Why such a low price

[aburke120]

Looked at a 96 mercury 15m tiller today at a rummage sale, the price was $175.00. This seemed quite low to me, so I started asking questions. No one knew anything about it. It's dad's motor and he's working and the only one that could answer questions. Isn't a motor like this worth alittle more than 175? I'm going back tonight and talk with dad after he's home from work hopefully he'll run in for me, and get some info on it. What's your thoughts. thanks

 

[emoney]

Re: Why such a low price

Sometimes we can be staring a Gift Horse in the mouth and never know it. Depending on general appearance, even non-running there should be enough parts to salvage that makes it a good deal. Hopefully for you the "next guy" didn't come along and just buy it without asking questions.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Why such a low price

I will be very surprised if that motor will still be there when you go back since the price was a steal.
Last weekend I bought a mint condition 40hp Suzuki tiller motor with a heavy duty 4 wheel motor dolly for $150 at a garage sale. It's a 1984 model but looks like it was only used minimally over the years. The lady said her and her husband were moving a few hundred miles away and since they didn't boat anymore they just wanted to sell it. I told her I would take it. There was a guy there prior to me getting there that wanted it but he fiddled around and lost out. When my girlfriend told him the price I paid for it he got sick to his stomach.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Why such a low price

Looked at a 96 mercury 15m tiller today at a rummage sale, the price was $175.00. What's your thoughts. thanks

That year could be a rebadged Yam under a Merc cowl, the one who thinks it over, loses...

Happy Boating

 

[aburke120]

Re: Why such a low price

I went back there yesterday afternoon and bought it. Never did talk to dad but I got a small plastic gas tank and hose with it. I'll play with it this weekend as I have a 76,15hp johnson I also need to play with. Thanks for the help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Why such a low price

Every once in awhile we all SCORE!! Nice going.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Why such a low price

Every once in awhile we all SCORE!! Nice going.

Yessss and I have learned when you are staring a score in the face, don't hesitate: "He who hesitates is lost"; actually I think the phrase is more meaningful omitting the "is". I think part of this is to inform yourself concerning things that you may be in the market to buy and then you will be better prepared to pounce on a deal.

My best deal was a 96 hp John Deere tractor the guy had to have some money to get IRS off his back immediately. Wanted $4500 for a tractor worth at least $9000. I gave him all the cash I had in my wallet to hold it and I stopped what I was doing (rubbernecking while driving to work one day) told him I was going to the bank (credit union in my case) and would be right back with the cash. While at the CU which was at work, I told the boss I needed to take a day of vacation as I had a pressing issue that needed attention.

Mark

 

[aburke120]

Re: Why such a low price

What would the advantage of this plate be?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Why such a low price

What would the advantage of this plate be?
View attachment 164561View attachment 164562

Nothing...take it off.

It is not a Yamaha with Merc stickers, it's a Merc.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Why such a low price

I can't belive you walked away from a motor for that little money, even if it doesn't run you could triple that selling the parts.

You will want to recycle that plate, it is probably 5 bucks worth of aluminum, now you got it for 170 so even a bigger steal.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Why such a low price

I've missed on a few over the years only because I didn't have the cash in my pocket and they wouldn't hold it! 1st come with cash win!

The Lund I have now was one of those desperation sales. Paid less than half of what it was worth.

 

[aburke120]

Re: Why such a low price

I had the money on me but I wanted some questions answered. Yes I was lucky it was still there when I went back. The sale wasn't far from where I live so it wasn't like I was out of town. After looking the motor over after I got it home, there is some issues with the throttle linkage, and some other things, but it's all there and after I get it in some water and see if it runs, I'll get back.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Why such a low price

Heck the BIGGEST issue was getting it home and you are over that hurdle. Any engine starting questions/repairs should be posted in this forum http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=25

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Why such a low price

I love rummage sale finds, seen a sign last year at a rummage sale that listed "ask about" stuff and seen 15hp Johnson, 500$ I figured for 500$ I'd see a beat up old Johnson that needs some work. They showed me to the basement and there was a Suzuki built 15hp Johnson 4 stroke that looked like it had been used twice. I QUICKLY drove to the bank and grabbed the 500$ and returned to get the motor. Had it sold the next day on craigslist for 1500$ but I still feel guilty about that one.

 

[emoney]

Re: Why such a low price

I usually don't get lucky at rummage sales. It's probably because I can't bring myself to be up and at 'em for those things by 0-dark-30. Strolling into a rummage sale around 10ish usually doesn't net too many "finds".

@OP, make sure you spend some time with that thing before you take it the water. I would go so far as to assume it's been sitting for years and years and treat it as such. Great find and good for you!

 

[aburke120]

Re: Why such a low price

I am anxious to put it in a tank and see if it will run. If I do, what can I expect from it. I don't have an
owners manual. I will put new gas and mix into it. Does it have a tell tale water flow?
Anything else to look for or avoid? Thanks

 

[aburke120]

Re: Why such a low price

I've been busy redoing the kitchen in my house and haven't played with the 15 until yesterday, posted here about it.http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=580802

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Why such a low price

so where are the guys who say NEVER buy without a sea-trial and ALWAYS get a survey?

That's why with boating there are no rules that are absolute except one.

PS around here an old running 15 would be about $500; yours probably more since it's newer. Also, it's hard to find used motors that size since most people just keep them--easy to store, no maintenance, always come in handy down the road. You generally only find them, as you did, when someone is moving.

I'm still kicking myself for one, with a beat-up Gennoe, I missed years ago at a yard sale, even though I haven't had use for a 15 since, still it's something to grab.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Why such a low price

from our local craig's list today:

2003 15hp mercury 2 cycle runs Great - $1100 (hampton)