Fitting a new 50HP 4 stroke To 535 is it worth it?

[dj2k8]

Hello,
I have never previously posted on a forum before so please be gentle. I purchased a Shetland 535 last year which I thoroughly enjoy taking out for fishing trips.
I currently have a 40hp mid 90’s two stroke mariner engine mounted to the boat, as a reserve I have a 4hp Mercury 4 stroke purchased last year. The 40 HP is adequate for the boat in terms of traveling (although quite thirsty on the fuel). However this engine does not have powered tilt / trim, any battery charging facilities nor does it start first time when cold being a pull start it can be a bit of a menace. I am considering purchasing an all new 50hp outboard (might as well add a few horses if I am spending a small fortune anyway) with all of the expected mod cons.
As this is my first boat I am enjoying installing new kit and want to continue making mods to make its use much easier, bilge pump, rod holders new windows seals re-painting ect. (planning on having the engine mounted professionally, tinkering should be done out of season where possible in my opinion)
My only quibble with the boat itself is that the deck space is quite restrictive. The cabin is great for storing equipment in but I am too paranoid things will disappear if I leave them in the boat overnight.
Currently I am happy to tinker and play with the boat I have but there is the possibility I will change it at a later date for additional deck space.
Most of boats with larger deck space I have looked with all appear to be kitted out with fish finder chart plotter and auxiliary engine ect.
So my question is am I wasting my money purchasing a new engine and fitting it to the boat?
This is a list of my current considerations
If I Purchase the outboard -
Would it be possible that someone would be willing to purchase a 535 with a two year old trailer 2, 3 year old auxiliary two year old 50hp engine chart plotter ect while still paying a fair price for the collection?
Should I keep the engine I have and do some minor servicing / refurbishment on this. Should I decide to sell my 535 re fit the old 40 hp engine and selling the additional extras individually including the new engine / mount it to a new boat.
Should I keep the 535 for many happy years of fishing, using a well maintained efficient fours stroke that is covered by warranty for a few years at least.
If I don’t purchase the outboard -
Would I be best saving the money to put towards a different boat perhaps with a four stroke engine? – this would likely cause me to sell the 535 earlier than If it did have a new engine fitted.
Keep the whole setup I have and run my 40hp to destruction and make a choice then.
I am sure a lot of people have had the same thoughts and issues around putting a new engine on a 40 year old boat and it would be a big help if anyone could pass on the wealth of their knowledge.
Best Regards,
Dan

[instantsmile]

Hi
While at my local marina on the Thames this week a basic Shetland 525 was sold with a new 25hp Honda outboard c/w trailer for £4000 it was in good condition but not immaculate . it took a year to sell . I sold my 525 with a old Honda 9.9 with a 2 year old trailer for 2K I photo is on the site (moneypenny ). I hope this helps
Pete

[dellquay13]

Hi,
Another option would be a 2nd hand 50hp four stroke from someone with a good reputation, like a certain forum member up in Glasgow.
At 3-4 years old it would still have some warranty left but with a considerable chunk of the new cost knocked off.
Chris.

[daveinglasgow]

Hi

I am guessing I am that certain member but either way here is our view

Money no object: yes get a yam or honda. this it what the comercial guys use and abuse and they will put 5-8,000 hours on them i.e. bullet proof and the Honda has a 6 year warranty so even better.

This also helps if you are vat registered. we also find it amazing that a local company to the boat owner that is VAT registered will buy the engine in return for you paying part of the engine cost and agreeing that you will take a few of their clients out.

for: great engines, v reliable, less fuel, no mixing, less hassle etc.
against: upfront cost. should not be sold with the boat ( i.e. work out what you want for the boat and then give a seperate price for the engine. good 4 strokes are in short supply so hold their value well after the first year- 2 years. before this they are like selling a car after 6 months)

Option 2

get a 2nd hand 4 stroke. still far better than 2 stroke (unless you are just going to blast about at full revs and then turning it off) but you dont take the initail hit on outlay and devaluation in the first year.

for: less cost, often no warranty and for such an outlay unless bought from a dealer v v risky, rare to get a good one as people dont tend to sell them
against: you must know history, hours etc which can be v hard to get. its like a 2nd hand car and in many cases the engine will not have hours used so be lucky

Option 3

buy a used 2 stroke late 1990's to early 2,000. Clean carbs and gear box oil ( check for water by dropping in a pan and look for it, oh and it will look like hot fat on water/ gravey if you know what I mean), pray to your god of water ( do this even with a new engine please) and have fun. Oh and enjoy the smell. If it is auto mix please turn it off as if this fails your engine will be scrap metal and this is not fun when out and about.

note: there are some very good two strokes out there that are great fun to use and I personaly love them especially if having a lads day out. It is just that many have been abused, many are v old and hence need work etc.

Good points: cheaper, accelerate 10% faster ish, the smell, weight of engine ( in some not all cases)
bad points: fuel costs, pre mixing oil, getting a good one, more regular service needed,

Other notes:

even having option 1 does not mean you can get away without having a back up engine
feel free to call me on this anytime as I am here to help and to stop people getting ripped off or being put in danger.

Dave
0759 563 8185

[Guest]

Gents,
Thanks for your responses it is much appreciated that you have given up your time to pass on some knowledge to a fellow boater.

Instantsmile, thanks for that input, I would not not be able to sell the boat for that price on the trailer and with a new engine so I will be retaining both my previous trailer and my current engine should I purchase a new engine.

Dellquay, thanks for that I have had a look into a 2nd hand modern four stroke, the price drop of purchasing from a reputable dealer doesn’t feel enough to out weigh having something new that is nice and shiny and knowing I have full knowledge of the engines use and care.

Dave, It is the Honda I am looking at, Due to my lack of experience I am looking forward to the RYA course that comes with it (although I do feel I have already made enough mistakes to be comfortable at that level but im sure it will be of value, be enjoyable and makes for cheaper insurance). Unfortunately I am not a sole trader but that is certainly food for thought.

My worry with the second hand outboards is like you say getting a good one is difficult, I am hoping to venture further away from my local slip through the summer so reliability is certainly important and risking a second hand outboard ( that I would rather pay to have fitted while I was busy so the boat is generally available if (we ever) get a decent spell of weather) and I would be gutted if I had to have down time for repairs during the summer.

All things considered if I was to get a four stroke and forget about the cost I do not think I would regret it.

My daughter has been asking for a run out on the boat and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking her out with an outboard I wasn't 100% with and I should really apply the same logic when she is not on-board. I wouldn't ever attempt to go to see without an auxiliary not after my first ever try at launching the boat from the beach with a front wheel drive car, needless to say it was a disaster and I have learnt a lot since then and now always go off a slip with a tractor...

[dj2k8]

Sorry about that ^^ cant have been logged in

[daveinglasgow]

hi

well if its honda i will do you the cheapest deal in the uk so feel free to call and re the VAT I thought you had a friend who was looking at some corporate hospitality?

Dave
0759 563 8185