Used engines

[Billheard]

Buying my first boat and I was told that the number of hours on the engine is a very impotant variable. How many hours is too many? Is there any guidline I should use? Thanks

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Used engines

there is no real specific guideline that i know of but i would say 1,000+ hours for a FRESHWATER only engine is a decent amount. Some people have well over 1,000 hours on the original engine and everything is fine. It all depends on how you take care of it. My thing is that if you take care of it it will take care of you. <br /><br />If your operating in saltwater i would say 1,000+ hours is a lot since salt corrodes everything. If i were buying an engine,I would take much more thought and consideration into the purchase on the outboard with 1,000+ hours that operates in salt water than i would with a freshwater engine with eqivilant(sp?) hours.

 

[noelm]

Re: Used engines

not too sure if actual hours of use on the water are as damaging as the actual age of the motor, I think I would prefer to buy a 2 year old motor with 1,000 hours on it and well maintained than a 15 year old motor with the same hours on it, (especially if it has been poorly maintained),I think a motor usually dies of some failure of water pump or something before it wears out!I am sure guys like Rodbolt who see a lot of commercial operaters may be able to really tell you for sure though.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used engines

unfortunately, the guideline is your GUT. i use to say i would never by one without testing. since then i've bought 3 on ebay and had very good luck. i ask a lot of questions, and weight the answers, as to the sellers knowledge and BS.