Looking to buy a boat but engine has problems...

[sturgesr]

I am looking at buying a 1994 SeaPro 180cc with a 1994 Johnson 112 SPL on it. The problem with it is that the motors runs in idle but as soon as you put it in gear it konks out.

The guy who I am buying it from is claiming that the 2 pistons on the port side of the engine are blown due to "bad gas". He said that he thought it could have been the head gasket so he replaced that but it didnt change anything so he is sticking with the blown pistons.

I had a boat mechanic buddy (mainly inboard motors though) of mine take a look at it with me and we did compression tests and the cylinders on the port side are both at 80 psi while the starboard cylinders are in the 100 psi range.

I am trying to figure out what the possible problems could be and if it would be worth getting the boat (great deal) and either trying to fix the motor myself or just go out an find another motor OR if I should just stay away.

Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Looking to buy a boat but engine has problems...

Value the motor at zero if you want the boat.

 

[sturgesr]

Re: Looking to buy a boat but engine has problems...

wilde1j, I realize that the boat and trailer probably are valued at more than the asking price but I am just curious about the engine. Possible issues...that's all. I am fairly new to boat motors but would like to have a little idea of what I might be getting myself into if I try to fix the motor myself.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Looking to buy a boat but engine has problems...

Stay away. A great boat deal is always an expensive headache.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Looking to buy a boat but engine has problems...

on MOST, 16 year old boat-motor-trailer combos, they boat rides along for free.. is close to it...there are sooooo many used boats it is mind boggling, people have to have some kind of motor on it to sell it, even if it doesnt run!!

next in value is the trailer and last in the package is the value of the boat...unless of course it is some kind of specialized boat

if the seller is saying the motor is shot, ...just go ahead and believe him and adjust the price accordingly...

the boat is the best fit for a guy with a running motor like the boats motor sitting at home already!!

if the guy is right about the pistons the rebuild is gonna cost $2500 from a rebuilder

bob

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Looking to buy a boat but engine has problems...

... and $2500 doesn't get the rebuild installed and properly set up, and tested. By the time you're done with removal and installation, you're going to be over $3500, unless you chose the DIY route.

 

[sturgesr]

Re: Looking to buy a boat but engine has problems...

Thanks for all of your input. I think I am going to keep looking and find something where everything works.