10-15HP Motors on a budget?

[jasonejasone]

I've got an old Montgomery Ward Sea King that I've been powering with a Sears GameFisher 3HP motor. The motor runs fine and all, but I also like to use this boat for camping / fishing trips... when it's filled with gear and two guys, it moves SLOOOOOOOOW.

I've been trying to find something with a little more pep to power it, and I ended up purchasing a 1972 Evinrude Sportwin 9.5HP... problem is, despite trying everything I can find, I can't get that dang thing to run. I also can't find anyone within 200 miles of me that is willing to try to work on it.

So... in researching new motors, it seems my alternatives are to either A) find a horizontal shaft motor for another purpose and repurpose it into a long-tail style motor set up or B) pay out the you-know-what for a brand new ~10HP motor ($2,500+).

I am really just looking for advice on how I can power this boat for under a grand. I have looked and looked for a used motor and just can't find them, and the least expensive new one I can find is $2,500.

Any advice on a new motor that is more affordable, or where I might be able to source a used motor in that 10-15HP range for under a grand?

I am new to boating, but very surprised to find what seems to be a very underserved market in the lower HP motors.

 

[flyingscott]

The OMC 9.9/15 hp from 77-92 are great motors. They are also extremely common. The 7.5/9.8 mercs from 75-85 are good motors. Any of those should be able.to be found for well under $1000. Where are you located? Stay away from the 9.5 hp omc motors. But before you give up on the one you have post your problems with it in the Johnson/Evinrude forum.

 

[jasonejasone]

The OMC 9.9/15 hp from 77-92 are great motors. They are also extremely common. The 7.5/9.8 mercs from 75-85 are good motors. Any of those should be able.to be found for well under $1000. Where are you located? Stay away from the 9.5 hp omc motors. But before you give up on the one you have post your problems with it in the Johnson/Evinrude forum.

Thanks for the advice!

I did post about my issues in the Evinrude forum, and got quite a bit of advice... but just can't seem to figure out what I'm missing on this particular motor.

I found a late-80's Mariner 30HP locally that supposedly runs great (we'll see about that!!!). The guy wants $500 for it, but I'm going to want to see it run before I pick it up. I don't want to drop $500 on another project motor that I can never get running.

I'll take a look at that tomorrow afternoon and see if it's worth the money.

 

[Willyclay]

Might be some help here: http://www.leeroysramblings.com/Outboard Motor Related/OMC outboard related articles.html

 

[Sea Rider]

Is a late-80's Mariner 30HP a 40 year oldie ? If so, will pass on that one, no matter if being offered Gratis..

Happy Boating