1969 Johnson 115HP Value

[Phishin]

I have a 1969 Starcraft V180 (closed bow 18 footer) that I restored (amateur job -- new transom, stringers, floor, and seats). It has the original outboard on it still....a 1969 115HP Johnson.

I am thinking about putting newer motor on this boat and want to sell my outboard. It's got 120-125psi across all cylinders and it's a good running motor. Of course, it's got the hard to find and expensive to replace OE controls that go with it.

2 questions:
Do you think my boat and motor combo is worth something because it's all in good shape and it's got the original motor on the boat still? ....meaning, would I be destroying my boat's value by getting rid of the outboard?

Lastly, what do you think an old 2-stroke like this is worth to someone?

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115HP Value

Hard to figure out the value of the motor without knowing where you live. Check your local craigslist to see if you can find some similar motors and/or boats for sale...and what their asking for them.

The OEM controls are probably only important to someone who is trying to put together a vintage boat/motor resto and wants everything to be original.

That motor would probably sell for $800-1200 here in the center of NYS, assuming it ran well and looked good on the outside.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115HP Value

I think $800-$1200 for a 43-year old V4 with electric shift and questionable ignition parts availability might be a tad optimistic. $400-$600 maybe...

 

[Phishin]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115HP Value

I live in Indiana. I boat on Lake St. Claire and just wanted something more reliable. That's why I'm wanting to get rid of the old two stroke and get a new(er) Honda or Yamaha outboard.

Both values kind of surprise me. I mean, I just paid $650 for a 1992 15 HP Johnson kicker motor for my boat and I think I got a fairly good deal on it. I thought this old 115 horse would get a lot more. I was thinking at least $2,000.

I guess I was wrong. Looks like I'll be running and maintaning (within reason) this old motor until she craps out. But wow, I thought it would be worst way more than my 20 year old kicker!!

 

[BillP]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115HP Value

1969 115hp was among the nightmare yrs. Good motor but bad electricals. OMC also had strikes during that era and put out some bum motors...as I learned personally...I bought a new Johnson 115 in the late 60s and it had missing rod cap bolts right off the showroom floor. The caps were rattling from day one. They told me to run it until it died and that didn't exactly make going out fun. OMC blamed the missing bolts on the strike and replaced the head under warranty, but the motor never ran right due to the electrical glitches that they couldn't fix from day one. Lucky for me it was stolen and some fool dirtbag actually did me a favor.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115HP Value

Both values kind of surprise me. I mean, I just paid $650 for a 1992 15 HP Johnson kicker motor for my boat and I think I got a fairly good deal on it. I thought this old 115 horse would get a lot more. I was thinking at least $2,000.

In my area boats are kinda the same way. A well outfitted 14-16' fishing boat can easily sell for more than an 18' bowrider. So the motors go similarly. A 15 can have lots of uses as a kicker or troller or as main power on a small boat. As mentioned, your '69 has the old style electrical system and electric shift. I personally wouldn't be interested in a motor with those things and would prefer a '73 or newer at minimum, '78 or newer more so. I'd price it at $800 and take anything over $4-500.