1988 45 H.P. Mariner Outboard? Any good if taken care of?

[E_S_A_D]

Looking to buy a boat with this engine. Is a mariner 45 from 1988 a problem engine or a good outboard? Any insight?

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 1988 45 H.P. Mariner Outboard? Any good if taken care of?

If in good shape, the little 44-c.i 4-cyl Mariner (same as a 45hp Merc of the same vintage) makes an excellent fishing motor or propulsion for a smaller boat, very smooth idling/running, & fairly economical.

This motor's design hails from the Fifties and was refined over the years, one of Mr's Kiekhaefer's best.

HTH........ed

 

[fullquartpress]

Re: 1988 45 H.P. Mariner Outboard? Any good if taken care of?

Looking to buy a boat with this engine. Is a mariner 45 from 1988 a problem engine or a good outboard? Any insight?

I had a Mariner '40 hp Magnum' bought new in 1990, that was very smooth and quieter than 2 cylinders or 3.
The 'bottom seal' was the only problem I can remember, when the engine lost power because of it.