89' Mariner 90hp thoughts

[Dennischaves]

I have the opportunity to buy a 1989 Mariner 90hp
complete with controls for very cheap
I've only owned Evinrude outboards
So I'm new to Mariner
Are there outboards generally good ?
Any common problems I should look for ?
Are the carb rebuilds tough to do compared to omc?
And how are they for parts availability?

 

[JDusza]

Hi.
I guess we should first ask why we are buying; personal use or sale flip.
And, then we should ask why are they selling cheap?
And, we need to know that Mariner is more of an entry-level brand.
Advise a through check as with any other; compression, spark, fuel system, oil injection system....
The Mariners I know are good engines with parts available.
Without knowing for certain, I might expect to find cheaper castings, cheaper electro-mechanical components like starters and relays, cheaper and less sophisticated carburetion, etc... Not saying it's a bad thing.
J

 

[racerone]

???---What is this about " entry level brand "------They are mostly top quality MERCURY motors with the Mariner brand and grey paint.-----All the same parts too !!

 

[JDusza]

Knew that would take a hit!
Good news: got some answers!

 

[Dennischaves]

It's for personal use , I need more speed
my omc 70hp isint enough
The story behind the motor is the lady is selling it because the husband passed away
he bought it with every intention of using it unfortunately it didn't happen
I can tell that it was fogged and looks pretty clean
No way to test compression there
I can buy it for $250

 

[Faztbullet]

That a good deal.....

 

[oldman570]

The Mariner and Mercury motors are of the same design and most parts will interchange. Bumping up to 90 hp might get the boat a few more MPH but only if the prop pitch or diameter is larger than what you are now running on the 70 motor. If the motor can handle the increases of the prop and still stay in the recommended RPM range, things should be good.

 

[Dennischaves]

Well I talked the owned down to $150
turns over looks to be in good shape
t&t and controls but no key
looks like I found a winter project