| Author |
Message |
    
scottsman
New member
Username: scottsman
Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 04:57 pm: | 
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I am still looking for a suitable outboard for my 14 foot 1959 Fiberglide runabout.
I have been told that I need a 25 to 50 HP, electric start, short shaft outboard with cable steering connections.
I have quickly discovered that a nice restored outboard will cost $500-PLUS and to ship an outboard anywhere is $100 to $200. So looking to spend as little as required for my first outboard I have found the pickings pretty slim!!
My question to the panel is this “Is there any make that stands head and shoulders above the rest – or any make I should avoid?” Is it better to look for an earlier year motor over an older – putting “looks” aside?
Is there any place to look for fair values for old motors?
So far all I have found is:
195? Evinrude Lark – 35hp for $450.00
1955 Johnson Model RDE - 25hp for $450.00
1961 Mercury 400 - 45hp for $365.00
1986 Evinrude - 110hp for $500.00
19?? Mariner - 25hp for $550.00
1953 Johnson - 35hp for $350.00
What are the hidden gotchas, that I am overlooking? |
audie
Visitor
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 07:26 am: |
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The best outboard is the one that'll get you back to the dock! Like anything else made there will be personal preference when it comes to branding. There are good and bad in all brands. I like to stay with the better known major brands (ie:Johnson/Evinrude Mercury/Mariner Yamaha and now Honda to name a few)instead of the cheap knockoffs. If you should have a problem with these it's generally esier to get parts. |
laurie_d
Member
Username: laurie_d
Post Number: 29
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 11:11 pm: |
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G'day Scottsman, To add to Audie's comment I'd stay away from Crysler or Scott motors and frankly I am not impressed by the older Mercury motors either. My experience with Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda since the early 1970s has been good but I understand that once the 4 stroke motors get a tad worn they are very XXy to repair. Good luck and don't forget to take the paddles! |
scottsman
New member
Username: scottsman
Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 11:53 pm: |
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Thanks for the advise |
solarrog
Senior Member
Username: solarrog
Post Number: 430
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:06 am: |
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the prices you have listed $350 to $500 is less than the cost of a shop provided service. these motors need Ign, carburation, and water pump service every few years, Trying to buy this cheap will most likely cost you alot more unless you are prepared to do these services yourself.
bring a small kicker and some oars with you |
scottsman
New member
Username: scottsman
Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 01:46 pm: |
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solarrog
I am new to outboards but not old motors and mechanical items and the one thing I do know is that spending more does not guarantee getting more.
If I am forced to buy the motor from afar, all I can go by are the photos I am provided and the seller's word. Sometimes a picture is not worth a thousand words and unfortunately money has a way of shaping the truth.
So taking my chances on a $500 outboard and then possibly spending another $500 to get it water worthy is a smaller risk than spending $1000 and still having to repair the motor! |
