'79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

[metalvolks]

Hi everyone. I am new to the boating community and to Iboats.

I have been looking at a gorgeous '79 Glastron with a '79 150 Blackmax that was totally rebuilt last spring (owner says it has less than 60 hours and it cost him $5,300 - top and bottom).

Here is my main question: this motor has never been in salt water. I live in San Diego and would like to take it out in the salt water every once in a while. I am fully aware of the flushing procedure and plan on being very anal with the flushing. Would this motor be able to last a fairly long time after being in salt water?

I have heard that outboards starting in the mid 90's were built better for salt water. How so? I realize that salt isn't the best thing for a motor, but how much shorter of a life would it have compared to just being on lakes and rivers.

I'm a car guy and I just don't see why different motors would react differently to salt (being that salt water has to travel through the block and head to cool the motor). I would think that as long as you flush it VERY well all motors would be fairly equal.

Second question: I have heard that these motors are VERY hard to find parts for (one mechanic that I spoke with questioned how the owner was able to rebuild that motor at all). What do you think?

Please let me know what you think, as this is a concern I have.

Thanks!

Paul

 

[cgBosun3]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

Flush well with fresh water every time you use it and it should last you quite a while. My dad was not a believer in maintenance; drive till its broke was his motto! Anyway, he kept both his Merc and Johnson O/Bs in salt water 8 months a year, never flushing them. Both lasted better than 8 years apiece before he sold them. I have a 1985 150 HP Black max that is original everything - but I flush with lots of fresh water after every salt water outing.

 

[metalvolks]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

Thanks! I do appreciate your feedback.

I figured that if you just take EXTRA care of those older motors that they would last in salt water. I wouldn't be keeping the boat in the water - trailer it everywhere.

Does anyone else have experience with these motors? Are parts impossible to find?

Please check out this boat. Do you think it would be a good deal? Too much $$$?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/boa/326520571.html

Paul

 

[Damn Yankee]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

I have twin 1994 Black Max 135's used exclusively in salt water. One thing to remember, in addition to flushing with fresh water after every use, is rinsing the exterior too. I take the cowling off and rinse the power head as well (after it cools) and spray a light coat of lubrication oil (WD-40 works) to prevent corrosion on electrical connections. I couldn't believe how corrosive salt water is, until actually operating in that environment and you will see this for yourself soon. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Remember this and you'll be ok in salt water.

 

[metalvolks]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

I have twin 1994 Black Max 135's used exclusively in salt water. One thing to remember, in addition to flushing with fresh water after every use, is rinsing the exterior too. I take the cowling off and rinse the power head as well (after it cools) and spray a light coat of lubrication oil (WD-40 works) to prevent corrosion on electrical connections. I couldn't believe how corrosive salt water is, until actually operating in that environment and you will see this for yourself soon. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Remember this and you'll be ok in salt water.

This is excellent advice! I will be doing that. I still have the question of "how reliable is the '79 Blackmax" and "can I still find parts fairly easily"? Also, check out the boat here: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/boa/326520571.html . Do you guys think this is overpriced or well priced based on the excellent condition and the rebuilt motor?

Paul

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

Metal, First of all I think he is exaggerating about the price of the rebuild, or he is an idiot to spend that kind of $ on an 28-year old motor. Secondly, those motors had SS driveshafts and shift shafts, as well as other parts. It was reasonably corrosion resistant. if you flush it with fresh water, you will not have any difficulty. The motor will last until you either wear it out or blow it up.

The issue with salt water use is after the motor is shut off (end of day or end of weekend) and the salt remains in the motor. As long as this doesn't happen you will be fine.

 

[metalvolks]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

Chris,

I totally agree with you - I have emailed him asking exactly what they did to the motor that cost that much! you can get a good used (5-10 year old) Mercury for the same price!!!

We'll see what he says....

Thanks for the insight though, much appreciated.

Paul

 

[metalvolks]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

This is excellent advice! I will be doing that. I still have the question of "how reliable is the '79 Blackmax" and "can I still find parts fairly easily"? Also, check out the boat here: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/boa/326520571.html . Do you guys think this is overpriced or well priced based on the excellent condition and the rebuilt motor?

Paul

bump on my last question...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '79 Mercury 150 Blackmax - Salt water?!

Well obviously a boat that old would never book anywhere near that value. He's relying on it's condition and the motor rebuild to create the value. For that price the boat should be absolutely SOLID. Not one ounce of work required now or in the near future. No rot of any kind. If that is indeed the case, I'd have no problem paying $4k for it and if there is nothing newer or more appealing in the area perhaps $5k. My bet is he'd go for a $5k offer. It does look like a nice boat and the fresh motor rebuild is appealing if he has the paperwork to prove it.