How many Outboard hours is too many

[drJ]

Hi i want to buy a V6 outboard used for a boat and i have run into several 2000 and 2001 models that have 800 - 1400 hours on them. The sellers say that they still have good compression but i was under the impression that when an engine had that many hours it needed a rebuild? I've also seen mid 90's outboard in my price range that are carbuerated but only have 450-500 hours what do you think is best?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

you have to look at each one individually, care maintainance.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

One hour is too many if no one adds oil!

I know of a 70s Johnson that has several thousand hours on it, pushes a little 16'er along at over 30 with 4 adults on board.​

 

[Bigjohn1]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

Your question is vague; some[many] engines of that vintage have multiple high-dollar electrical components which can fail. I may have good compression but if my ECM/ECU and some of other sensors go bad, I am still in for a FAT repair bill. Thoughts to ponder...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

Looking strictly at the rebuild aspect, with proper care, correct set up and regular maintentance there's no reason a 2 stroke outboard won't go several thousand hours without needing to be rebuilt. Rental owners get pretty upset if they can't get at least 3000 hours on one. This is assuming you're not looking at 4 stroke outboards.

 

[slimdaddy45]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

a johnson mech just told me my 85 hp was designed to run 100,000 hours

 

[WaterWitch2]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

100000 hours is impressive. Thats a hair over 11 years non stop.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

100000 hours is impressive. Thats a hair over 11 years non stop.

There are plenty of outboards built in the 70s that see 20+ hours of saltwater usage weekly here in FL that are still in service. I talk to an old crabber that launches from the ramp in my neighborhood; he has an 85 HP 'rude that is 30 years old, says it's never been rebuilt. I know he goes out at least 3 times per week.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

With two cycles, the more you run them, the better it is for the engine--assuming that no abuse has taken place. Keeps fresh oil in the power head and keeps out any possible condensation.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: How many Outboard hours is too many

so far my Grandpa has run two evinrudes that he bought brand new into the ground with about 3000 hours on each one (which is pretty dang good IMO) one is a 79' 55hp and the other a 81' 115hp. Both were down on compression (still even between the cylinders) and power but still ran great when I parted them out for him (he just buys a new engine instead of getting them rebuilt)