Tower of Power Question

[bernardo]

Help a novice, please!
We can get a 1986 Glastron ski boat with an '86 115 HP Mercury "Tower of Power" motor. It has allegedly less that 100 hours on it, and the condition of the boat suggests that this might be the case.

What are the pros and cons of this motor? Asking price is $5000 with a (funky) trailer. We are apprehensive about a 20 year old item, but the condition seems interesting enough to consider. What don't we know that we should?

thanks for any help.

Bernardo

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Tower of Power Question

Bernardo, That price seems $2K high to me. The motor is worth a few hundred $ at most. Same with the boat.

BTW Very few mechanics will work on them, so you really will need to do your own work. I have a chance to get a '93 Merc 135HP for $1K. It will replace my Merc 1500 Tower. At least it is the same design as the newer motors.

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Tower of Power Question

I agree with Chris, (way too high). I don't know where you are from, but that engine is the same as the 1981 140 HP, (very good engine as power to weight, but very noisy et al old style smokin' screamer). Those old girls don't do so well in the salt water. A pristene 1986 115 with power trim that runs perfect with great compression and no salt water use would be worth $1,500 to $2000 retail in the Summer, and $1000 to 1500 or less in the winter. The boat is worth $300 to $500, and ya don't like the trailer. Hmmmmmmm. My $.02 JR

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Tower of Power Question

Offer $2500 or walk away...nothing wrong here, just asking too darn much

 

[bernardo]

Re: Tower of Power Question Follow ups?

Re: Tower of Power Question Follow ups?

Wow
What a great board this is--3 hours later and I get responses. THANK YOU!.
Some detail that may or may not change your advice.
We live in northern Wisconsin, so, fresh water only.
The bottom of the Glastron has NO scratches on it (my canoe bottom is worse than this boat. ). I'm told (told?) that both boat and motor have been heated-garaged the life of the boat in winter. Local dealer thinks about 100 hours on the engine. We do have a local dealer in town (Hayward, we are lake/fishing/muskie nuts here) who does Mercurys and who actually owns an 87 115 like this. They tell me to expect a water pump replacement every 3-4 years and to burn more gas than my Evinrudes. They say IF it revs to 5000-5500 rpm WOT it is probably as under used as claimed. Does the fresh water/little use prospect alter any thoughts?
And THANKS for the great responses!
Bernardo

 

[Kajun37]

Re: Tower of Power Question

it may be a nice boat but its overpriced...but if you got the $$ to give away go for it.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Tower of Power Question

Good engine, had an 84 115 for 14 yrs. It was faster than my 82 140hp evinrude on the same boat and had more bottom end torque. Both engines were purchased new.
Agree the price is about double what it is worth.

 

[bernardo]

Re: Tower of Power Question

Thanks all...I have reached same point of view with less experience than you...it is a nice small boat but over-priced. I'll try to buy it right as I am intrigued with getting a little piece of boating history..but only if price is right. As you gave me such quick feedback, I'd be happy to let you know the outcome to help down the road.

Bernardo

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Tower of Power Question

Old Midwest boy myself (west burbs out Chitown)(...have friends in Hayward.Minocqua, Manitowish...and points east, west, south, and even the UP).
Its simply over priced...I just bought a CRANK UP rebuild 72 135 with new everything that it needed from my merc guru ...$2000..COMPLETLY GONE THROUGH.
And a super clean Flatbottom hull for $500, that I stuck another grand in...thats $3500 plus a few..
Just check Craigslist (a few DIFFERENT cities)...do some comparison. Glastron's from the midwest are super boats though...if super shape, I'd say $3500 OK...what the heck, its only money, and a boat, and life might be short, but its the longest thing you will ever own!
Good luck....

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Tower of Power Question

Yer right: the OLD inline Mercs may drink a little, (not that much) more fuel 'cause they will blow the doors off the Johnnyrudes, Yammadingers or anything else of comparable horse power, (old or newer).

If ya run the old girls in their sweet spot in the 4100 + or - range they are comparable in fuel cornsumption and power and they last much longer. At 6000 RPMs they get hungry n' eat Rudes n' Dingers fer breakfast lunch n dinner. They are loud, (but I know Scaaty luvs that sound as do I).

Pound fer pound dollar fer dollar ya can't beat em in fresh water, (if ya keep yer eye on the weak fuel n' cooling issues). Look at Silvertips' threads about fuel cornsumption for an education. It will surprize ya!
My $.02 JR