i was just thinking bout a couple of outboards i saw reciently for sale.i believe they were 1999 300 hp johnson v8 outboards new w/zero hours.anybody know if these would make a good pair for a 28 foot cat.a friend has them for sale at a good deal just wanted to get some tech info on them.thanks

[ 01-22-2002: Message edited by: glassdave ]

They are very heavy and the gearcases tend not to last very long especially if run surfacing. They also love fuel, a friend has them on his 30' Superboat and it can sure use the fuel up quick, they do have tremendous torque.
Unless they are really really cheap I would think you would be better off looking for something in a different color, preferably black. Resale value on the boat will be higher with black motors.
Just my $.04
Caleb

right around 10K for the pair

Heavy motor. I had a 3.6 300hp on a 21 Eliminator that I ran relatively high and NEVER had a gear problem. The boat is over 10 years old, has never had the powerhead or gearcase apart and still runs within 2mph of new. In other words, I think they're more reliable than the high hp mercs.
$10K sounds like a good deal.
Gary

10k is great deal for a pair of zero hours motors even if they are heavy.

Had a couple of them on a Scarab 34 Super Sport. They were very powerful, albeit heavy.
Ended up smoking one due to a vacuum line leak. Yes a vacuum line. The VROs operate on vacuum signals . I would highly reccomend that you premix the fuel/oil in the gas tank. They sure were hard on fuel. I would leave my house in Gibraltar,MI and run 26 miles(round trip) to perch fish, and would burn 35-40 gallons of fuel.
Then there's the issue of Bombardier buying out Johnson/Evinrude. Possibly making it difficult finding parts.If I were to buy an outboard again it would definately be in a different color.
just my .02
Btw if you go this route. I have some spare props for these motors(OMC Rakers-stainless), along with a counter rotating lower unit, that I can sell for very cheap.

[ 01-22-2002: Message edited by: Erie Desire ]

I don't think they made the v-8 in 1999

i am geussing at the year, i know that they are new and never used . a friend has them locally and i was just thinking out loud with this thread.i was considering putting togather a new boat with a few deals that just came along.i will find out exactly what they are and adjust this thread.

I just did the research and ended up buying one for my 21 Superboat. Get in touch with Gordon at Monty racing down in florida and he will give you the scoop. Actually are good motors. No problem with parts availability and they can be modified to produce 400-450 reliable horsepower. The stock 3.6 liter motors actually made in excess of 320 hp and the later 4.0 made around 280 (differernt port timing). They are not low rpm motors especially the 3.6s. They create their horsepower over 4500 rpms and should be used that way not lugging a 24' Grady White around. Never heard anything bad about the gearcases except that some people run V6 gearcases for reduced drag. Ask the boys on ScreamandFly.com.
PaulO

ok lets try this again . . just found out they are 1995 250 hp johnsons fresh (remans) with zero hours.next time i'll try to get my stories straight before go'n off half cock'd.anyway . . does anybody know anything bout these things.still thinking bout pusnin a 28 foot cat about 1600lbs w/out power.