I have a 96 Johnson Faststrike that I am sending about 1K per year to keep going and parts are getting harder to come by each year. What do I need to know about Repowering? I would like to go to a Mercury 150 or 175 on a 96 Ranger 461VS. Boat is in great shape but tired of spending money on an old motor.

If that is a 150 hp and you decide to get rid of that Johnson let me know. Mine is a 96 model. Some of the parts are not made anymore but it hasn’t been an issue for me yet. After I got rid of the VRO and went to the dual stacked fuel pump I have had very little problems. Even cold mornings are not a problem. But having a extra supply of parts would be good!

I went from a 2 stroke to a 4 stroke a few years back. It’s nice having a motor from this millennium.

As far as what to know. New motors have been scarce lately. Most manufacturers require them to be dealer installed for the warranty. Call around and compare out the door prices. Rigging and labor really adds up.

i sat down and put a pencil to it on how much i was spending a year to keep my 02 hpdi running and how much time i was spending working on it and not fishing and how much a new motor payment would be. adding in the non confidence aspect i was experiencing with the hpdi and the fact that yamaha wasn't making 2 strokes anymore. the new motor won hands down.

Those of you that had a dealer do your work did you get any credit for the old motor or do they charge you to get rid of it?

It will not be a lot, but our dealership would certainly give trade in value to a running engine, even if it's old. Obviously private sale is always your way to go to make the most money you can.
If you are serious about repowering and don't mind a little drive to East Texas, we'd be happy to quote you. Our price may make it worth your while.

Most will give you some $ for a running motor or stick it on a pallet and load it in the back of your truck for you.

gonna take awhile to get a new 150 pro xs.

like everyone said.. private sale is always best way to go.

if you need anything or are around the lake fork area, give me a shout.

steve.

btw.. there are several things you need to know.

1) if you have a jack plate, it may not be rated for the heavier engine.
2) you will need alot of rigging components when switching from omc to mercury.
3) all the props you have now may or may not work. so bank on a new prop
4) if you choose the new 4 strokes, you will be impressed.

I repowered last march , waited 6 months on new motor, dealership gave me 00$0 for the old motor, ( a buddy went and picked it up , maybe fix it and
sell later)
My motor was 20 years old , would cost at least 5k to fix it right and some parts were not available.

good luck
MO