Re: Help with motor manufacturers please...
Thanks Incoop.....Actually I was fiercely searching all over the net and as you said talking with dealers the past two days. I was determined to find a shorty in great shape. Like you mentioned they proved you correct. They are rare bird. And also, I did come across that site smalloutboards.com and yes, thought the same as you that they are VERY proud of their engines! I also came across a 1997 Johnson (keep in mind I was looking for 15 hp ss only) and that guy (which I spoke to) wanted $1500...(I wanted some of what he was smoking) and after talking to him he had already passed on a $1300 offer WTH?????? I told him to run with the $1300. I came across a 1993 for $900 private party and this guy never called me back. Of course I did come across a handful of early to mid 80's Johnson's and Merc's but I was really after something a bit newer. So, at that point I started going through all the small boats with motors for sale. I figured if the motors for sale by themselves people thought of as gold then what the heck let me see whats out there as a combo package and low and behold I was a few days deep into Craigs List and I found a 1974 true 14' Starcraft/trailor and motor for $1500 OBO. Called the guy and the more I spoke to him the more excited I got. Ran ove there which happend to me a mile from me (bonus), listened and saw the motor run, made him an offer of $1350. He didn't want to take the offer at first until I asked him if he was going to warranty the motor. Of course at that point he said $1350 works. I pulled out the cash, hooked it up to my truck and we went to DMV and transferred everything. Ok so your asking what the heck is the motor? Get this I found a 1995 Merc SS 15 HP and it runs like a top!!! Looks brand new dam near. The boat itself had a 60" beam and is deeper than my 65 Starcraft. The trailer needs a little TLC but that's fine gives me something to do and I already have a trailer light kit on the shelf in the garage collecting dust. All in all I am very pleased with this transaction. Too bad I cannot take it out and give it a run till next week as I have to work today - Sunday
Now the funniest part....My GF gets home from work yesterday and comes in the house and she is like whose boat is that? I say it's mine. She says two boats? I said yup.....after explaining my entire plan to her she was like oh, that is smart
)
My plan is to take the Nissan 5 hp and put it back on the smaller 14' boat and sell it for just under a grand. When all is said and done I will have roughly $800 tied up. The purchase yesterday came with two oars and oar locks, two plastic/cushioned swivel seats, a motor guide trolling motor, two props (7 pitch and a 9 pitch)
Have a great day as I have to get ready for work....I will keep you posted as to how she performs next week......
Happy boating/fishing
Richard
