what would you do

[mtnman05]

Been shopping around for a pontoon and found a few I like. I just want some opinions on what you would do. Since motors are so expensive and add a great deal to the total package price, what about buying the boat without the motor and putting a used one on it myself? Is this a pain to do? A good friend of mine has a nice 60hp Evinrude he has rebuilt and runs like a charm that he is willing to sell me for a LOT less than a new motor would cost me. I couldn't hardly buy a new 5hp Mercury for what this cost.
One reason I have thought of doing this is so I can afford a nicer boat instead of comprimising quality because of the motor price.
What would you do? Is it hard to hang the motor and hook everything up etc? I do have great automotive knowledge and have been to college for it but I have never really messed with outboards! haha

 

[5150abf]

Re: what would you do

No, it isn't hard, drill 4 holes and run the control cables so nothing real technical, if you buy from a dealer they could even drill the transom for you then you just have to hang the engine.

I do see new boats with older engines all the time, just make sure you have the controls and the wiring harness adn it shoud be pretty easy.

I would almost rather go with an older engine, they are lot simpler and more reliable than the new high tech computer driven ones.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: what would you do

You need to find out what size shaft fits the boat before you put it on otherwise it may be to short and will not work.

 

[lncoop]

Re: what would you do

You need to find out what size shaft fits the boat before you put it on otherwise it may be to short and will not work.

Right. You also need to be sure a 60 will be big enough. Depending on the size barge you want and the way you plan to use it you may or may not be happy with that size motor.

 

[BuckyBadger]

Re: what would you do

One issue to keep in mind is resale: Not only resale value but how easy is it to get rid of. A 5-7yo boat with a 12-15yo rebuilt motor will probably be a little more difficult to unload than a year matching rig. Of course the longer you keep it the less of an issue this becomes.

I don't think there is necessarily anything wrong with this plan but it would not be my first choice. IMHO I would look for a late model used pkg first. But I also know first hand how difficult finding that perfect reasonably priced late model used pontoon is.

As long as you've done your homework, new and used, and this deal still stands out I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

 

[canadianmark]

Re: what would you do

Go with an older motor, the newer ones have to much electronics and stuff.
Like a vehicle, plus parts are going to more expensive if you ever need them.
I always like to go old and rebuild. Plenty of parts out there for older motors, but check it out before you go and buy one because like a car if you pick the wrong older model there might not be very little parts available, if any.