Looking at used outboards....

[jbjennings]

I am just noticing a pattern in my used outboard purchases lately, in the 50-65hp power range. It seems there may be some deals to be had by looking at old rottten fiberglass boats with motors on them. If you can find one that hasn't been run in long time (i.e. the registration sticker was out in the early 80's) it MAY be a good purchase.
The key, I think, is to look for a motor that has GOOD oil in the lower unit, as I find lower units to be far more problematic as an expense than the powerhead. Good spark would be next, since electrical parts are expensive.
My point: Even if a motor has low compression on one cylinder, you can usually find cheap pistons with rings and even crankshafts on ebay and such, that would be an easy and relatively inexpensive fix. Breaking apart a block on a 2 stroke motor is childs play. Even the bearings are caged needles or rollers and not a lot of fancy torquing and such to worry about. AND NO VALVES! It may sound like a lot of work, but it's not NEARLY as hard as you would think. I also advise steering clear of any salt water motors, as broken seized bolts are far more trouble than splitting blocks and such with good bolts.
Just saying....... in the past I've avoided junk fiberglass rigs at all costs---but their inherent rot characteristics could be cocoons for some relatively nice motors that can be repaired for cheap prices. I will no longer avoid them! I love cheap oldies-but-goodies! Especially OMC ones! Heck, I might even keep swimming in deep water and purchase a merc or two!
JBJ

 

[Mark42]

Re: Looking at used outboards....

My quest for the last two months to find a good used 90 hp Johnson or Yamaha finally came to an end last week. Thats when I got sick and tired of driving all over looking at crap that people described as "in very good condition". Wasting my weekend afternoons, and weekday evenings.

I ordered a rebuilt outboard motor from a rebuilder. Fresh powerhead, new paint, etc. Now I know the motor is like new, and no worries other than break in. This will be the second time I've bought this way, and next time I need a motor, will probably do the same.

Good luck with the motor search.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Looking at used outboards....

mostly I am noticing a pattern of junk folks are buying off the net that supposedly ran good and after 2-3 mobile techs I get them and condem them to the 18cents a pound range.
then the amount of stupid mobile techs are increasing in my area.
its wild but folks will pay 2 or 3 of the monkeys before consulting a real tech.

 

[ritchie_bones]

Re: Looking at used outboards....

im in that dilema myself--just bought a vangaurd fiberglass--boat is in great shape--i looked at alot in the $4000 price range--its surprising what junked out boats they are trying to sell for that price--the motor with my boat is a 78 johnson seahorse 70hp 3cyl--have been told its a good motor-allthough ive had problems with it--now i dont want to spend 5000 on a new motor--i will just rebuild this and save some money--im hoping--if i buy newer-what is the max size motor for my 16' fiberglass?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Looking at used outboards....

I'm just sayin'.......
A used motor that has NO problems is very difficult to find. Since I'm fairly handy with a wrench and have access to the knowledge here, I'm starting to think that if you know how to look, there's some motors that you can get dirt cheap and fix cheaply with fleabay parts which may turn out to be great deals.
I agree, finding a good used motor that doesn't need work is difficult at best.
I also despise having to go behind someone that doesn't know what they're doing and trying to repair their blunders. I have enough on my hands trying to fix my own screw-ups.
I look for motors that are totally complete that have good looking props and lower unit skegs, with good oil in them, that may only have dirty carbs or bad spark to keep them from running good.
Later,
JBJ