86 Johnson 20hp shortshaft for $400. Good price or too good to be true?

[catfighter]

So in my local paper there's a guy with a 20hp 1986 Johnson short shaft tiller. He's asking $400 for it.

If he can show me that it runs, is this a good price? Is $400 for this motor worth taking a shot on buying a motor that may have issues?

Thanks for the help

 

[KurtG]

Re: 86 Johnson 20hp shortshaft for $400. Good price or too good to be true?

Around here, they are all about $350 to $600 and up for small used outboards (5-60HP). I could probably pick up a mid 90s 25 if I waited a month or two for the same $400price.

My 40 is an '86 and still in very good shape, so I'd say it depends on the motor. Test it, I doubt you'll find one cheaper, but you may find a later year model if you looked longer/further away.

 

[catfighter]

Re: 86 Johnson 20hp shortshaft for $400. Good price or too good to be true?

Thanks for the advice; if it runs I'll probably offer him $350 then. I've been looking for a while (tho Sep/Oct are the times when people start dumping motors, so I've heard).

BTW - I like your boat! I just got a 14' tri-hull, though it's not nearly as nice as yours. Mine's mostly a cross between a jon boat and a bathtub.

Around here, they are all about $350 to $600 and up for small used outboards (5-60HP). I could probably pick up a mid 90s 25 if I waited a month or two for the same $400price.

My 40 is an '86 and still in very good shape, so I'd say it depends on the motor. Test it, I doubt you'll find one cheaper, but you may find a later year model if you looked longer/further away.

 

[stevenj]

Re: 86 Johnson 20hp shortshaft for $400. Good price or too good to be true?

Around here I would say that is a great price if it has good compression and good spark.