1985 30 hp johnson ( any good?)

[hammerhandle]

Looking at buying boat and motor, is there anything i need to be aware of. 1993 smokercraft with 30 hp. Electric start johnson for $ 1,800

 

[jimmbo]

Well it is 38 yrs old, so depending on how well it was Maintained. it might be good, or it might not be.
Boats that old often have problems with any Wood in the Boat(floors, Transom), the engine, Do a Compression Test, Check that it has a Spark that can jump a 3/8" gap. Put a set of muffs on it and see it will start. If you buy it, first thing you need to do, is drop the Gearcase, replace, at Minimum, the Water Pump Impeller.

 

[hammerhandle]

Thank you, for helping. I will do that

 

[tphoyt]

I have 85 30hp that’s still going strong but its been well taken care of. It’s been a great motor for me with no know problems on my end.

 

[airshot]

How it has been maintained is everything!! How it runs and how good the compression is will tell the story. Check the lower unit/ pull off the prop and check for leaks. Look over the wiring and see if dried out and cracked. Probably some plywood in the transom, if you can reach/ see it look for signs of rot. Not a bad job to replace on an aluminum boat... Last summer, I bought a 1992 Sylvan with a 92 Merc 40, all in near mint condition. Spent its entire life in a garage unless on the water. There are some very nice older boats out there, but you need to hunt hard and look close!!

 

[racerone]

A 1985 model 35 HP was an excellent motor.-----Parts new and used are everywhere.