Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

[Ducats]

I've recently purchased my first boat. Nothing fancy, just a 14' aluminum fishing boat that will be perfect for me and my dad on the lakes in northern Wisconsin. It came with a trolling motor, but I want to get an outboard.<br /><br />I'm looking at getting a used motor in the 8 - 9.9 HP range. The max rating is only 14HP for my boat. <br /><br />My "wife-imposed" budget is somewhat limited in that I only can spend about $500 or so. In terms of reliability and availability of repair parts, what would be some good motors/years in that price range?<br /><br />Given that this would be the first motor I've ever owned, would I be better off buying from a dealer as opposed to a private party? How much premium can I expect to pay if I go through a dealer?<br /><br />When looking at motors, what are the key things I should be checking for or asking about?<br /><br />In the end, I guess I'm just trying to learn and understand more about motors so I can make a good decision. I'd appreciate any advice or insight you might have. Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

if at all possible run the motor on a boat. all ranges of speed, does it idle well, not sluggish, doesn't hesitate, pumps wqater out the tell tale (pee hole). a properly maintain older moter can be worth more than a 2 year old neglected motor. you can request that your mechanic looks at it. money well spent. brouse the post here, stay away from chrysler and force as they are hard to get parts for. i personally have a 1955 15hp evinrude on a 14 ft. semi V aluminum, great boat.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Mercury, Honda, Johnson, Evinrude, Yamaha, Suzuki, Force, Chrysler, Mariner are considered name-brand motors. Others such as Sea King and Ted Williams are not mainstream and may be worth avoiding unless you find a great deal on a RUNNING one. Parts for those can be a problem. Try to stick to 1960s or newer.<br /><br />There are good Sea Kings. Many were made by Gale which are awfully similar to Johnnyrudes. Others were made by Chrysler/Force, also decent. But some are Clintons, especially the 7Hps. The ones made by off-brand manufacturers are hard to find parts for.

 

[BF]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

I am very partial to Johnson/evinrude 9.9 or 15 hp motors of about 80's vintage. Very compact and excellent power to weight ratio. Also extremely smooth trollers.<br /><br />See the FAQ section and the article on those motors... I think there are more of those OMC's around than other brands for that era and size.<br /><br />I have an '82 15hp, and I'm looking for a 14' aluminum for it to have as a 2nd fishing rig at the cabin. Would go together like bread and butter I think! Unless you want to stay with a 9.9 for size restricted lakes or whatever, I'd say go with the 15 since they're the same size and weight (just more ummph on the top end). I'd think it'd fit your budget.<br /><br />Good luck with the search

 

[Ducats]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Thanks for all of the advice so far. The FAQ article on the 9.9 and 15 HP OMC's has a lot of good info.<br /><br />We really won't be on any size restricted lakes. I was looking at the 9.9 because of the 14 HP max rating for my boat. I know there's been posts about max HP before and the discussions centered around bigger jumps in HP than what I'd be looking at. But is going to 15 HP that big a deal with a max 14 rating? Or is it something that I should strictly follow?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

I personally would test the water; i.e. push the limit on hp. The performance with the 9.9 and a good load will be marginal (BTDT) whereas the 15 will perk her up and you will get a good ride.<br /><br />If you are questioned about the size of the engine you might explain that 9.9 is the next lower size and that's a long way down from 15, and that no one makes 14 hp outboards, or 13, or 12 (any more), etc. Besides 15/14 is only a 7% over rating and you are talking about a 15 hp capable of 20mph, not, not a 250 hp capable of 65 mph. Doubt that anyone would say anything beins the rig is small. <br /><br />There is probably some law that says boat mfgr's have to post a hp and load rating on their boats; Coast Guard, BIA or something like that. I know they used to not have the yellow and black sticker and that wasn't that long ago.<br /><br />We used to run a 33 Johnny on a 14' Alumacraft back in the '70's and it made for a real nice smaller fishing rig. Had a side mounted console and remote controls. Was a lot of fun.<br /><br />Mark

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Go with a 15 Johnny or Rude. I have two Evinrude 15's. A 1974 and a 1997. Both are execellent motors with a lot of grunt in a small package. I wouldn't worry about a 14 hp rating and having a 15. 1hp is negligable...kind of like a "rounding error" in mathematics. <br /><br />9.9's are nice engines too, but why not have 50% more horsepower in the same package and weight with a 15! Trolls as well, runs as well, and has that extra punch that makes you go WOW!

 

[Ducats]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

I just got a call from my dad tonight. He spotted a 15HP Evinrude for sale. Doesn't know the year, but thought it was the 60's. It includes the gas tank and line. The for sale sign had a price of $200.<br /><br />My dad knows the guy who's selling it and is calling him to get all of the details on the motor tomorrow. He says the seller is an honest guy who takes care of his equipment so I'm interested to hear what the story is.<br /><br />Is there anything I should be concerned about with this motor or price? Thanks.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Just change the impeller in the water pump and put some Sea Foam in the tank to loosen up the crud.<br /><br />I had a '58ish 18 Evinrude, bought new in 58ish ($400). Really a honey. I was only a kid. Kept it (less the fuel tank) in my room on a stand. Mother was very understanding. Had a lot of low end dig, real smooth.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Ducats]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Turns out that 15HP Evinrude was a 1952. The guy hasn't had it running in the last 4-5 years and couldn't get it running now. So I'm taking a pass on that one. <br /><br />And the search continues...

 

[diggerdan17]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

i have a 15 hp evinrude 1980...its a great little motor with a ton of get up and go...got it on my 12 foot semi v aluminum. i also have a 1980 35 horse johnny on my 14 foot aluminum side console with remote controls...its a fun little boat.i paid 600 canadian for my 15 hp last year all i,ve done is change plugs lower unit oil and new impeller...it runs very well. i did have to search around for a bit to find a 15 in my price range as my wife had imposed a budget on me.good luck!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Just keep looking, you will be able to find a good newer (80s or newer) 9.9 or 15 in that price range. I just bought a 97 8HP LS merc in perfect condition for $300, the guy needed money to finish the house he was building. Just keep watching the local paper, check the adds as soon as the paper comes out and be ready to go look at it immediately.

 

[Ducats]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

I'm checking the newspaper ads and Ebay every day. Ebay has been a pretty good tool for estimating prices. I've looked at the NADA guide, but that really seems to be low.<br /><br />One marine dealer I talked to yesterday (who didn't have anything used in that HP range regardless of price) commented that the 10-15 HP motors are scarce. They've always been popular, but are even more so now due to high gas prices.

 

[Pony]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

NADA guides are very low for this area Ducots. If you can find a decent running 80's 15hp for $4-500 then your are getting a great deal imho. What many people don't know, because they arent from here, is that we live in an area where both boat and motor prices are significantly higher. You could post prices on here all day long and people would tell you how overpriced it is. I am NOT kidding you when I say there is a few ebay guys from this state who sell lots of motors who I have seen sell mid 80's 25hp's for $1,000 to $1400. Now I admit that is pretty high, but don't be unwilling to pay 600 instead of 400 around here etc...<br /><br />My advice is to pay attention to the paper and yard sales.....as has been mentioned. Often these people don't have a clue what they are selling is worth, and you can get a good deal. I picked up my boat for $1,700 this way.......dealer had the same set up that was 5 years older for $2,700

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

On the one you looked at that didn't run, a dose of ignition points, condenser, plugs, carb rebuild and a squirt of Sea Foam should put it in running order (plus what I already said). Usually when they sit the points get corroded (and don't work) and the fuel gets varnished which clogs up your carb jets and messes up your float valve. Once you go through that you should be good to go. If the engine looks to be in good overall shape, indicating it wasn't abused while used, you may be ok.<br /><br />Mark

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Use Craigs List and check it every hour or so. You can always buy what you want at full price, so if I don't need the item immediately I just keep looking, you will eventually find a deal on exactly what you want.

 

[Pony]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Forgot to mention it in my other post, but the motor in my signature was purchased at a garage sale for $50.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

I second the Craig's List suggestion, and you absolutely DO have to check it every hour or so. The bargains are gone instantly to the first person to contact the seller.<br /><br />I just bought a 12' aluminum boat (needed some paint remover and new transom boards, plus an almost new trailer, for $300. The guy even delivered to to me. The ad was gone before he got here.

 

[Ducats]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

Thanks for the info. on Craig's List. I didn't realize that the turnaround there was so fast. I'll be sure to add it to my list of option.

 

[artburr]

Re: Motor for 14' Aluminum Boat

The 15 hp Johnson that I used on my 14' Gregor was perfect for that boat (but the boat was rated to 25 hp.). Considering the rating of yours, could you handle one of the 9.9 Merc "specials" offered by Iboats? $1299 if I remember correctly.