to buy or not to buy

[nhdukes]

Hi everyone. I am asking for a little advice. I am looking to repower my 1978 19' midland skiff. It currently has a 1978 merc 900 on it that runs alright but it is 30+ yrs old and frankly the motor can be finicky. I wish i could spend 8000 to repower but I'm a fisherman not a financial advisor. Well the ad in craigslist list as follows and if i were to go look at this motor what would be your steps before you bought it to make sure you were not getting ripped. I am mechanically inclined so what should i do?
cl ad: I have a 1996 Johnson 112 hp power outboard comes with all controls and new steering cable engine hasn't been run in two years but was stored properly and winterized it had good compression when put it in storage it's two big for my boat and I need cash its a very reliable motor great deal at 900.00 firm

 

[oldgradywhite]

Re: to buy or not to buy

I would never buy a motor that cant be run in front of you. perferably you want to test a used motor on the water if you can. I am also from nh theres alot of unmaintained junk motors up here trust me I am talking from experience. If your looking for a new motor greens marine in hooksett have fair prices but on a boat that old a new motor might not be worth it. Its hard to sell a old boat with a new motor. Its almost always a big money loser.

 

[nhdukes]

Re: to buy or not to buy

thanks for the advice.i'll check them out. im not selling my boat just repowering. shes a workhorse that can float in spit.

 

[jonesg]

Re: to buy or not to buy

Fix the one you already own.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: to buy or not to buy

A finicky 30year old mercury? You've gotta be kidding!!

Really, I must agree, if it can't be shown to run, it's not a $900 motor. Then again, it could be a steal. You have to ask yourself---can I afford to risk $900???? ALso, to quote another iboater...Samott, "They all run good in a barrel"... I've found that to be totally true. As said, a boat test is best!!
I would think the merc could be fixed to be reliable. I own 2 of the crappiest mercs ever built (merc 650 3-cylinder), and they've been trustworthy runners for a while now and still going. Post your symptoms and get some help on the merc forum. If Laddies or Faztbullet can't help you on it, likely noone can. They frequent the merc forum.
JBJ