Would this be a fair trade?

[northwoodslivin]

Hey guys,

As some of you kind folks that have helped me in the recent past changing out the water pump in this motor, I have the option to get a newer and smaller motor "which I really wanted from the get go but don't have to many options where I live"

Here is the scoop. I have an 1989 Johnson 20hp tiller, and I can trade for a 1996 Mercury 8hp 2 stroke tiller, motor is in mint condition aside from a crack in the cowl. Would I be ripping myself off? or should I ask for some cash?

My boat is a 14 footer, I know this motor is much smaller, and that is great because all I intend to use the boat on is smaller lakes, there are a few lakes that are larger, but speed is not an issue for me.

Just wondering, if I do get this motor, will it be enough for my boat? 14ft aluminum. Are these good motors? I guess I am asking that question in the wrong section I do very much like the fact that it has the reverse and forward lever right on the tiller handle!

Thanks for the input!

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

is there something wrong with your motor?you will be really disapointed with the difference ,but if all you do is troll and NOTHING ELSE have at her.if you have anyplans on fishing with a buddy and zipping over to the other end of the lake stay with the 20.

 

[JB]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

I would keep the Johnny. I see nothing gained by going to a Merc 8HP.

 

[F_R]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

Unless you really do want a smaller motor. Some people really do. Go ahead and swap if that's what you want.

 

[northwoodslivin]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

I see your points guys. This isnt really a case of performance, it is more so a case of value vs value of each motor. I do not plan to zip across lakes, but many of the lakes here have lots of rock and trees under the water, and most are tea stained small lakes, so speed is of no concern to me in that area. I was more so concerned as to the value of the merc compared to the johnny in a trade value.
Yes, the johnny has some slight skeg damage but nothing that effects its performance, and it currently has a little stumble/surge which I am thinking is a bad coil and not a dirty carb, other then that and some scratches on the cowl and some chips in the paint from its age, the johnson is in great shape.

Totally aware this would be a much slower motor! Just wanted to know the value in terms of each motor if I we're to do a trade.

 

[F_R]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

Any dealer will have a "blue book" or whatever color it is these days. Ask them to do a comparison on the two values. Be sure to compare apples with apples, that is wholesale to wholesale or retail to retail, etc.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

You have the right motor for your boat. You'd be crazy to trade it off unless you don't have a trailer, in which case the 8hp would be a lot lighter. If you're trailering your boat (which will probably keep it in better condition than sliding it in and out of your truck, then keep the 20hp. I think the 20hp from '89 is worth about $800 to $1200 in my area and is a highly desirable motor both in horsepower and the fact that it's an '89 johnson. the '96 merc in 8hp would be worth about $500 to $600 in my area.
Don't sell the 20!!!
JBJ

 

[northwoodslivin]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

Very valid points JBJ, as always

Yes, I do have a trailer for the boat, have all the things to make the bunks but the weather hasnt been steady good since we lost the snow, need to take the boat off of the trailer, paint the trailer and put on some bunks. The only thing I hate about my motor is it's weight, it is a heavy SOAB! But I guess you are right. 8HP is really under powered, I am sure it would be fine, and looking at some videos on youtube, there is a guy with an 8 on a 14ft jon boat with another big weighted adult with him and it was going pretty good, but that is a jon boat

I never said I was going to do a trade, just wanted to get some input as I was tossing the idea around.
I dont think the carb is dirty on it, I think perhaps there is a bad coil on the bottom cylinder, because after decarbing the motor and putting in new plugs, I later on had a better look at the plugs that we're in it and the one plug is wet, while the other is dry... bad coil?

Thanks for your input, I think I might hang onto the heavy gal for this year anyway and see how she performs and probably upgrade to a new 4 stroke in the future.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

I wouldnt do it.As for $$$.I think you have the better value.For one reason,the smaller MERC's (some)are actually Chrysler/Force?gamefisher engines ,that,Merc bought in the 90'S from Brunswick Corp.Many people know this and ,dont buy them based on that info.To be fair,they arent "BAD"engines,just dont have the reputation OMC has.The 20hp Johnson is a good engine,been around and perfected over the yrs.USED parts are more avail should the need present itself,many parts from other yrs and hp's interchangeable.Keep her lubed,cooled and good oil n gas ,she'll take care of you.Last,if you put a couple hefty guys like myself in your 14 footer ,with a cooler,you'll be happy you kept the 20,as for that shift stuff on the handle,you should see how it works,plastic pullies,pop rivits= pain in the a** breakdowns with costly ,pain in the same labor.I had to do many in our shop(Iwas blessed small motor guy)I hated em,

 

[northwoodslivin]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

Thanks for your input Mike. I think I will stay away from the merc I never really thought about the motor with other people and what not in the boat, makes sense to me. Just hate how heavy it is! I can carry it myself but dang you almost bust a nut in the process LOL

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

You could consider trading it for a Johnson/Evinrude 15 hp. The 15 hp is lighter, yet still close in power. I traded a 1987 20 hp to a fella for his 9.9 hp plus he gave me $250 a couple years ago. I didn't need the 20 hp as I had upgraded to a 30 hp.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

Thanks for your input Mike. I think I will stay away from the merc I never really thought about the motor with other people and what not in the boat, makes sense to me. Just hate how heavy it is! I can carry it myself but dang you almost bust a nut in the process LOL

Here's the problem...........I live in a warm (miserably hot for lots of the year) climate and leave my motors on my boat all year long. I forget that you guys in the North take your motors off and store them in the basement to avoid crooks and cold weather. I agree with Wayne, a nice 15hp or 18hp would be a lot lighter and still make good power.
JBJ

 

[northwoodslivin]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

Funny you guys should mention a 15hp Johnson as a good idea, I have had an add on two sites wanting to trade down for one for some time, but nobody up here has em, their all a good 6-7 hour each way drive to get. If anyone on here in Canada is interested in some more HP and ya have a good running 9.9-15 Johnson/rude you wanna trade, I'd consider depending on the age

ETA: But I know when I strap that sucker on my boat for the first time out I am probably going to fall in love with how snappy it is and end up keeping it lol. But I ve got some health problems with me, so I would go for lighter in a trade if the right motor was offered to me.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Would this be a fair trade?

Your geographic location is going to make trading difficult. Northeastern Ontario puts you around Timmins, Kap, Hearst, etc. Lots of motors per capita, but low population density. Unfortunately, I think you will have to wait this one out if you want to get what you are after. If you haven't already tried kijiji I suggest you post an ad for sale or swap. Yo will likely have to sell your motor to buy the one you want.