1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

[camaro0991]

hey all i need help. im looking at a 1993 robalo 2440 with less then 200 hours on twin mercury 2stroke outboards. what are these boats worth? what should i look for? Is 200 hours alot on an outboard? Do i have to worry about replacing an engine anytime soon or anyhting like that? All help would be greatly appreciated.. thanks!

 

[kmurray802]

Re: 1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

More info:Are motors also 1993?Has boat been used in salt or fresh water?

I'm sure I'll get a bunch of people on here tell me why this next statement is wrong,but here it goes anyway:
My opinion is if you buy a boat with older Merc.2 strokes make sure you also buy a Sea-tow membership and up the limit on your gas card.
However,like anything else it all depends on the last owners up-keep practices.

 

[camaro0991]

Re: 1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

yes there 1993 mercury 150 two strokes


gas issues ive heard about. gotta pay to play, but as far as relaiblilty goes what usually goes bad on a motor like that? i know nothing of outboards. also how good of a name is robalo. for whats ive read there pretty good boats.

 

[kmurray802]

Re: 1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

Let me 1st say I've not owned either Robalo or mercury 2 St's. But I know people that have. It is my understanding that Robalo is a well built,quality boat,however 15 year old Merc.2 st's will give you problems especially if they have lived ther life in a salt enviroment.
The main issue that I've seen is there carburated and hard to get" tuned" just right.
Tunning probably not a problem for some,but I enjoy using a boat more then working on it.I can assure you,You will have to "wrench"on those motors to keep them running.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

i am an OMC man, but there is nothing wrong with a properly maintained Mercury, as with any outboard proper maintainance is the main issue. i had good service out of the mercs i've owned. i just prefer the OMC, engine as i understand them better. a 1993 2 stroke if properly cared for , is just getting broken in good. there are 40 year old motors that are still running as good as new.

 

[dingbat]

Re: 1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

I had a pair of 1986 175 Hp Mercs up until 2 years ago and they purred like a kitten until the day I sold them. Never had any tuning prolbems or anything else like that. Rebuilt the carbs at 15 years of age and that was it.

Having said that, only 200 hours on 14 year old motors is certainly detrimental to their longevity. Better plan on replacing all the rubber on that motor at a minimum. The clear oil lines on that motor are notations for breaking and checking them should be put on your annual maintenance schedule.

 

[camaro0991]

Re: 1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

thanks for all the help guys. i go check her out on sunday. Iv hear good things about that model and its seems like a stupid cheap price.

ive worked on car engines my whole life so outboards are new to me. ill definitly give them a once over. how much should the enignes be smoking since there two strokes? im assuming its normal to have blue smoke following you around? and i take it those motors are rebuildable...since new ones go for thousands. thanks all

 

[dingbat]

Re: 1st time boat buyer looking at a Robalo 2440

and i take it those motors are rebuildable...since new ones go for thousands. thanks all

You can rebuild them but I would have to question if it makes sense.

A rebuild is going to set you back 1/2 the cost of a new motor. While the new technology is expensive, the increased efficiency (up to 40% or more) can more than make up for the difference if you put on a lot of hours on motor. Several of my friends that made the jump (charter guys) and they claim payback in fuel savings in as little as a year.

I'm still on the fence since my motor still has a few hours to go but the economics ($3 a gallon) of it are getting to the point that it makes sense for me as well.