What to buy?

[dkski]

New to owning a outboard I have a dilemma. I have a 15' Galaxy Trihull and am trying to find a 40-70HP motor. The boat is rated for up to 70HP. I have looked at 1963 Evinrude 75, 1977 Stinger 75 and a few others. It seems when I have spoken with any local marina they say don't waste your money on an older motor. Problem is to get to something newer the motor is more the the boat and trailer are worth. Almost all dealers have said that I won't be able to get parts for an older motor and that they are probably not worth anything...even if they do run. HELP...should I stay away from anything in particular? I have heard stay away from electric shift? I can't sort bewteen opinion and fact. Any direction would be great!

Dave

 

[JB]

Re: What to buy?

Howdy, Dave.

Welcome to iboats.

Well, first of all, stay away from outboards over 70HP. Your boat wants 70 or less HP. A JohnnyRude triple looper 70HP with the fully mechanical lower end from the 70s, 80s, or 90s is a perfect match for that boat.

Second, all the dealers you have spoken with only sell and service new or late model motors. It is in their interest to lie to you.


I don't think I would look at outboards over, say, 40 years old. If it is a JohnnyRude you can get parts and you can get the best advice in the universe right here on this Forum to help you use your OEM Service Manual, if you ever need to work on it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What to buy?

i say 1978 or newer 70hp Johnny or Rude.

 

[dkski]

Re: What to buy?

Thanks for the quick response! I had a call from a guy tonight willing to sell a 1982 Mariner 40HP, controls etc. He said it has been an excellent boat motor? Looks like maybe Yamaha made it? Would this be a wise bargain at $450.00? I saw pictures and they look very good. Any advice? Should I stay with JohnnyRude or would this be a good value for the price.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: What to buy?

Hi Dave,

You wouldn't happen to be in the D.C. area would you?

BOB

 

[JB]

Re: What to buy?

40HP would be too small, Dave. A boat rated for 70HP, Max, needs at least 50HP for satisfactory performance.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: What to buy?

id say try to stay away from all electric shift models. when some goes out its a expensive fix.

 

[dkski]

Re: What to buy?

Hello again, I am not in the DC area....Northern Michigan. I only intend to use the boat for fishing. Do you still think it would be under powered? Are you suggesting this model is electric shift? Based on my own research I though this was a good price for a good motor?? The problem is I havent been able to find anything 50-70hp that wasn't 40+ years old for that price. I will await your advice again! I really appreciate your help.

Dave

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: What to buy?

Craigslist is usually full of engines in the 50-90hp range. you may have to drive 3-4 hours to get one but I'd start there. Some people have no idea what an engine is worth and you can score a good deal if your quick enough. I scored a 99' Yamaha 90hp 2 stroke with 300 hours on it for 2000$ for my grandpa last year, even included the controls. Just bring a compression gauge with you when looking at used motors. I see the Johnson/Evinrude 70hp tripples for 600-1000$ all the time in the Minnesota craigslist.

 

[dkski]

Re: What to buy?

My local dealer told me that a Mariner 40HP 1982/83 at $450.00 running good was over priced? Is this guy nuts?

 

[Starcraftguy1]

Re: What to buy?

Ask him how much his is?Anything that he has that is comparable.That will answer your question.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What to buy?

My local dealer told me that a Mariner 40HP 1982/83 at $450.00 running good was over priced? Is this guy nuts?

That seems like a great price to me. I paid $400 for an '89 Evinrude 4HP 3 years ago. It was mint with service records.