Value of a Johnson FD-10S?

[Dave_MO]

Hello all. Great forum here! I have searched for awhile here and have not found an apples to apples comparison of my motor just yet. This is my Dad's motor that he's had in the basement for a few years now. It needs new gears in the lower unit, and probably some new rubber hoses to make it reliable. He took it out of service due to the limited availability of quality gears. For years, it ran great and was meticulously maintained. The fuel was always drained after each use. As a kid (I'm now 36) I remember it being much more reliable than most of our friend's modern outboards. Now that Dad has moved on to a newer boat and this motor has sat for a few years, it's time to get rid of it.... so, the common question here seems to be, what is this entire set-up worth? thanks for any and all help!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Value of a Johnson FD-10S?

I think with tank it's worth about 100-125 bucks in that condition. It's a parts motor.......
I'd love to have it, myself!!!! The '56 15 johnson was only made one year and they certainly are smooth running motors. I'd like to have a '56 15 with electric start.
JBJ

 

[Dave_MO]

Re: Value of a Johnson FD-10S?

I assume the price of gears makes it parts motor vs. one that could be restored and/or used? Or is it just not unique enough to bother?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Value of a Johnson FD-10S?

The motor is not unique enough or rare enough to be a big-time collector motor. It's definitely worth restoring, but since even in running condition it's only worth about $300, the price of buying it and then having to buy a used lower unit to fix it makes it worth about 1/2 of that. THat is just my opinion, of course.
It definitely is not worth buying brand new gears for since even with new gears it would not be worth more than $300 to most folks.
Since you have a tank, it might be worth $200 to the right person.
It's a super nice motor, they just sold so many that they're not that rare. It's a shame because that motor probably would run another 50 years with a good lower unit.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[Dave_MO]

Re: Value of a Johnson FD-10S?

You're right about it being a good motor. I still remember as a kid how funny it was to me to see this thing purring right along while watching the "other guys" beat on their "new" motors with a hammer. I know most of that is probably a testament to good maintenance, but they surely "don't make them like they used to". Thanks a bunch for your help!