Need a bit of (subjective) advise

[Bullie]

I have the opportunity to trade for a boat,motor,trailer for a very reasonable amount of money. The boat appears to be a Critchfield Fish/Ski type. It has a J130TLEDM 1996 130 Johnson on it. I haven't seen it, other than pictures, at this point but it looks to be and the owner claims it is in very good shape but quit firing. He says it needs a power pack. The owner says everything else works. Hydraulics,etc.

I am mainly interested in this boat for the motor. I would like to find an 1860 or similar boat and use this motor to power it. Assuming the power pack is the problem and I can repair it, how big a deal is it going to be to outfit it to a jon boat with a console? I am looking at initial cost of approximately $500 to acquire the boat/motor as I have something the fellow wants to trade for.

Were these good motors? I would obviously check the compression and overall condition of the motor before I traded but I am wondering if this is a good motor to attempt to get running or if I should pass? I have become familiar with working only on the smaller Evinrudes and Johnsons so it would be a big step up... [h=1][/h]

 

[James R]

Good solid motor. Like all, the comps have to be good probably in the order of 135. Powerpack not difficult to change but be sure that the stator is good. Testing is complicated. The usual will need to be done, carbs and lower unit. Get a manual before you start. If the jon boat is a center console it can be a pain fishing the wiring and cables through. You will probably need a binacle mount type not the side mount. Go to Ebay for it.

 

[boobie]

I like to hear a motor run before I buy it. JMHO.

 

[Bullie]

That would be cool but I am sure he would want much more for the rig or might not even want to sell it if the motor would run.

I talked with the owner again. He said it quit running and he had it towed to a marina. The mechanic checked it out and told him the power pack was bad.