Antique Outboard Sources

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Anyone ever purchase a antique outboard from smalloutboards.com in Florida?
They have some great looking old outboards for good prices. Just wondering if they were reputable.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

Anyone ever purchase a antique outboard from smalloutboards.com in Florida?
They have some great looking old outboards for good prices. Just wondering if they were reputable.

Good Prices?
I look at their motors often because I like to look at their engine restorer's work. He's done a LOT of motors, as I've seen lots of different ones for several years. Those prices aren't totally outrageous, but you could get a nice one a lot cheaper if you placed a free want ad on aomci.org's site. If you ask for one that's been gone through and trustworthy, I'd bet that's what you'd get. Also, 2 of the best OMC small outboard men in the world live in Florida and both post on aomci.org's "ask a member" board--one of which posts here. You'd be crazy not to check with the aomci.org site before you bought a high-dollar motor from smalloutboards.com. Still, I'll bet that you'd be pleased with a motor you purchase from smallusedoutboards.com. I wouldn't think that a person that restores those motors to that level would do a crappy job on the mechanicals which aren't very difficult to get right.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

Wonder if "one" of the two best in the world who posts here would be willing to identify himself?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

Probably not...but if you surf this forum and the aomci forum it won't take long to figure it out. If you aren't in a hurry and want to buy something closer to home, check out the aomci chapters near you...there are several in your neck of the woods. Those clubs/chapters have swap/show meets all the time.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

I wish I could get those prices for motors I've gone through... I'd be lucky to get $200 for a tuned up and running 1953 Evinrude Lightwin that he's asking $495 for...

 

[aganser]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

I guess I won't knock the prices of those outboards from smalloutboards.com. Truth is a thorough mechanical and cosmetic restoration is an undertaking, even on a small motor. And my guess is that is what you are really paying for.
If you like their motors, don't wish to do a restoration yourself and can afford one of these than by all means check them out

As far as reputation, truth is most antique outboard buffs (I'm one of them) tend to be a little more on the "thrifty" side. So we may just not know. Unless you're looking for something really old or rare or some sort of race engine (like Chinewalker's avatar), most of these are a dime a dozen. Many of us have received a free motor. Of course if we want something really prestine like motors from smalloutboards.com, than we tackle it as a DIY project.

By the way, I am not one of those 2 experts referred to in an earlier post.

Good Luck.

Bob

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

Thank's everyone for the replies.

I guess I have been in a nostalgic mood lately after getting back into fishing in a small rowboat with a outboard after over 25 yrs. ('07 tohatsu 9.8) I have fond memories of my maternal grandfather who used to put his 60's something evinrude in the trunk of his buick wildcat and head up to the wisconsin northwoods. In researching my first boat, I came across this site and smalloutboards.com. I was intrigued by the old "pretty" outboards there, and they seemed cheap. But since I have been a auto mechanic all my life I know in my heart I will do what many of you said, an old motor will tug at my heart from a junk yard, yard sale, etc., and I will have to restore it myself.
BTW, I already own my first antique. My brother and I are in possession of our paternal grandfather's last outboard, a late 50's early 60's neptune mighty mite. I have had it out on the water a couple of times.
SO THERE I GO, I'M HOOKED. LET THE FUN BEGIN

 

[aganser]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

Ah yes.....

You are hooked. There is no cure for this disease. But there is hope.

You can seek therapy here: http://www.aomci.org/

By all means come in and browse around.

Then post a message on the "Ask A Member" forum.

Bob

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

I am not one of the 1 or 2 either, but his prices are outrageous, but I am sure he gets them from someone who just has more money than I do. Most of the motors he has are a couple of hundred here.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

I hope I didn't offend anyone with my "best in the world" comment! I was referring to 2 of the "best" that I happen to know live in Florida, since that was where the OP was interested in buying from and I thought he might be from that area. Now that I think about it, I'd say at least 3 from Florida, but I'm no sure if Joe is into the old ones.:redface:
Later,
JBJ

 

[MushCreek]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

It's a little frustrating collecting old outboards here in FL, because the local supply isn't very good. I've bought a couple motors off ebay, and found the rest here locally, but it's hard to find good ones. Buying a used motor in fair shape, it'll cost over $200 in parts to hit the water on average. Water pump, carb kit, gaskets, lower unit seal kit, and all of the ignition components. I see tons of good, cheap motors in the upper midwest, but that's the problem- they're 1000 miles or more away. If those motors are fully restored, that's not outrageous. Have you priced a new outboard lately?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Antique Outboard Sources

difficult to say what "fully restored" means. from the site the motors are not rebuilt motors.

http://www.smalloutboards.com/buy.htm

they are run in a test tank then if they pass there they are run on a small boat. They do not service, repair or prep the motors. Nor do the guarantee them unless stated. They recommend

"We feel that each motor we sell should be fully prepped or serviced by the purchaser prior to usage whether the motor needs it or not. We feel that it is in the best interest of our customers, you, to take the motor to your nearest dealer and have them tune and prepare the motor for your first usage to ensure maximum utility. We require all of our customers to replace the lower unit lubrication (oil) before they operate our motors. We expect our customers to understand that used motors do have a usage history prior to our possesion. "

http://www.smalloutboards.com/terms.htm

This motor is 595.00 dollars and no warranty. I sold one like it earlier this year in running condition and pumping water well for 100 dollars letting the customer know that I did not know the age of the water pump and nor did I go through the carb or lower unit. So pretty much what he is telling you.

He is asking top dollar good running condition for motors that he does not guarantee are in good running condition and even expects you to go to a dealer so the dealer can put them in good running condition. I personally am not that desperate for one. You can buy one from a midwest member of www.AOMCI.org and have it shipped for much less and do the prep work yourself.