1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

[chewie1997]

I can buy a 1977 johnson seahorse 25hp short shaft with electric start and a charging system for $500. It seems to be in good running condition.

He offered to take my 1993 Evinrude 15hp short shaft pull start in trade.

I'm thinking my Evinrude is worth more than $500. Are these older Johnsons good and reliable? It will be pushing a 16ft aluminum fishing boat with 3 adults. thanks!

 

[Mas]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

I do not know what a reasonable price is for the 25, but it all depends on the condition of the two motors in question (i.e. compression etc).

Seems to me, however, that the trade should be at least equal..but your motor plus dough...seems a little unfair. You're gaining 10 hp but losing 16 years!

The 25 should push your boat fine if properly tuned with good compression.

MAS

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

a '93 15hp is worth a few hundred more than $500 in my neck of the woods.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

$500 is not out of line if its in good shape.
Your outboard is worth more and is more desirable to most people then the 25.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

you are gaining electric start and 10 hp. i would say even trade. i you put electric start on the 15hp it gets really expensive.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

I bought a 1977 25hp Evinrude at a yard sale last summer for $35 - had a mouse nest in it, but no chewed wires or hoses. Took it home, cleaned it up, she fired right up and ran good. Turned around and sold it for $150! Probably could have got more.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

I'm a newbie, but from what I gathered on this forum. If you want something a dealer will service, newer is better. Otherwise, you have to become handy or find a mechanic that will look at it. I'm not sure if a '77 is beyond the cutoff for dealer service or not?
Btw, I have an '81 and accept the risk.

jasper

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

How big are the 3 adults and is the 16ft. boat aluminum?

What kind of shape is the '77 in? It is a good motor if taken care of.

Your '93 15 is easier to sell and worth the same or more than his '77 estart 25hp. I wouldn't offer much if you traded.
You know your motor----you don't know his.

I'd want to run it on a boat before I made my decision to see what kind of shape the motor was in----powerhead and lower unit. Check the lower unit oil for water intrusion by barely opening the bottom drain screw.

This is a tough one!
I don't even know what I'd do without looking at the compression, condition overall, and condition of the lower unit/lower unit oil!
GOod luck either way,
JBJ​

 

[chewie1997]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

I come in around 300lbs myself. the other 2 guys are under 180 each I figure.

It sounds like I am better off selling my 15hp and buying the 25hp with the proceeds. I'd have a few hundred to bank after. thanks for your feedback so far!

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

Your selling a motor rather than just adding another. That's unconscionable. Rick.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse a good deal?

Your selling a motor rather than just adding another. That's unconscionable. Rick.

That's very true! And it also destroys the fun of fighting with the wife---she might even say, "Well, that makes sense, honey--go ahead" .....the horror of it is almost too great to even say!​