Thoughts on 1974 Evinrude 25 h.p.? Considering purchasing a boat with one...

[E_S_A_D]

The owner indicates that the engine runs good, used to have a rough idle. He rebuilt the carbs and runs great now. Any idea if these 1974 Evinrude 1974 engines are good? The boat is in pretty good shape and I'm just wondering about this particular motor. Any thoughts?

thanks all

 

[AlTn]

Re: Thoughts on 1974 Evinrude 25 h.p.? Considering purchasing a boat with one...

seems the ignition system was prone to glitches as these were some of the transition years from the 20+ year universal magneto setup to the CDI ignition. As everything mechanical maintenanace is key. Compression test, sea test, etc. are in order. If you can't test run the boat and motor on a body of water, I'd be a little leery and make my offer based on this. Electric start is a desireable feature for future resale value. Parts availability is good...maybe not cheap, but available.

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Thoughts on 1974 Evinrude 25 h.p.? Considering purchasing a boat with one...

seems the ignition system was prone to glitches as these were some of the transition years from the 20+ year universal magneto setup to the CDI ignition. As everything mechanical maintenanace is key. Compression test, sea test, etc. are in order. If you can't test run the boat and motor on a body of water, I'd be a little leery and make my offer based on this. Electric start is a desireable feature for future resale value. Parts availability is good...maybe not cheap, but available.

Thanks for your response. We'll definitely test run on the water. It is an electric start too. Would it make sense that if the throttle was not in neutral then the boat wouldn't turn over? We originally were going to take it for a test drive a few days ago, but he thought the battery was dead. Turned out the throttle was not in the neutral or position to turn the key.

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Thoughts on 1974 Evinrude 25 h.p.? Considering purchasing a boat with one...

Also, in comparison... there's another boat available for $500 more and 2 feet longer with a 1983 60 h.p. Johnson. Obviously one is newer, but in comparison is a 60 h.p. 1983 Johnson vs. a 25 h.p. Evinrude 1974 going to be a big difference with potential repairs or how the engine lasts?

 

[AlTn]

Re: Thoughts on 1974 Evinrude 25 h.p.? Considering purchasing a boat with one...

neutral start is a standard...can't speak to the 1983 60 hp. question