I have just purchased a 1974 18 ft dyne with no motor. I plan on restoring the boat to like new condition. I was wondering what motor you guys would recommend for this boat. I just plan on using it for a family ski boat and a runabout for the lake. I know of a 1989 225 VRO Evinrude that's for sale but I don't know if that's to much motor for the boat. How fast could I expect the boat to run with the 225 on the back? Also the boat needs a new trailer. Where are you guys getting your trailers from? thanks
A lot of people are putting 200+ hp motors on 18' dynes. The boat can handle the power as long as everything is still solid (transom, stringers, floor, etc.). The hulls are not necessarily designed for speed, so most people stick with a maximum of a 19 pitch prop. This will limit the speed to about 55-60, but the motor can easily over rev with little or no load behind the boat. The smallest motor I would personally use on it is a 150, but I like to pull multiple barefooters. I haven't actually driven an 18 footer with a 115, but I would imagine it would do quite well pulling 1-2 people, and go about 45. You could also change pitch a little and sacrifice speed for power or vice versa. Buy in on a smaller motor would be much less, and it would also use less fuel and oil. So it all depends on how you would actually use the boat, the performance you want to get out of it, and how much you are willing to spend. I am partial to Evinrude (especially the newer E-tecs), but in reality, evinrude, merc, and yamaha are all pretty decent. Just about any trailer manufacturer can build a trailer that will fit fairly well. I just got a trailmaster through Tom Miller (contact info somewhere on the site). Eagle also builds very nice trailers. Most builders require you to purchase through a dealer though, so you may have to check at some of your local dealers to see what they carry, or contact another dealer that you know carries the brand you decide on.
the 225 vro will like fuel.It may be worth looking into a newer motor and you will save alot in fuel. Are you planning on having it going this summer?
Those motors are generally very reliable but can be very hard to get to idle properly when older and as parts wear on them. Also can be difficult to keep a steady speed with. It is a decent option but I would look harder for something newer in a 150-200 small block if you can find something.
Thanks for the answers!! I'm still not so sure about what motor is right for me. but the price is right for the 225 so I might just go with that for now.
It should work fine as long as it is properly tuned. A fried of mine has an 89 Johnson 225VRO and it has 900 hours on it on his 20 ft dyne. It idles a bit erratically, but works well for footing and most other stuff. We just had it out for the first time this year on Saturday afternoon. If it has not been tuned recently, you should have new thermostats put in, water pump and do a sync n link of the carbs/throttle linkage. Also make sure the shift interrupter switch is functioning properly so it shifts properly and stays running when shifted. Idle speed setting is also important on those. If it still has oil injection hooked up, hopefully it is the newer VRO2 or OMS oil pump.
