Recommendations for Used 15HP Outboard

[DougC]

I'm in the market for a 15HP engine (with 20in shaft) to power a 12 ft planing hull Garvey that I am building. I'd love to have the new Honda 15 but since this is a first boat I would rather not spend so much money until I really know what my needs are.<br /><br />There is a dealer nearby with a Mercury 2-stroke 15HP 1996. Price seems not too bad ( CAN$1000 or US$750). Any comments on Mercury as a choice? other makes are better?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Recommendations for Used 15HP Outboard

Mercury makes fine engines and if money is an issue right now, you may want to opt for that one. Also, since this is your first boat, you may wind up wanting some more HP in the future real quick and you would have the opportunity to check that out with the Merc. before you spend more than you want to. I'm a bit partial to OMC products, as they also make good reliable small outboards, but that is just my opinion.

 

[Tufan]

Re: Recommendations for Used 15HP Outboard

Mercury two str 15 HP - 1996 sounds a bit high to me. You could probably find a better deal simply on ebay.<br /><br />I recenlty purchased a Mercury outboard 90 HP - EFI / 2 str. brand new - from the dealer. It comes with 3 years almost unconditional warranty, very fuel efficient and it was the best deal in town. Belive me I did my homework.

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Recommendations for Used 15HP Outboard

Just my 2 cents...<br />The OMC 15 hp is quite a bit lighter and quicker than the Merc....And from my experience parts seem to cost less.<br /><br />for what it's worth....

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Recommendations for Used 15HP Outboard

OMC is easier to work on to.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Recommendations for Used 15HP Outboard

I just saw a 1975 Johnson 15 go for $740 on ebay.<br /><br />These small ( 9.9 and 15 hp) longshaft motors usually demand a high price tag.<br /><br />If that dealer is willing to give you a 30 day warranty, I'd jump on it. Work something out so that the warranty starts when your boat is finished.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Recommendations for Used 15HP Outboard

Originally posted by roscoe:<br /> I just saw a 1975 Johnson 15 go for $740 on ebay.<br /><br />These small ( 9.9 and 15 hp) longshaft motors usually demand a high price tag.<br /><br />If that dealer is willing to give you a 30 day warranty, I'd jump on it. Work something out so that the warranty starts when your boat is finished.

This is my experience too - 10 hp in demand. Add a lot more demand for 15 and/or long shaft. Prices for all in this category seem to be quite inflated compared to, say, comparable vintage 20-30 hp. There are real bargains in those larger OB's, but not in the 9.9-15 category. If I saw a dealer selling a 15 hp, less than 10 years old, for $7-800 US, I would consider it a good deal, assuming they've "checked it out" (compression, lower unit, general idle and full speed), and you trust them.