Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

[kerrybraswell]

I am considering buying a 1988 Merc 90hp from a local boat shop. They say that they just did a complete inspection and tune-up and it is ready for the water. They are asking $2200 and i am wondering if this is too much and what i should check to make sure it is a good solid motor? It isn't on a boat so i can't run it around the lake. It does have oil injection, trim and tilt, and full remote controls, but no prop comes with it. It comes with a 30 day warranty. Any advice appreciated! TIA, Kerry

 

[roscoe]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

30 day full return money back warranty? If so, pay them to put it on your boat and gor for it.<br /><br />Have condition of motor checked out. Compression, lower unit, charging system, oil injection system, etc.<br /><br />And negotiate a deal with them to buy a prop, if you can try it and exchange it (free of charge) to be certain you have the correct pitch prop.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

dude, i dont know where you are, maybe the southern tip of antartica, but thats really really expensive for a 18 year old 80hp outboard motor.<br /><br />unless its been recently rebuilt with all new parts, thats an awfull lot of chee$e!<br /><br />plus you gotta buy a prop?<br /><br />its about 1000 too much.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

I agree, it should come with a prop, for nothing more than $1200

 

[roscoe]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

You guys oughta try shopping for outboards in the midwest.<br />A 13 year old 40hp Force just sold for $1350 in my town.<br />And a 21 year old Johnson 15hp just went for $900.<br />These were not rebuilt.<br />Of course, we only have about 10 ice free days a year that we can use them, so they don't wear out.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

Try ebay you can sure beat that deal,Also it can be bad on the motors to sit all winter if they have not been winterised! You can get a rebuilt powerhead for $999.00??? It is your money.Do as you want. Good Luck, Tim

 

[kerrybraswell]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

Thanks for the advice guys! After your knowledgeable input i have decided to wait for a better deal or look on eBay. Thanks again, Kerry

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

Florida = very inexpensive used boat motors and boats. In places where winter and fresh water are the norm, old boats and motors have very high resale values. So it really depends where you live. I'd just see how much other comparable items sell for in your area by looking into boat trader magazines or the local paper.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Older Merc 90 purchase, what to look for?

Simple enough question for me. Make sure you can drop the gear box to replace the water pump. If the shaft is seized into the power head the motor is worthless. happen to me. FRED