Who all has replaced a motor on an older boat? I've got a 2003 BassCat Cougar with Yamaha 225. The boats in good shape. I've upgraded all the electronics and new carpet in the last year. However, I discovered a crack in the block. It's been running fine. But, it sets off the temp alarm when the air temp and water temp are high and I am idling for an extended time. Plus, I just tore up the lower unit again last week. New boat is out of the question with another one heading off to college.

I could just fix the lower unit again with the insurance claim and see how long it holds up. Or could rebuild everything. I really don't want to put a new motor on it. I missed out a couple of weeks ago on a nice low hour used Merc. That was before I tore up my lower unit.

Anyone else gone through a similar scenario? Would you do it again or do it different?

Thanks,

If funding is there repower w new 4 stroke merc , incredible motor.

7-8K for. New powerhead and insurance for the lower
20k for a new motor

Tough choice but I know what I did

I'd do this and have a reputable local shop install it. I'm in the same boat with the college deal but we are in our senior year with our student and she's already getting six figure job offers.
I made the jump just before Christmas and got a new to me Skeeter. I had a 14 foot jon boat with a trolling motor and a fish finder I was fishing out of before the Skeeter. Here's what I found: https://obparts.com/remanufactured-yamaha-vz-z-200-225-250-300-hp-v6-3-3l-hpdi-powerhead-2003-2009/

You will likely find a new engine is hard to get right now. I was shopping around the last few months and I am being told that best expectation for a new Yamaha is September (but even that is unlikely). I was actually told by a number of shops that they highly suggest, and prefer not to do it themselves, to not repower an older boat. The devaluation on the motor was the main complaint.

The other issue you will have is the 225. That is what I have and is even more difficult to find right now in the used market. Mercury is a little easier to find, but then you have to worry about the lower unit issues they have, and you have to spend the money to change all your controls. Add in that the used motors with roughly 300 hours are barely any cheaper than a new motor with full warranty (could you get one).

I would suggest a rebuild personally. You will likely get 4+ years on it and be able to trade in a running boat at that point. Due to the year of your boat, in 4 years, do you think you will be able to get $20,000 for it with a 2022 motor on it???

Tough call either way. I'm 6 months into an anticipated 12 month wait on delivery of an ordered Mercury 200 repower. My current Optimax is still running great, but it's approaching 700 hours and I figured it was a matter of time before it let go. Like you, I love my 2013 Pantera II, the 2022 Pantera II is essentially the exact same boat, and my only mechanical liability is the engine so I just decided to repower vs hunt for a new boat.

I think, to just get back on the water asap, you'll probably need to go the rebuild route. That'll give you some time to decide whether to repower with a used engine when one comes available, or to get on the list for a new engine.

I found myself in a similar situation last year. I could have had it rebuilt, but it would have been 6-7k and 1 year of warranty. That did not make any sense to me so I started looking at new motors and newer used motors that still had warranty. I ended up getting an almost new motor with low hours and warranty till 2024 for not much more than the rebuild.

i love my iclass so i went new and its the best thing i have done

What year is your iClass? Where you able to finance a new motor?

I replaced by old carb OMC last year with a used 2 stroke 250 ProXS. New controls and add on's were a good portion of that swap, but luckily my old OMC was still running and was able to use cash from that sale to pay for most of it. I will say the gas consumption was a real eye opener in how much less gas I was using on my fishing trip. Granted I have no warranty, but I could not see putting 22K plus motor on a 98 vintage boat.

its a 2009 motor is 2021 i cashed in some stocks to pay for it

I suggest looking for a used motor. Be patient and take your time. A lot of folks are repowering; specifically along the coast. This is what I would do for my 97 Kenner but my 88 SLP Johnson does not want to die. A new motor on an old boat is not good.

Good luck!!

I have heard these guys are good. https://www.texasoutboardrebuild.com/

1 year full warranty and 50/50 on second year.

Jtb outboards in grorgia , best in the south and well worth the price , he specializes in Yamaha motors