'83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

[Joe_the_boatman]

Someone talk me out of driving 2 hours to go pick this up.

Motor's from Key West, so it was used in salt water. Needs coils and wires - they were damaged when moving the motor - says it should run other than that. Has SS prop, hydraulic steering (which I'll remove), and tilt/trim works. Says it has good compression (tested it before he bought it), and ran fine before removing it from the junker boat. Controls are still in FL - he said he can pick them up in a month or 2 on the next trip down there.

What could I lose? Except I'll have to buy a cherry picker to get that thing out of my truck bed.

I have my merc 60 on my boat now, all hooked up, and it runs, but have never launched it. Might this weekend if I'm not picking up this motor.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

Not if you can't hear it run. I wouldn't pay over $100 for a non-running motor.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

Someone talk me out of driving 2 hours to go pick this up.

Motor's from Key West, so it was used in salt water. Needs coils and wires - they were damaged when moving the motor - says it should run other than that. Has SS prop, hydraulic steering (which I'll remove), and tilt/trim works. Says it has good compression (tested it before he bought it), and ran fine before removing it from the junker boat. Controls are still in FL - he said he can pick them up in a month or 2 on the next trip down there.

What could I lose? Except I'll have to buy a cherry picker to get that thing out of my truck bed.

I have my merc 60 on my boat now, all hooked up, and it runs, but have never launched it. Might this weekend if I'm not picking up this motor.

Used in saltwater and 25yrs. old---definintely a negative. I can't imagine how you would work on it without breaking off every bolt in it.

You've got merc controls and need OMC controls which he will "pick up in a month or two". Hmmmmm..

Says it SHOULD run other than........ See WildeJ's rsponse

However, it sounds like with a good tilt and trim and a good stainless prop, it would be a great parts motor if you already had an '83 150. Other than that, I'll bet it would either be a money pit or a bolt breaking PITA.
Just my opinion,
JBJ

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

being a fan of the keys, there are some really nice maintained motors there, and there is a heck of a lot of junk. without atleast pictures of the complete motor, i would not start the truck. i then would jump the starter, and check compression, and spark. if it's been repainted, Run Forrest, RUN.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

Thanks guys - always reassuring to hear some thoughts from those more experienced than I am - this is my first boat.

I think I'll test out my rig w/ the 60 since it's mounted aready, and go from there. There will be other motors.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

Some pictures below. The PO (prev owner) said he maintained it well, and has good compression, for what it's worth.

 

[jonesg]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

I see these deals all the time on craigs,
"ran great 2 yrs ago" ,

I'm certain you could find something similar a lot closer,
Something mounted and testable.
I wouldn't drive 2 hrs to see a good engine. Theres no need.
Check craigslist.?

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

These sorts of purchases can sometimes be OK and sometimes not. I don't think I would do this particular deal just because the motor can't be personally examined before deciding whether or not to buy.

The "it ran fine before I dropped off of the back of a truck" thing, is sort of like a witness being grilled by a prosecutor, who keeps saying "I don't remember."

Yeah, right!

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: '83 Evinrude 150 for $250 - worth it?

I see these deals all the time on craigs,
"ran great 2 yrs ago" ,
.......Check craigslist.?

The ad's from craigslist.