Should I upgrade or update

[tntitans21399]

I am going to try and save up about $1000, I'm not loaded so I can't afford to much, but I have a old 1972 16ft Terry Bass. I like the layout, but the engine isn't enough. It starts whenever I need it to but it can only push the boat about 21mph (by myself) and 11mph (with 1 or more people). I think it has the original engine which is a 55HP Chrysler engine. I mapped my usage and get about 1 mpg, so it sucks the gas without the power. Should I take the boat in and have someone work on the engine to get more power, maybe it's not working at all power, and stay with the dependable engine. Or should I use the $1000 and try to go for a 85HP or so maybe 80's used motor? Boat rated for 85 max.  The newer engine should have more power (just even if I compared 55 from old to new), better gas mileage, but I run the risk of it not being as dependable? What's your thoughts, should I upgrade to a new more horsepower engine or update mine (which isn't a 100% sure if you can get any more speed or gas mileage from the engine)?

[Bass_Fanatic]

I would update your motor because you know it runs.  Buying a used "older" motor is scarey business.  Have your carbs cleaned, new plugs, new gear lube, new water pump and it should run good.

[SCangler91]

I would just redo the motor.  Get a new carb put in and whatever else needs done.  If you know the right person it won't cost you that much and you'll have extra money to spend as you please as well.

[TopDog]

I would say none of the above. Use it as is and then upgrade the whole boat one day when you can afford a whole new boat. Just my .02

[fishfordollars]

I spent over 5,000.00 on my 82 Mercury 150 last august. Went completely through it, everything you could replace was replaced with new parts. bored the block .015. Replaced the wiring harness as well as every electrical component inside and out. lower unit was completely rebuilt also. Total was 5,384.12. Lots cheaper than a new one.

got 21 hours on it now and it runs like a champ. could not be happier.

[Siebert Outdoors]

IMO, I'd put a little in it to clean it up and save the rest.  You can find reconditioned outboards with factory warranty for fractions of new.  I found an Optimax  2005  225hp on ebay for 6800.  Full Man. warranty.  Do alot of research when you have the $ to upgrade.

[Catt]

In my opinion Chrysler Outboards made good anchors, Upgrade 

[bass or bass ?]

It can be extremely hard to find parts for those old Chryslers. You're quite underpowered anyhow. My 16' boat will run at nearly 40 mph with 2 anglers and full gear with my 1967 Evinrude 80.

[cart7t]

In my opinion Chrysler Outboards made good anchors, Upgrade

Wrap some brush around it with SS wire and you've got a great fish attractor.

X2 on tanking the Chrysler.  Gas hogs, poor efficiency, tough to get service and parts are becoming scarcer.  Upgrade for more HP which = more power with less gas used. 

BTW, any outboard is just one key turn away from blowing.  It's just a matter of how many key turns that is.   

[Jall65]

I use to have the same boat,, Well almost, 1977 Terry bass boat, I had a 85hp Johnson and it pushed my boat to about 45 at wot. I loved the layout on that little boat as well. The main thing when you are looking for a used motor is compression. A motor that has strong compression is a motor that can be fixed. Sometimes rather cheap. Motor needs fuel,spark,compression to run. Fuel and spark are the cheaper fix of the two.  You can rent a compression gauge from Auto Zone and check the compression yourself. It's easy and you have the ease of mind knowing what you have.  Compression in the high 90's and and no more that 4% difference in each of the cylinders you are good to go. The older motors were made to last a long time compared to the newer motors today.

[tntitans21399]

I have checked the compression level before and if I can remember I think it was in the high 80's for both.  It might just be to little of a HP.  How fast does others go with a 55HP engine on a 16ft fiberglass fishing boat?