1973 Mercury 4 hp

[sundog44]

I have a 1973 Mercury 4HP. Used fondly for one summer in Northern Michigan's Mullett Lake in 1973. It has been stored in my parents basement ever since. Looking for some guidance in asking price. Thank you.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1973 Mercury 4 hp

Welcome to iboats sundog.

Well, somewhere between $200-400 if you are lucky.
Probably going to need some service on the age related parts like water pump, fuel pump, and carb.
Ignition system likely will need a going through. I a buyer were to take it to a shop, they would likely charge him $100-150 to go through it and get it running well.

It would have been worth a few more bucks 3-5 years ago, when people were spending money for something they perceived as nostalgic or vintage.

The market is extremely weak, so don't expect to sell it fast, unless you are giving it away.

Yeah, its worth what you can get for it, but probably not any more than any other 4-6 hp motor that is over 20 years old.

Good Luck.

 

[cr2k]

Re: 1973 Mercury 4 hp

It would cost between $200 and $300 to get it running at a shop. It has been sitting for almost 40 years. Do a spark and compression test on it to determine if its even worth fixing. No spark about $120 plus parts, but if the compression is bad worthless except for parts.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: 1973 Mercury 4 hp

That engine will require some "creative marketing" if it is to bring anywhere near what it would be worth to the few people out there who would want it.

The Good:
(1) It's a cool looking motor and yours is (from your description) apt to be cosmetically pristine.

The Bad:
(1) It's a single cylinder engine; prone to vibration
(2) It's a carbureted 2-Stroke; illegal now in certain locales
(3) Mercury parts are kinda expensive. Hopefully it won't need much.

In any case....you will have to be able to demonstrate that it runs as good as it looks...and that "maintenance items" have been brought up to date. That would include; at the very least....replacing all fuel lines and the water pump impeller...and certifying that the ignition system was A-OK. Hopefully you can do those things yourself because as others have stated; it would cost you a good chunk of what it will sell for to have a shop do it for you.

You don't say where you (or the motor) is located. That makes a big difference as to value and saleability. Market it as aggressively as you can; hopefully in free venues such as Craigslist. You can resort to ebay of course...but then you have their fees to pay and would have to go through the nuisance of shipping.

You might end up selling it for less than you'd like. If it comes to that; try your best to ascertain that the person buying it wants it for personal enjoyment as opposed to re-sale. That might make you feel a little better.

Chuck