so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

[psinatra]

We just got a pretty good deal on a 15' bayliner. However, the force 50 is ready to be put out of it's misery.

So...without a lot to spend, we need another 50hp motor. We need to find something reliable, well kept, and for $1000.

Do you guys have any opinions on where to start? want ads? craigslist? marinas? What to look for? What to avoid? Opinions on brands?

Any generations that we should avoid. I have a lead on a 1975 merc thunderbolt 500 for $900 (canadian) The guy (a boat motor mechanic) rebuilt it himself. Thoughts?


I know it's a BIG question....


BTW, we are located in toronto.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

I would use all of your above resources. Just make sure that you can hear it run, so that you can verify that you arent buying a glorified anchor. Good compression, a clean appearance (can be decieving though) and actually hearing it run, can go a long way to ensuring a pleasant buying experience

 

[psinatra]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

I would use all of your above resources. Just make sure that you can hear it run, so that you can verify that you arent buying a glorified anchor. Good compression, a clean appearance (can be decieving though) and actually hearing it run, can go a long way to ensuring a pleasant buying experience

thanks a lot.


I just found these two gems that I might go check out....


http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...-hp-mercury-outboard-parts-W0QQAdIdZ144978638


And this is the sweetest looking motor I have ever seen. I love the look of old mercs....

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-50hp-Mercury-W0QQAdIdZ134866691

 

[psinatra]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

and the next question....if my boat is not near me at the moment...how do I know if I need a long shaft or a shorft shaft. It's a small '89 1500 bayliner....

I'm ASSUMING it needs a short shaft...but that's an assumption.

 

[MushCreek]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

Your transom will measure about 15" (short) or 20" (long).

I'm partial to OMC products; I feel they are easier to work on, and parts availability is good. The two cylinder 40 and 50 hp motors from the 70's and 80's are good- I avoid oil injection, though. It was problematic when it first came out. Yamahas are great, too, but you won't find one in your price range.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

Also remember that they changed HP ratings in the early 1980's (82?) from the crank to the prop.

Long story short, those older 50hp Mercs won't be as powerful as your '89 Force 50. Good engines, but they were rated differently.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

I put this in another post when someone asked about a used motor:
A successful lake test would rule out 90% of the problems you could test for.

A few issues that may not show up in a lake test:
Low(er) compression (see above)
lower unit seals (check for milky lower unit oil)
soft spots in floor & transom


At bare minimum I would put the engine in a bucket of water. Let it run for 10+ minutes.
Check for coolant stream out back.
Put it in gear, make sure the prop engages both forward and reverse.
Check under cowl for bad looking wires (they deteriorate with time and cause other problems)
Check the block for peeling paint (possibly signifying that it was overheated at one point)

 

[psinatra]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

Also remember that they changed HP ratings in the early 1980's (82?) from the crank to the prop.

Long story short, those older 50hp Mercs won't be as powerful as your '89 Force 50. Good engines, but they were rated differently.

actually, the force was measured at the head too....those cheapos!

 

[mike64]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

...lower unit seals (check for milky lower unit oil)...

This is where I was going to put my $.02 in as well--don't overlook the lower unit. I have a '72 Evinrude that runs well, but the leaky LU has been giving me misery. There's a lot of different reasons they can leak, even if the seals are replaced.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

and the next question....if my boat is not near me at the moment...how do I know if I need a long shaft or a shorft shaft. It's a small '89 1500 bayliner....

I'm ASSUMING it needs a short shaft...but that's an assumption.

in all proabability it will reqiure a long shaft (20inch)motor.short shaft motors of that era were actually rare as compared to long.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

actually, the force was measured at the head too....those cheapos!

I thought ratings like that would be industry-wide. Shows how much I know about Force engines!

 

[psinatra]

Re: so...what methodology would you go through to find a used outboard.

I thought ratings like that would be industry-wide. Shows how much I know about Force engines!

apparently, in the 80's bayliner was trying to undercut the others, so they rebranded old chrysler engines and measured the HP from the power head.