new engine or new boat

nightvision · #1 April 21st, 2004, 04:30 PM

Hi all,

I've been following this forum and have learned a great deal from all the post. I value your opinion, so here it go. I bought a 1973 trihull fiberglass 15 footer a few month back. We got it for dirt cheap and the plan was for me and my son to get our hands dirty and learn how to restore a boat. The boat came with a 55 hp Seaking (Chrysler?) 2 stroke motor . The previous owner said the motor needs work. My son and I are debating if we should put money into this questionable motor or just purchase a use/new motor. We were considering a 4 stroke. We want something that is reliable and enviromently friendly. A new or use 4 stroke will run about $4,500 - $6,500. If you were in my shoe would you purchase a new motor. We figure we can always upgrade to another boat and still have a reliable engine. Thanks for help two newbies.

DJ · #2 April 21st, 2004, 04:38 PM

How is the boat? Is it restored? Do you like it?

Sinking $3-4,000.00 into a 30 year old boat is questionable-unless you REALLY like it.

I think I would look for an engine that is much cheaper (yet still popular) and sell the rig complete. Trying to sell a boat without power is almost impossible.

Some good deals on engines here.

http://www.boatmotors.com/rebuilt_outboard_motors/

eurolarva · #3 April 21st, 2004, 06:31 PM

That chrysler is not going to be environmentally friendly no mater what you do with it. If compression is good you can probably get it running and count on it to work but it will suck gas. I have seen brand new lund boats with 50 hp merc four strokes for around 10 thou. Most package deals you are buying the motor and they throw the trailer and the boat as a bonus.