1997 Johnson 225 - Rebuild or Replace ???

flylow86

Recruit
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
4
Hi all. I'm hoping for some guidance or suggestions. We have a 1997 Aquasport 225 Explorer. It has the original Johnson 225 which is currently locked up/seized. We are planning to sell the boat and purchase something newer however we are not entirely sure what our best plan of action should be.
Should we sell the boat 'as is', have the original motor rebuilt, or replace the motor with something else?

If it's best to have it gone through and rebuilt, what would the approximate cost be (ball park number)?

If it's best to replace with something else, what should we be looking around for? Motor, Age, Hours, Etc.

We have seen similar boats listed for anywhere from 10-16k, but seems the NADA lists it somewhere around 8-9k. Therefore, we don't want to spend a lot to get it going.

Thank you!
 

Teamster

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
1,923
The only way rebuilding the motor or replacing it makes any sense is if you plan on keeping the boat for a few more years,..
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
36,069
You can not estimate cost of repairs without tearing it down.----You would be shocked at what it will cost at a shop !.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Please do not start multiple threads with same question. One time is enough. Thanks.
 

flylow86

Recruit
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
4
Seems like it may be best to list it 'as is' and move on. The cost, and time, that would be designated to get it back on the water could go toward its' replacement.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
15,419
The resale value of a hull w/o power is next to nothing.

A used Johnson/ evinrude 225 of that vintage are a dime a dozen. Slapping a "running" motor on it before putting it up for sale would bring the best ROI.
 

175se

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 6, 2014
Messages
274
maybe out of place here, but are you sure its not the gear case? I had one that happened just like that.
 

flylow86

Recruit
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
4
The resale value of a hull w/o power is next to nothing.

A used Johnson/ evinrude 225 of that vintage are a dime a dozen. Slapping a "running" motor on it before putting it up for sale would bring the best ROI.

That is kind of what we were thinking. Not many people want to buy a project or something that they will have to put time and money into. If it is the motor that is the problem, would you suggest trying to replace with the same model or very similar?
 

flylow86

Recruit
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
4
maybe out of place here, but are you sure its not the gear case? I had one that happened just like that.

Not entirely sure. What is the best way to determine whether it's the motor or gear case? Thanks for the help.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Not entirely sure. What is the best way to determine whether it's the motor or gear case? Thanks for the help.

Remove the lower unit as if you were doing an impeller replacement. Then see if the motor will turn by hand.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Not entirely sure. What is the best way to determine whether it's the motor or gear case? Thanks for the help.

Start by spinning the prop in neutral and seeing if it moves freely, smooth and quietly.
 

BigB9k

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 24, 2016
Messages
48
put 3-5k into it to get it running, only to sell the boat for 2-4k.
Its a risk I wouldn't take.
Sell the whole thing complete and move on.
 
Top