Why are NADA Outboard Prices SO LOW?

[cobraman427sc]

I can't believe that a 1983-84 50hp Mercury is worth only $175.00.
I mean,... A new one is $4500

Maybe it's so boat sales people (like car sales people) can get away with robbing you blind on a trade???? .... just a guess.

I understand use and abuse on motors, but to lump them all in one price range seems to be an insult to people who take the time and effort to keep their motors in top condition....

Anyway, I found the YEAR of my 50HP Mercury (Serial # 6419127)... which is apparently a 1983 BUT I don't know the model of the motor,..

Can anyone help me or point me in the right direction to find out??
50E....
50M....
50ELH....
50???????????......

I don't know.

This could mean a whopping $25 difference in the NADA price.
Not that THAT matters,... I would just like to know, thats all.


Thanks,
RZ

 

[redjmp]

Re: Why are NADA Outboard Prices SO LOW?

E is for electric start
M is manual start
L is for long leg
H is tiller handle

I think?

Your motor is the 4 cylinder classic design that has been around since the 50's. Old technology. 25 year old motor.
Its at a point in its life where something will always be failing. Even if it was babied, wires oxidize under their insulation, rubber and plastic bits start to break down and crack etc.
Unless you are a mechanic and don't mind spinning wrenches, then you will spend $1,000's keeping that engine running in parts and shop labour and you would never have the piece of mind when you are out on the briny that your engine won't quit on you at any given time.

New motors are the improved 3 cylinder design.
More reliable.

Suppose you were fishing 5 or ten miles offshore when all of a sudden a big squall hits and all of a sudden you find yourself in big ugly seas and then all of a sudden your 25 year old motor starts sputtering........
$175?
Yup sounds about right.

What's a 1983 car worth these days?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Why are NADA Outboard Prices SO LOW?

In my view, NADA has lost it's grip on the market. Not because they have done anything wrong, it's because market dynamics are so voltatile they simply can't keep up. Regional prices vary dramatically when compared nationally so it is difficult to be very accurate. And this applies to cars, trucks, and campers as well. That's why the NADA book is called a "Guide". It is not an absolute. You check the guide, then your local classified ads, then some on-liine marine dealers in your area, tally the data you have.. You then throw out the highest and lowest values and what's in the middle is the probable value of your item. Everyone thinks there item is in "exceptional" considition and therefore demands a premium price. Fact is "exceptional condition sells" but when the customer sees your definition of exceptional it very likely is not the same as his/hers. The only exceptions to this are if you can find a "sucker". I speak from experience when I say that it is easier to sell an "exceptionally clean item" than it is an "exceptionally dirty one". In the case of engine powered equipment, a clean item that runs like crap will likely sell before a dirty torn up wreck that runs perfect.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Why are NADA Outboard Prices SO LOW?

Good insight... NADA prices are sort of irrelevant.

I have bought wrecks of boats because I could buy an ugly previous-owner-"improved" boat with a decent engine including trailer for less than an outboard that "needs work" in the paper! Plus, I have noticed many times when some yahoo has spent good money at Home Despot to "improve" his special boat (there's always something that makes it "unique" oand exclusive, and don't we all love that greeeen outdoor 'carpet' he often has spent good money getting the motor to run well, too.

 

[northernmerc]

Re: Why are NADA Outboard Prices SO LOW?

E is for electric start

Suppose you were fishing 5 or ten miles offshore when all of a sudden a big squall hits and all of a sudden you find yourself in big ugly seas and then all of a sudden your 25 year old motor starts sputtering........
$175?

Hey, what you're missing here is the innate value of that old motor as an anchor. If that big squall comes up and the motor won't run, just tie a long rope to it and toss it overboard. The boat should face into the wind and ride out the storm - unless the boat is too small or the storm too big, in which case . . .