Mercruiser 165hp I/O

[TyeCope122]

How good are Mercury 165hp engines? I’m looking to buy a boat as a fixer upper and it has a 165horse mercruiser engine. The seller says it’s been rebuilt and I’m curious if that can be a good or bad sign. I’ve noticed it has what looks to be a new coil, new oil filter, probably has had an oil change recently, and a new fuel pump. I have included pictures of the boat and engine and I would like to get some peoples opinion about it. He had it listed for $1200 and he’s has since lowered it down to $900 so I’m thinking about offering him $800 but I wanted to get peoples opinion on the engine and that fact that it was rebuilt before I possibly waste my time and money going to buy it. Thank you

 

[nola mike]

Engine's fine, but everything about it is obsolete, drive also. Parts can be tough to get. Drive may be upgradeable easily depending on year, but the boat doesn't look like anything special either. You can get something much newer for way less than what it would cost to get that boat looking and running well.

 

[Scott Danforth]

agree with nola mike, engine is fine. the rest of the boat is a serious project needing lots of cash and time. I would be more worried about the transom and stringers than the motor.

the motor puts the boat at 50 years of age
the transom and floor look like they are original. my guess is the stringers and transom have long ago suffered from rot.

that missing chunk of windshield may cost you well over $1500 to replace.