need good advice

[realtree280]

i have a chance to buy another 1980 johnson 15 horse completly redone from new pistons to lower unit and new paint job motor looks new and runs better than the three i have,i can buy this motor for 800.00 from a friends widow, or i been wanting to try a 2006 15 horse johnson wich i can buy for 1,900.00 i have been told from dealers the new 15 will walk away from my 1980 15 and told it was a much more reliable motor, but i told him i have never been left on the water by my older well taken care of motors either , can you guys give me your opinions please

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: need good advice

How can they say a 2005 or 2006 motor is more reliable? They haven't been around long enough to say how reliable they are.

 

[MCM]

Re: need good advice

Excelent point

 

[DJ]

Re: need good advice

The difference is $1,100.00. You can by ALLOT of gas and bait for $1,100.00.<br /><br />Now you now my opinion.

 

[rolmops]

Re: need good advice

It is probably true that the 2006 is a bit faster,because the 1980 was measured at the engine while the 2006 is measured at the propeller.This could make up to a 10% power difference.In practice this difference is negligable.The possible guarantees you get with a new engine might be worth something.For the rest,DJ says it all.

 

[SeaKing15hp]

Re: need good advice

If I had to buy something, I would go with the '80, it was obviously a good, well taken care of motor, since they went as far as to do all of that work. $1,100.00, like stated earlier is a whole heck of a lot of money, when you consider that you will still be scootin at the same speed either way. <br /><br />When it comes to buying ANOTHER, I don't know, I mean you have 3 others already.<br /><br />Just my thinkin, <br /><br />-Jacob

 

[realtree280]

Re: need good advice

what can i say i luv the older motors but you guys bring up great point alot of gas and bait all i know is my motors have been really reliable. i see where the difference is when one is measured at the prop thanks for that info

 

[MCM]

Re: need good advice

Personally I think newer motors, automobile included , have entirely too many computer chips, which makes them harder to diagnose problems and backyard mechanic unfriendly.

 

[itstippy]

Re: need good advice

You have 3 15HP's already and are looking at a 4th? You are hoplessly addicted to 15HP OMC outboards. If you MUST buy another I'd say go for the older one. You obviously want it and if you don't get it you may have regrets about the "one that got away" for ever. New motors come out every year. No problem finding them to buy.<br />Make sure the 15HP you're looking at was rebuilt by someone that knows what they're doing. I've read posts from the pro's warning that four-stroke shops tend to bore cylinders incorrectly on 2-strokes when fitting new pistons. Apparently there's a difference in how to calculate the increase in bore needed for a 2-stroke vs a 4-stroke.

 

[realtree280]

Re: need good advice

good point it was done by mare inc. a local johnson dealer for over 20 years i have the bill it cost my friend 1,300 for everything it even has all new hardware and bolt, rubber bushings i can send you a pic if i get your email

 

[realtree280]

Re: need good advice

do you know if johnson made a 20 horse in the 80s

 

[Scaaty]

Re: need good advice

Originally do you know if Johnson made a 20 horse in the 80s

I have an early 80's 20hpSS. Paid $150, and it will probably last longer than I do. New one will be old real quick, and expensive parts. Old one already old, proven, and cheap parts. Do it and you won't be sorry, and a grand up.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: need good advice

The following is per NADA. Those old motors don't get more valuable with age like fine wine! $800 for a twenty year old motor is way too much.<br /><br />October 29, 2005 print this page<br /><br /> Low Retail Average Retail<br />Base Price<br /> $85 $100 <br /> TOTAL PRICE $85 $100 <br /> <br />Notes<br />(*)ALSO OPERATES ON TWELVE VOLTS.<br /><br />Next Steps<br />There are NEW Trucks and SUVs that provide superior control, comfort and power when towing your outboard. Make sure to research them and if a new towing vehicle is desired, be prepared with a FREE credit check. Get the best possible rate with a Free Finance Quote. Getting the proper insurance for your outboard vessel is very important as well and can be done by obtaining a Free Insurance Quote. <br /><br />Interesting in buying? View the largest section of boats for sale on the internet. <br /><br />Sell your outboard with ease and get the best price possible while attracting buyers nationwide. <br /><br />Boat Specifications<br /> <br /> Model: 15EL<br /> Motor Type: Gasoline<br /> Volts (Electric Motors): N/A<br /> Thrust (Electric Motors): N/A<br /> Horsepower: 15<br /> Cylinders: 2<br /> Start Type: Electric<br /> Dry Weight: 85<br /> Power Tilt and Trim: No

 

[itstippy]

Re: need good advice

Wow. NADA sounds really low. Running electric start twins from 60's, 70's, and 80's go for $300 and up on eBay. Often much much more. Lots of bidders too. I don't mean Bigtwins, but portable fishing motors. There seems to be a huge market for these - maybe the population's aging and can't pull starter ropes anymore. The buyer pays shipping and takes his chances that the thing's any good. If I could get an endless supply of running 15EL's for $100 each I'd make lots of money. $85 would buy you a 15EL in pieces in a basket on eBay, plus shipping.<br />$800 for the motor described by realtree280, electric start or not, is a good price IMO. If he set out to find another one for sale in fully rebuilt condition for that price he'd be looking a long time. Shops don't generally provide the motor, put $1,300 worth of rebuild into it, then sell it for $800.<br />How does NADA get their price quotes?

 

[realtree280]

Re: need good advice

i agree thank you i feel as i get a great value this way and probly a longer lasting motor

 

[mtnoffroad]

Re: need good advice

NADA values for boat motors are a joke. The local insurance adjusters even laugh at them. Realistically I could sell the motor you are describing for around 1300-1500 dollars no problem. I sold several 15 hp evinrude and johnsons this year, two late 70s models for around 800 each because they had a lot of wear to the hoods, and two early 90's models for 1000 each that were in very nice visual condition. Unless a newer motor has something to really set it apart such as being a fuel injected motor, or a major reliability improvement (rare) age does not mater that much and condition and performance do. IMHO