replacement 30hp motor query

[rockworm]

hi people------i know bugger all about the mechanics of things-basically ive got a glass 3.8 mtr boat-its got a 30 hp 2 stroke merc-2001 model on it now------the motor goes ok-
1-how long can you expect a motor to last before replacement--the motor does about 150 hours a year-----
2-the weight of the motor is very important on my boat-basically its a beach launch job and ive got to go over reef areas and at low tides props can get smashed a bit owing to hitting the rocks at speed-even though you try to overcome that-but it happens no matter how good a skipper you are up here at lennox
3-im thinking of getting a new motor-just to comfort my mind a bit ------thinking that a new motor will be more reliable from potential breakdown problems-----as i go out up to 10 miles off shore in the boat at times-

anyhow id like some input from those who know more to me as to what replacement motor you would get---brand -2or 4 stroke-etc etc-thanks-rockworm-------also rough prices whold help if you know them------thanks-

[Bashir]

mate I would ensure the motor you have now is serviced once a year and it should be fine, those mercs are very reliable and I'm pretty sure that they are also a rebadged tohatsu.

[Target]

Yep, they are a rebadged tohatsu motor. Simple motor and very reliable, I have one hanging off the back of my tinnie and it does a good job, never let me down. Dont know If I would be heading 10nm out in a sub 4m boat though :eek:

Adrian

[Grantm]

Agree with the above. Based on your figures it will have about 750 hours ? Sounds a lot but it should do that again. Keep it serviced it should be ok for a while yet.

If you did go a new motor i would stick with a 2 stroke simply from the weight factor. 4 strokes are heavier motors and may not be as responsive in the surf.

[iain]

Gregg,

If you're smashing the motor over reef & it's getting the occasional dunking then I'd be driving it till it dies while getting it serviced regularly to keep it running reliably. Get yourself a VHF radio and take your phone with you as insurance.

Jimbo is keeping his ear to the ground at the auctions and I know he was looking at some outboards 'in the box' recently. If you are looking for a new outboard get him to keep his eye out for you.

[Jimbo]

Gregg, Do you have any reason to doubt the current power house?

I would just keep the thing serviced when recommended and ask the mechanic if there is any possible concerns/common problems that you can nip in the butt before they occur and request they carryout a compression test every service which will give you a good indication of the condition of the engine.

If you were going to update I think the small 2 strokes would be your best bet, they are lighter, a bit more responsive and fuel is not really an issue.

[JOCOOL]

I would have to agree with the majority. Stick to a 2 stroke. As well as being lighter, they won't have the electronics and other stuff that some of the 4 strokes have that would go bad if being treated harshly.

[bluecod]

Gregg - have you considered putting a cage around the lower leg unit - much the same as the surf clubbies do to prevent bodily injury, but in your case to protect the prop and gearbox ?

[rockworm]

Thanks boys for the quick comments-----simply put-ill keep the existing motor for a while yet-its serviced and goes well so looks like a few more years use in it for me-ian-ive got a radio plus take mobile with me when i go out----target---without writing a book on it-the boat ive got is 1 of 8 ever built--by 2 guys world famous in the surfing industry-----george greenough-world champ knee boarder and bob mc tavish-world champ surfer and now board maker and designer of world fame----the boat was designed for surf rescue and trialled alongside rubber duckies some years ago -owing to being easier to handle (weight wise)surf australia went for the rubber duckies---the boat ive got has some interesting history----im the 4th owner-the boat is set up as a fishing boat now with some unique features-the first bloke used to shark fish for the jaws as a living-he fished all the time some 20miles out to sea from lennox for them--the second guy was a pro reef fisherman out of byron --the third guy was a lennox local who simply has the best boat fisho reputation in the area as well as being part of the voluntry coast guard who has saved a few souls off lennox over the years when other rescue boats could not get out through the ballina bar --the boat can be cut into 4 pieces-and is impossible to sink-as well as being able to operate almost like a jet ski in big surf--------when jimbo comes up here in september he can take a pic or two and post them on the site---thanks again guys for your imput and advise--------gregg

[rockworm]

blue cod-i got 2 different cages installed to protect the prop---off the rubber duckies the surf guys use-----bottom line is on my boat you lose about 20% of max speed with them on------which is a no no when making a run through the surf to get out-thanks for the comment-----gregg

[Gutsy]

I can't wait to see a photo of that boat. Sounds like a great boat. Glass I presume Gregg with heaps of foam also??

Gutsy

[bluecod]

Ahhh Hell gregg - if that's all that's worrying you, put a 50 on it - Greenough would've :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
bottom line is on my boat you lose about 20% of max speed with them on------
Just joking Gregg - being an old kneeboarder myself, one appreciates the value of a Greenough/McTavish design - that boat has got to be designed for breaking known limits.

PS My 1975 kneeboard is a collusion between Greenough and Crawford and is a work of art :cool: