Can this be the right engine?

[Vanagon]

Hello, my name is Frank and I'll get right to the point. I'm looking to buy a used boat, I'm looking at 4 right now. All are 20'or 21' w/a cuddy's. The boats range in price from $4500 to $8200. My question is about the engines. All are different years. All are outboards. I will right what is said in each ad about the engine. I will do so in price order,low to high. Please tell me your thoughts, concerns, experience and whatever you can to help decide which would be the "best" engine out of the 4.
Just looking for comments, opinions, whatever.
Thanks in advance and happy boating-Frank. Here's the engines:
1993 200hp Johnson-10 hours on rebuild, PT&T, oil injection,SS prop

2001 175 Johnson outboard-very low hours
1997 120 hp Force outboard- engine runs smooth with very low hours
1997 150 hp Johnson Ocean Pro- just serviced, new prop

 

[colding]

Re: Can this be the right engine?

Depends on what boat they are attached to. And in the price range you're look at, I'd be more concerned with the structural integrity of the boat as long as the motors are in sound working order. Motor won't do you much good if the boat is rotten to the core.

 

[Vanagon]

Re: Can this be the right engine?

Depends on what boat they are attached to. And in the price range you're look at, I'd be more concerned with the structural integrity of the boat as long as the motors are in sound working order. Motor won't do you much good if the boat is rotten to the core.

The boats are: 1988 Sportcraft, 1984 Proline, 1997 Trophy, and 1997 Seaswirl. All the boats are in the water and can be demo'd. All are walk around cuddy's. All are sound as per the owner/marina selling the boat. All but one comes with a trailer. The nicest looking one is the Bayliner Trophy with the Force engine at $6700.
Again, my question is about the engines. Is the 1993 Johnson good because it was just rebuilt? Or is the 2001 Johnson better because it's newer and has low hours? Or is the 1997 Ocean Pro better because it was just serviced?
Any thoughts on this will be appreciated. Frank.

 

[Philster]

Re: Can this be the right engine?

Only a mechanical inspection can answer that. Compression check and overall inspection.

Any of those can be the best. Make it a three dog fight and take Force off the list.

Force = pass.

 

[DC20]

Re: Can this be the right engine?

Definatley rule out the Bayliner with the Force motor. I think I would be drawn to the Seaswirl due to the age of the others, but condition is everything.

 

[colding]

Re: Can this be the right engine?

And don't take the seller's word for the gospel, whether it's a marina owner or not. Have the boats and motors checked out by a third party who knows what they are looking for and has only your best interest. And DO NOT buy one just because it 'looks nice'.

 

[Vanagon]

Re: Can this be the right engine?

And don't take the seller's word for the gospel, whether it's a marina owner or not. Have the boats and motors checked out by a third party who knows what they are looking for and has only your best interest. And DO NOT buy one just because it 'looks nice'.

Ok, so the Force is out. Thank you, that's the kind of stuff I need to know.