Boat motor costs

sbump26

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 22, 2003
Messages
41
Why are boat motors so expensive? For example a 10 hp motor costs about 1400-1600. A 5 hp 2 stroke costs about 700-800 or more. Don't even look at more hp that is out of range for a middle income guy that just wants to fish some. I can't see that these are so high tech that they should cost this much. Don't give me the baloney about research and development. They haven't changed that much. You can get car motors for less.
 

NathanY

Commander
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
2,408
Re: Boat motor costs

supply and demand<br /><br />because people will pay those prices
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: Boat motor costs

You need to shop around for used and get lucky. I think it is funny that an outboard motor can be so expensive and never work right. My lawnmower and snowblower never give me grief, but most of the people at the landing have a tough time getting their motors to start.
 

Homerr

Commander
Joined
Mar 4, 2002
Messages
2,294
Re: Boat motor costs

Also toss in the fact that it's a "MARINE" engine.<br /><br />In short, that means it's passed all USA safeguards, regs etc... you know.. always looking out for OUR safety. Us little guys can't possibly do things for ourselves.<br /><br />I figure if anything is marked "marine use"... add about 40% to the price (or more).<br /><br />Albeit some marine parts do need to be special, but I agree... they don't have to be that expensive.<br /><br />H.
 

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: Boat motor costs

Fwiw – they are going to get more expensive … if they come from Japan. A couple of days ago the appropriate authority decided the American outboard motor industry is being hurt buy the demand for Japanese made outboard motors. Solution: impose new import tariffs on Japanese made outboard motors!!! Why stop there…includes tariffs on parts, too!!! Needs some gov’tal body to vote on it, but the legal groundwork for them to vote on the tariffs is now in place.
 

Bigfun

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 21, 2003
Messages
305
Re: Boat motor costs

No complaints about price from me. Just buy a good quality new or used and it will serve you for decades IF you take care of it. As for tarifs, why stop at motor/parts how about radios, tvs, computers, appliances, etc. Tarifs are taxes, I gag everytime I hear someone say more taxes are the solution to a "problem".
 

ChrisMcLaughlin

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 22, 2004
Messages
387
Re: Boat motor costs

If paying a little more keeps me from being left out in the gulf of mexico over night, then I will pay a little more. Those motors are pretty good for the money. As for taxes/tariffs, they are used to level a playing field that should be leveled by competition. You know, who can produce the best product for the best price.
 

one more cast

Captain
Joined
May 6, 2002
Messages
3,143
Re: Boat motor costs

How many 1950's-60's-70's cars,lawnmowers,whatever do you see being used on a regular basis in their original form. I do think I can not afford new outboards but they are very well made. right up there with tractors.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Boat motor costs

Moving to General Outboard
 
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