Johnson Sea Horse Value?

[CJpilot]

Hello,
I have a 1983 Johnson Sea Horse 35 Outboard Motor. Model: J35ELCTS.
It is in good condition but hasnt been started in at least 3 seasons. Does anybody have any idea how much it would be worth?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Values vary to much from place to place to give an accurate estimate. I will say that it will be worth substantially more if running. Best bet is to scan craigslist and try and find a comparable motor for sale. Not knowing if it runs or has good compression most people would only pay parts value, few hundred dollars.

 

[CJpilot]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Hello,
It was serviced prior to being stored on a boat under cover. Its clean as a whistle inside and out.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

That fine if you can start it and run it for them. Tell them it hasn't ran in three years and it becomes a parts motor as far as value.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Yea, I agree. It would be a good idea to change the lube in the lower unit and fire it up and let it run for an hour or two. Fishermen are real picky when it comes to motors. They want something newer and reliable. Getting it started up would increase the value a good 50%.

 

[CJpilot]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Does anybody have a ballpark figure for a price if it were to start and run perfectly? Or what would you pay for a motor like this?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Tiller model running perfect maybe around 600

Console model electric start with all controls maybe 800

But like I said markets vary. Look on CL for anything 5 years either way and 25-40hp to get an idea.

 

[CJpilot]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

OK thanks for that...I will look around and see what I can find on prices.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Oh yea....posting some pics could help us determine what it could be worth too.

 

[CJpilot]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Here are some pictures of the motor. Most of these were taken yesterday and one was taken last fall.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Cool. Get it running and have it ready to demonstrate when potential buyers see it. There's no alternative if you want to get top dollar for it. It looks OK, but looks are only skin deep.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

I have a friend who's trying to sell a similar vintage J 35HP, and hasn't got a nibble yet in over a month at $200 and it's a runner, easy starter. Old motors are not like fine wine ... they don't get more valuable with age. If you look at NADA, they show ave retail for electric start at $65, which may be too low, but gives an idea of typical value. BTW, I don't place much confidence in NADA values, but you might get someone to give you a value from BUC or similar source. BUC used to give free estimates, but no more. Dealers use it regularly.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Well, I just got $800 for a 1986 25hp and it was in as nice of condition as the one you're selling here. I would start at around $800 with this one. If all the grease was cleaned off, it looks like it would be in showroom condition.

I would also do a compression test too. I'll be willing to bet, that a motor this nice will give you some good numbers.

 

[CJpilot]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Thanks a million guys. I think I shall list it for $800 and be willing to go lower if offered. Thanks for all the help and I hope to see you in the forums soon!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Johnson Sea Horse Value?

Oh yea.....clean 'er up and she'll be a dandy. Not many nice old motors like that, unless they're restored. If anyone offers you less than $600 for it, tell 'em to hit the road jack. but I think if you hold out, you can get between $700 and $800 for it.

And, for those reading, this isn't "an old motor" A lot of us are playin around with the 57 model 35's and havin a hey day.