Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

[Mark isfishing]

I am looking to upgrade Hp on my old Aluminum jon boat
and will be looking at a Gamefisher 15 hp. The asking price is $475.00 is this a good price. Are there parts available for this brand. I am on a budget and am trying to avoid making costly mistakes. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

what year, model #? over the years a lot of companies, built engines for sears, some good, some bad. need the info inorder to tell you.

 

[Mark isfishing]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

I'll get that info tonight when I look at it.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

I would think you could get an older running OMC engine for that amount of money. Parts, service and advice are readily available for the Johnny/Rudes.

 

[Mark isfishing]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Here is the info on that GAMEFISHER 15 hp

Model 217-586351

Serial # 28-221518

MOTOR TAG 385 TECUMSEH 2012

Does anybody know Year reliability and parts availability info.

P.S. Solittle Check my Thread under Evinrude/Johnson repair Evinrude 9.5 converson to short shaft I own that one the gamefisher I just looked at but did not buy I don't know its value and the seller would have to come down regardless.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Mark - There are too many sections on this site for me to go hunting for your post. So I'm going to guess that you want to do the conversion on a small tinny. I run a 1975 9.9 long shaft on a 12' tinny and I get on plane & it runs just fine (with the wife on board too).

I'm not real hot on the "off" brand outboards no matter what the age or condition.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

If it is not one of their re-badged Mercs, don't bother...Also, I have heard some don't have zinc which can cause problems if you are using it in salt. If it is a merc, do a compression test and go for it since it is a pretty good price.

 

[Mark isfishing]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Thanks Solittle you guessed wright. I have a 12' ft 1970 sears aluminum and want to get it on plan. with my 1969 Johnson 6 hp that does not happen. I purchased a 1968 evinrude 9.5 which I am converting to a short shaft.

Desiedt i did not purchase the gamefisher I don't need anymore problems.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Johhy/Rude or nothing. Gamefishers are old junk (and they were never Mercs)

 

[steelespike]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

While the bigger motor is the way to go the 6 should plane with an extension handle.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Cammander...Merc took over production of many Gamefisher, Force, and mariner outboards int he mid/late 90s.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

but the gamefisher, and force never made the catagory of the merc, johnny/rude. like comparing YUGO and HONDA.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Go for a 9.9 or 15 OMC - any year. Great combo.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Go for a 9.9 or 15 OMC - any year. Great combo.

Yep, yep, yep.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Cammander...Merc took over production of many Gamefisher, Force, and mariner outboards int he mid/late 90s.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

Cammander...Merc took over production of many Gamefisher, Force, and mariner outboards int he mid/late 90s.

Don't care ..still junk, and OMC's are the same price in the 80's, and terrific motors. See them DAILY on Craigs..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

sears had a great gimmick. CREDIT my 97y/o mother in law, still owes them $17,000, and they upped her credit limit, again. we just make the minimum payment, there going to loose their A$$ on this one. she doesn't have any of the stuff she bought. and no assets. serves them right.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

For that kind of money just get an old omc! It will be a much better motor, and easy to get parts for.

 

[PMW]

Re: Gamefisher 15hp good or bad budget choice

I just parked my 'Gamefisher 15'. Gamefishers are Chrylers. Mine says Chrysler, but it is the same motor. The HP to Weight ratio is excellent. It made my 12' semi-v plane with 3 people in the boat, no problem. What I never liked about it was that it is a points motor....not electronic ignition. I was always a little skiddish about long hauls because it's technology seemed outdated. This year I parked it and bought a Honda to replace it. I would now feel comfortable going anywhere in my boat which is something I never felt with my Chrysler. So to answer your question, it is only a good choice if peace of mind isn't a requirement.