What he said...... :clap:

My 81' has a 96 Johnson 200 ocean runner.

Though I just bought the boat, all the research Ive done, everybody says these motors are near bulletproof. The mid 90's models are very good and you can probably pick up a 150-200HP for about $3500-$5000.

Yea im thinking 200 and trim tabs. The motor runs fine now but u have to push it kinda hard. Probably do lenco tabs next month ..n take it from there.

$3000 will probably keep you in carb 2 stroke range. I personally like Mercury V6's. they are light, make great power, you can use your existing wire harness and controls. Down side to mercs are the oil system is sketchy after it gets some age on it and the ignition can give some issues, water pumps on need to be replaced every year. My next recommendation would be a Yamaha V6, they are very reliable, oil injection rarely gives any problem and the ignition is bullet proof. Down side is they are expensive, parts are outrageous(especially the ignition), the trim system gives issues, trim motors are $$$, corrosion is an issue as well. Weight is about the same as the Johnrudes, but more than the mercs. Johnrudes round out the selection. Parts are cheap, the motors can be found cheap, plenty of aftermarket and good used parts. downside is the lower units fail quite regularly, the oil injection didn't work when they were brand new and should be disconnected, the ignition system gives issues, plastic carburetors(no longer available from the manufacture) and corrosion. Used 2 stroke Suzuki's are great motors, but their reputation for corrosion issues is earned, parts are rare and stupid expensive, good used lower unit bring a premium. I'd recommend staying away from them unless you find a nice fresh water, looks brand new, low hour, too cheap to pass up kinda deal.

Keep your merc for now, get used to the boat. If you find a deal on a motor, post it up on here and we'll give you our opinion on it.

Sounds good. Thanks for the info. Going down to tukerton this weekend hopefully its tolerable weather. Would like to bring boat w me n hit great bay mullica river area

Hi and welcome to the site. Where are you located in northern NJ? I'm in Montville, and several of us here on this site live fairly close to each other.

LISTEN to Spareparts and always take his advice if possible. The man is a walking encyclopedia on engines. You could spend thousands just to get the opinions he just gave you for free in this post. (except for that part about " If you have good lookin naked women running around your boat you don't really need the gas, beer or fish. They help, but are not necessary).

They say that a 150hp 2 stroke is the perfect size for these boats, and in fact, they came from the factory with 150's. My personal preference is a little larger. My 21 has a 200 and my 20 has a 225. I like the 200 ... I realize that not everyone will agree, but for me, it seems to be just about the perfect fit.

Welcome to the site!



Me too...but I am not sure there is such a thing.

there is no such thing

I had a customer that was complaining about their boat being broke and could not understand. i made mention that 99% of the boats I step on have something wrong with them. I got a complete blank stare of confusion from her.It went right over her head, and I just kept working on the boat

Im mainly between hillside and
little egg harbor .spareparts where are you located

Goose Creek, SC (near Charleston, SC)