newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

[jizmo3]

Should mention I cannot post new topics in the engine section, so sorry if this post is in the wrong area.
Totally new to boating.
Short story I was given a 15' Henry O Challenger 150 (similar to a Boston whaler sort of) with no engine.
Been doing alot of research and used outboards are hard to come by.
Max engine capacity is 80, total weight capacity is 1175.
Would be for fishing, general cruising but would like the option to pull a tube, most likely not going to water ski.
So the questions.
I'm thinking 60, 70 or 75hp would be sufficient to accomplish what I would like. Is my thinking sound?
Any idea on a good place to look for used outboards? Have been checking local marine places and the only one I found was a 2005 50hp mercury (not sure if 50 is enough).
Live in Eastern PA.
Thank you for helping out
Regards,
Jim

 

[southkogs]

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

I think you'll be happier with 60 or up. On a heavier 15' boat, 50HP is just enough to get it up and going but not enough to make it "gutsy" at all.

I've always looked for outboard on CL or on the roadside. I keep boating to a pocketbook minimum and trade off wrench turnin'. There's usually a supply of reasonable outboards available locally. THOUGH, you may have to buy a whole donor boat and sell/dump what ya' don't want.

Dealers/Marina's/Marine Mechanics will have 'em - but you'll probably pay a little bit more.

Welcome aboard.

 

[Pony]

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

If you aren't sure what to look for in a used motor........a dealer can be a great place to find a used motor. The will usually be a little more expensive, but may include rigging it to the boat.

If you are confident in what to look for and are willing to do some carb cleaning (if applicable)/impeller replacement/compression testing, then CL usually will have either a decent selection of motors or decent motors on garbage boats that you could pick off of.

 

[redmen62]

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

I saw make friends with a mechanic and find a donor motor on Craigslist and take a weekend to help them do the swap on the side. Or get a donor motor or stand alone outboard, and have it installed professionally if you're not going to do it yourself. Definitely think getting the motor on your own would be the best bet.

As far as size, I have to agree with the >60hp suggestion before. I had a 75 on my 16' old runabout and it moved the heavy hull around pretty well. A 15' center council would scoot pretty good with a 60/65hp

 

[jizmo3]

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

Thank you for your replies. I tinker but have no knowledge base with purchasing an outboard, so more than likely would need to rely on a dealer to get one from as well as install. Its just that no marine shops or marinas have any used outboards around where I live.
Purchasing a new outboard is a HUGE expense. I don't know if I can bring myself to do that given cost.
I'm going to start checking marine shops on the northern part of the Elk River in MD, by Elkton as that is where the boat is now.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

Did you not see the OUTBOARD MOTORS at the right end of the banner ad at the top of this page? You are in the IBOATS forum. It is free. Support the web site and the host. IBOATS has a good selection of used and near new outboards from all manufacturers.

 

[jizmo3]

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

Yes I did and thank you for the option. but at 5500 all in with controls, rigging and installation the 75hp select preowned is pretty darn close to new in cost (maybe a $1k differential).
Its a bit out of my budget, hence the reason I did post on this board after some research. The new engines I had quoted locally were around 6300 plus incidentals.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

I think a 70 would be a great fit.

Remember you need controls to match the motor; they are not interchangable. Do you already have steering set up?

 

[jizmo3]

Re: newbie with questions on engine and where to get used outboards

yes there is a steering set up. it is a dual console, right side steering etc. left, well just a glove box.
thank you for asking, still quite new and alot to learn.