What's the value of a Johnson 135

[jordyrod]

Looking at buying an investment boat. Has a fully operational Johnson 135. Can anyone ballpark me what this motor is worth these days? Thanks so much!

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

year and condition would be helpful......

 

[jordyrod]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

Was made between 1973-1976. Condition is only what I've been told (scheduled to see it tomorrow). He referred me to the shop that winterized it last fall (the high end, charge a fortune for everything shop), so I presume it's in good shape.

The guy's looking to move and trying to unload this boat before he goes. The price for the whole thing is so low that I'm thinking it's a foolproof investment... assuming the motor's worth something. I'd like to have some sort of idea going into our meeting tomorrow... Thanks.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

well first off, it is hard to sell a boat/motor for a fair price over the last couple of years. Old used boats have been going dirt cheap, by old I mean early 90s and late 80s. stuff from the mid 70s is really worthless as far as an investment goes. If you like the boat and it is in good running condition and you want it, I would say absolute top dollar for the motor would be $750, but if you tried to sell it you would probably be hard pressed to get $500 for it. A 35 year old boat/motor is just not going to be much of an investment that you could turn a profit. I have a 1995 115 Johnson that I will sell you for $1500, great compression and runs out great.

 

[wired247]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

40 year old boat motors as an investment . Iv'e heard everything.

 

[jordyrod]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

Perhaps my ignorance is fueling my excitement. I was offered $1,000 for my '82 Suzuki 15hp, so I was drawing the conclusion that a bigger motor, not much older would be worth more...

Okay, more directly: if I bought this boat for $1,500 would I be able to sell it for more than that, or am I already upside down at that price? (It also has a trolling motor.)

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

take the grand for your old 15 HP motor...if you can sell more, I can bring a truck load for 1K each, old 15s go for around $300-500 tops around here. you will not be able to sell that boat for $1500 most likely, but I have seen some people sell crap boats for more. just does not happen often..it is kinda like lighting. never know when its going to strike. that is a $1000 boat tops, if the floor is not rotten/water log, the transom is in good shape, trailer is in good shape and the motor runs out great. it is not an investment, but if you want the boat to use, $1K would be a very fair offer. but you probably could not resell it for that. after you sink about $2000 into it (new seats, electronics, paint, ect.) you may get $1500 for it, but I doubt it.

 

[wired247]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

Around here if it floats and runs you'll get $1500 for it no matter what it is. Double that and you'll get some pretty interesting boats. Saw a damned near perfect James Bond Glastron with a 135 for $3k the other day. In any case that boat in the pic is a $1500 boat and not worth a dime more no matter how much you pour into it.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

I have to agree with the others that I wouldn't buy that boat as an investment But if it's in good shape and the motor runs it would probably be a good boat if your looking to own it. If you buy it and have some fun with it maybe in a few years you can sell it for a decent price but I wouldn't plan on making a profit.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

I have an early 80s custom craft 15.5' with a 1983 75 HP motor that has perfect compression and runs great, with a good trailer for sale for over 1 year now for $1200, it is a much better boat than the one this guy is looking at. still no takers....I would take $1K but cant even get anyone to come look at it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What's the value of a Johnson 135

Okay, more directly: if I bought this boat for $1,500 would I be able to sell it for more than that, or am I already upside down at that price? (It also has a trolling motor.)

Simple answer, no. That boat is worth pretty much exactly $1500 in running condition.

Your 15HP is worth so much because motors between 10-15 horsepower are very desirable. I just paid $600 for an '85 Evinrude 15HP and felt I got a decent deal. (although I will add that I wouldn't pay that for an old Suzuki so you should JUMP on that $1000 offer).

Does the 135 have power tilt 'n trim? That would increase it's value a bit. Those old style (pre-'78) TnT units go for $400 by themselves on ebay.