Buying a Used Johnson

Hi all,<br /><br />I appreciate any help you might be able to provide here.<br /><br />I'm considering buying a used boat that is a decade old, but has fewer than 100 hours on it. Unfortunately the Johnson 90 (oil injected 2 stroke) main motor has had the top end rebuilt. This has my eyebrows raised, so I was wondering if the owner's explanation sounds plausible to you who know these motors so well.<br /><br />He states that the boat sat unused in a wet environment for several years because he was in the military. Prior to his departing, the motor had 50-60 hours on it. When he finally returned, he cleaned the carbs and "took the boat for a spin". That short run caused enough damage that the top end needed rebuilding. Since then the boat has about 10 more hours on it, and runs great, he says.<br /><br />Does this explanation sound reasonable? Or am I justified in feeling a little leery about this?<br /><br />Obviously, I know little to nothing about these motors, so am hoping someone with a better grasp can reply.<br /><br />Thanks very much.

Re: Buying a Used Johnson

sounds fine, you can blow up a 2 stroke motor the first day of it being brand new.... they get rebuilt all the time, you should be HAPPY its been rebuilt..... a 2stroke outboard is NOT, i repeat NOT the same beast under the hood of you grocery getter.... if they dont have oil or water for VERY little periods, minutes, they will detonate... as i said, be HAPPY its been rebuilt.....<br /><br /><br />check the compression of the motor and watch it run to comfirm it pumps water... the 2 main things<br /><br />let us know<br /><br />m ikey

Re: Buying a Used Johnson

Outboards typically get killed because of the lack of maintenance and use.<br /><br />I would check the boat out thoroughly for soft spots in the floor and transom.

Re: Buying a Used Johnson

Thanks for the replies. It sounds as though a lack of use can definitely cause the problems described by the current owner. I assume then that having the top end gone through should have resolved any of those issues?

Re: Buying a Used Johnson

You may want to ask the owner if he has any objections to you running it by a Marine Mechanic to have him check the motor and hull out. This will cost a little bit, but provide alot of piece of mind. If he won't let you do this, don't buy it..

Re: Buying a Used Johnson

There you go thats' the best bet for a novice, if he refuses mayby he is hiding something, but from what you have said about it he sounds pretty up front so I don't think he will object. By the way welcome to the forum.

Re: Buying a Used Johnson

What does he mean by top end rebuild? <br /><br />Let the condition of the motor speak for itself as verified by a marine wrench. Sellers often will tell buyers "Oh it has set for a while and just needs a tune-up - - ." Then the buyer comes here with the long tale of woe.