115 HP Merc Prop

[racheljay123]

We are looking at buying a 14' glassmaster with a 115HP Merc outboard. Current owner says engine runs great but the lower unit where the prop is needs two gears. Does anyone know how hard or easy this would be to fix?

New to forum and to boats, any advice would be great! Thank you!

 

[junior1113]

Re: 115 HP Merc Prop

very hard if it would be the first time for u. there is a lot to it. clutch dog bearings, gears, seals. specialty tools are needed an knowledge. you might be able to get someone in the merc forum to walk you through it but you need at least 400-500$ in parts. gear set is like 350$ seals 50$. if you open it and the prop shaft or drive shaft is bad those are about 250$ a piece ect. if i were going to buy this i would just plan on a good used lower unit. all of this stuff could be bad 1000$+ in parts and labor i would just plan on getting another one remanufactured- 800, or used300-600, or new-1600. i would'nt even buy the boat. no test run no buy. if its so cheap to fix why dont he have it done and get more for his boat. there may be more to it in power head. did he have it open to see that only two gears are bad why didnt he change them or did he realize shafts were bad and put it back together. how much does he want what year is it?
watch out for yourself people WILL rip you off

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 115 HP Merc Prop

RUN AWAY, don't walk from it!

 

[racheljay123]

Re: 115 HP Merc Prop

Thanks for the replies!
Ive been doing a little research on my own and did find the two gears needed... They run about $200-275/each. And like you said Junior... a complete used lower unit would be most cost worthy.

Heres another question, if I just decide to get a lower unit is it hard to find older models? I cant imagine this boat was made after 1985, which is half the charm to me. But when looking at ebay and our local classifieds all the lower units I come across are newer... can a newer one be used also? I will have to find out from the owner what year the engine is. Im pretty sure the boat is alot older than the engine (?)

As far as why he's selling... it needs work plain and simple. The lower unit and interior are the main issues. Hes younger lives with parents and they dont want it sitting outside their house anymore. So again... we'll have to check it really well before buying. I just think it looks in decent condition for $400...plus trailer. It also has new gas tank, battery, and spark plugs...

Should I pass on this one? Honest opinion?

 

[junior1113]

Re: 115 HP Merc Prop

400$ is a deal. worst case you need another motor. how does he know its just 2 gears. lower unit needs to be completely disassembled to see dammage. most times if gears are bad so is prop shaft and clutch dog. like i said 1000$. and if you do all this to find out driveshaft gears in power head are shot then 1000$ is gone and you still need another motor. the only way id buy this is if your buddy is a boat mechanic, or you plan on another motor. if gears went out when he was driving then likely the power head was over reved which is bad.. i would personally keep looking unless trailer and hull are worth 400 to you. its like buy ing a car with a bad tranny you fix tranny and motor is weak.