Is this motor a scam?

[jsfinn]

I found a used 1978 15 HP Johnson for sale on the internet - the seller says it runs excellent and it was used as a kicker except it has a big ol' hydrofoil on it. If it was really used as a kicker - would he have installed a hyrdofoil on it? It seems to me like that would not be necessary.<br /><br />Also, if I do end up buying the motor, is the hydrofoil desirable in every application or would it not work well in some setups? I'd be putting it on my 12 foot aluminum.<br /><br />The paint on the motor looks like it's in pretty rough shape - but it's a good price. The guy says he bought a bigger boat and now he needs a bigger kicker.<br /><br />Does this sound legit?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

That motor looks like it has been on that boat a long time. Went to hill and back several times. I wouldn't waste my time on it. Plus, shipping from Texas to VA, on top of the price, no way.<br /><br />You can do alot better than that.<br />Look local or buy a late model from iboats.<br /><br />Tis one would be perfect for your boat. <br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/motorparts/part.cgi?pid=4292&flag=2 <br /><br />Sure its gonna cost you an extra $500, but it should last for 25 years.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

It's possible the seller bought it from someone else and never removed the foil

 

[jtexas]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

There's a saying here in Texas: "she looks like she was rode hard and put up wet." Scam? well, you know, "excellent" is a relative term. Which might be why he couldn't find any relatives that wanted it.<br /><br />The max (including shipping) I would pay for a motor I hadn't seen up close in person would be:<br />a) the value of an engine in good condition <br />minus <br />2) the cost a complete overhaul.<br /><br />just my opinion!<br />jtw

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

Fishermen like gadgets. (Nothing eats dealer mechanic's time like installing fishermen's gadgets!) Could be he saw someone somewhere that had one too. Wouldn't want to be at a disadvantage, you know. If one guy has it on his, many more will follow.<br /><br />If you buy it, try it with and without. Easy enuf. As an accessory on a kicker, it'd be totally worthless.<br /><br />(To a previous poster...Hi poobear, How've ya been?)

 

[Solittle]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

While it may be legit it is a 25 year old motor. I wouldn't consider it unless I had seen it first hand and had a chance to wring it out on a boat in the water - - no matter what the price.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

Do you guys see something that I don't see ?<br />How do you know what it "Looks like" when aint no pic ?? <br />Don't wanna break any rules here.. but there is a site called www.smalloutboards.com that I look at sometimes. There are some nice little motors there.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

unicorn, I went to ebay.com & searched for "1978 15 hp Johnson" and got one hit. It fit the description.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

Is this it?<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50439&item=2452067722 <br /><br />That is one rung out piece of sh_t! You can tell a lot from the way the boat looks and especially the motor. What did the guy do?...drop the motor off a cliff! <br /><br />First of all, $300.00 is the starting price and notice there is a reserve price to meet( He can only say what that may be if you email him or wait until there are enough bids to reach his hidden reserve price. He is not oblidged to sell it until his reserve price is met.)<br /><br />Also, do you think this guy changed the gear oil since he had it? I don't even know if he could properly put the 50:1 oil in the gas!<br /><br />There are tons of motors out there. I'd keep looking.

 

[CCrew]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

Hmm, First time I've seen a kicker mounted in the center of a transom....<br /> <br /><br />-Roger

 

[one more cast]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

I would take a chance on it considering the seller has good feed back, and based on items the seller has bought.( BUT )I trust people until they give me reason not to. I bought a 15hp johnny off e-bay and it would only run (barely) on one cylinder, The seller paid $300+ to get it repaired after I already paid for it. Good luck

 

[jtexas]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

I recall in the 1970's any small o/b hung on a jon-boat was referred to as a "kicker" at least on inland lakes, 'cause paddling was the only alternative. You coastal/offshore guys help me out - how big a boat would you have to get before 15hp wouldn't suffice as a kicker?<br /><br />In Corpus Christi that motor will have seen salt water use if that makes any difference. maybe email the guy & ask how much run time since the last rebuild. One More Cast (initials OMC - was that intentional?) is probly right, he's not likely to just out & out lie about it - after all, he's a fisherman, right?<br /><br />Mr. cast, I've had only good experiences on ebay, and I certainly trust you, but I'd at least want to look you in the eye & shake your hand before buying an o/b I'd never seen up close before. Of course, $300 is too much for me to risk right now; surely there's a limit to how much you would spend sight unseen?<br /><br />jtw

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

Once again, thanks for the advice. I let this motor go. I was trying to keep the ebay auction on the down low - hoping to keep the price down - a few of you smoked me out! <br /><br />I'll keep my eye out for a nicer looking one - I'm going to have a hard time spending a lot of money on a newer motor though - the boat is 40 years old - if I had a shiney new motor, I'd have to buy a shiney new boat.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

aaaaand this is bad....how?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

And the shiney new truck to pull it with. You gotta have the whole package.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

It's not bad to me - it's bad on my wallet!!

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

Knightgang - you're right! While I'm spending money I don't have, should I get the Escalade, H2 or H1?

 

[CCrew]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

H2 or H1? Who would ask such a question.. H1 of course!<br /><br />Besides, a Escalade is just a Suburban that you paid too much for, and a H2 nothing more than a Yukon in disguise!<br /><br />-Roger

 

[one more cast]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

jtexas, when Its time (for everybody else) to go home I always say One More Cast. One of the iboats members brought the OMC to my attn. and I do run OMC's.cool huh? And as far as taking a chance on a $300 motor, I don't smoke so I justify my spending like this. "if I smoked 2 packs a day, $300 would only be a months worth of cigarettes."

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Is this motor a scam?

I have to agree that it doesn't LOOK very nice..<br /><br /> <br /><br />And I think it is a good observation to look at the rest of the boat to get some idea of the owner's attitude towards his property.<br />The word Nelected comes to mind