Refurbished/Rebuilt outboards

[fishingdan]

I plan to re-power my project boat over the winter. I would like reliable power, but I don't want to spend the money for a new engine on this boat ( a 20' 1978 Penn Yan Explorer - outboard). The boat currently has a 1982 Merc 150 on it and it is a good match for this boat (cruise 25 mph, WOT 40 mph). I think I would look to another Merc mostly because I am familiar with them and I could re-use controls.

While looking at options, I find myself attracted to the rebuilt outboards sold by what appear to be reputable companies. I know iboats has this type of engine available and I have seen some directly on company websites (ex: Blackbird Industries). I would only consider a company that offers a warranty.

What have been your experiences with these companies and these engines?

How does one determine if a company is a reputable rebuilder?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Refurbished/Rebuilt outboards

I guess I would ask how long they have been around and do others recommend them. More so will they stand behind what they sell and will it cost you an arm and a leg to have warranty work done if something goes wrong. I have never bought one from them, but others that have say iboats will go to bat for you if it goes bad. Remember, iboats is just the middle man on those motors they sell...

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Refurbished/Rebuilt outboards

What's up with your present motor? Why not have your present motor rebuilt?

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Refurbished/Rebuilt outboards

That is a good question Cobra. My current engine is a 1982 model with a rebuilt powerhead done in 1990. In my case the block is fine and compression is ok (112 to 118 on all cylinders), but the other stuff is reaching the end of its life (the bracket, parts of the leg, the cowling mounts, etc). This engine lived most of its life floating in Long Island Sound and corrosion has taken its toll over time. To hunt down those parts one by one sounds like a challenge.

 

[DJ]

Re: Refurbished/Rebuilt outboards

As you already know. The warranty is only as good as the outfit writing it.

I wouldn't be afraid of any of the companies that have been around for a while.

Good dealers also warrant their used engines and rebuilds.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Refurbished/Rebuilt outboards

One more question, what do you get with a "rebuilt powerhead"? Is this only the block, crank, pistons, etc. or is it more complete and include reeds, etc.?

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: Refurbished/Rebuilt outboards

When I looked into it, it was only the short block. i.e. block, crank, pistons, etc.

For an extra charge, some will undress your old PH and re-dress the new one. Also, they will charge extra for parts that are unusable, such as the block, crank, etc. Obciously pistons, bearings and such aren't included in the "unusable" catagory.

If your PH has good power, it's just the external stuff that's bad, I think a rebuilt PH is a waste of money. You just need brackets and such. Ken Cook carries a parts catalog for a lot of engines. The one for mine was $25. I'm not sure they have one for yours or not, but that's the route I would take. It has made it nice when I need something, I call the dealer, tell them part #'s and they order me my stuff.