Pro or Ocean Runner, circa '00.  Excellent motors, no "Ficht" issues, and all your rigging stays the same, just a "remove and replace".

4-Strokes have their advantages, but their is nothing wrong with 2-Strokes.  Low hours, but still used enough, as well as excellent yearly maintenance are the key to buying a good used motor.

[jimduke]

I've found some 225hp Johnson/Evinrude motors from circa 2000. My boat is rated for 200hp. I'm still not clear what dictates motor size. Weight or power (meaning transom damage from too much flexing or torque). I'd like the most hp I can hang off the back. These motors average 350 hours. Thanks, Jim.

[seabob4]

Jim,
The 200 and 225 were the same motor, just different on the intake size (and of course, some fuel injection mapping).  Identical in every physical aspect.  Get the 225!

[jimduke]

Uh...I'm a little confused by your reply. These motors are all carbureted so fuel injection mapping would not apply. Other than Etecs and Ficht, I didn't think OMC/Bomb produced any other injected engines.

While we're on that subject, I would like your opinion on carb vs fuel injection on boats. I generally prefer FI over carbs in cars, trucks and motorcycles, but I'm not sure with boats. Main reason is the diagnostic headache (special tools required), many more electrical components and difficulty with repairs on the water. Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks, Jim.

[a7ewizard]

While we're on that subject, I would like your opinion on carb vs fuel injection on boats. I generally prefer FI over carbs in cars, trucks and motorcycles, but I'm not sure with boats. Main reason is the diagnostic headache (special tools required), many more electrical components and difficulty with repairs on the water. Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks, Jim.

IMO, FI is the only way to go! Better MPGs, sure starts, engine protection circuitry for low oil pressure and overheat. On my VP I/Os I have never had an issue with the ECM. I did have a faulty oil pressure sender which triggered a throttle back protection. On the flip side, my water pump impeller failed and the ECM throttled back as designed and prevented major damage. Except for the easiest repairs like a loose wire or leaking fuel line, how much wrenching/repair can you really accomplish on the water??

Warren

[jimduke]

Hello Warren,
Thanks for the input. Believe me I'm all for FI and the benefits it brings. My concern is having to rely on dealer visits to diagnose problems using special equipment that the average person can't afford or know how to use. My 11 year old Harley is FI, and will throw a check engine light when there's a problem (usually a sensor), but it also has a way to determine the problem without having to plug a scanner into the ECM. Based on your experience, do EFI outboards have anything similar for diagnostics? Thanks, Jim.

[a7ewizard]

Hello Warren,
Thanks for the input. Believe me I'm all for FI and the benefits it brings. My concern is having to rely on dealer visits to diagnose problems using special equipment that the average person can't afford or know how to use. My 11 year old Harley is FI, and will throw a check engine light when there's a problem (usually a sensor), but it also has a way to determine the problem without having to plug a scanner into the ECM. Based on your experience, do EFI outboards have anything similar for diagnostics? Thanks, Jim.

I am new to O/Bs, having 11 years running the VP's. My 24 SS has the Suzuki. I took it in for maintenance soon after I acquired it but my shop didn't have the right plug to read the ECM. I believe the older Johnson 4S were Suzuki engines and my mechanic had the older plug style. My understanding the OB ECMs hold all the engine history including diagnostic codes, hours, overtemps, max RPM etc. These may vary with the manufacturer. I don't know if a home mechanic type scanner is available?

Warren

[carmine7075]

Hello everyone,

I am happy to have found a Proline owners website.  I own a 1986 Proline center console that is still going strong.  I love the boat, she rides nicely, has lots of teak and shes built rock solid. 

I put some work into her on a regular basis, and she thanks me by still earning a compliment or two after all those years.   Shes got some scratches and patches here and there, but what boat that is used regularly doesnt?

Thanks to those who put this site together, look forward to hearing others prolines.

[Robert1]

carmine 7075

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