Why can't I find a motor?

[roscoe]

Been looking 7 months for a nice late eighties or nineties Johnson or Evinrude 70hp 2 stroke for my latest project boat. Can't find any for sale within 200 miles, and only a couple within 400 miles, all in bad shape.

Why can't I find one?
Where should I be looking?
Can find v4's, but don't want the extra weight.

I'd really like to get this boat done, but don't think my 2001 Merc 50 is up to the task.



Edit as suggested by thefairlaneman: A Merc 75hp, or a late 80's 80hp Merc are on the list too, even though they weigh more.



But I can't find one of those either.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Maybe you need to look at another brand.get you a nice merc

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

why as long as maintained, they have the most power for the weight of the motor, reliable, and liked by their owners. carbs neglected they blow up.

 

[maizam]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Check craigslist. I know your not in fl but shipping can be arranged for the motor. There is a few on orlando and s. Fl craigslist.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

I did find one on CL, looked pretty nice, but was a 79 model.
The guy was selling it with a boat and trailer, both junk, but the price was right. Motor runs great, had it out a few weeks ago.

Drove 240 miles only to find that the motor hadn't been run in 2 years, looks like the trailer hadn't been moved in 5 years.
But it runs great.
But they have no gas tank, and no battery so no compression test.

The lower unit was seized, the t'nt was shot, and the ignition box and coils were missing.

I guess I'll stick the Merc 50 on this boat and plod along on the water. I really think I'm gonna need the extra hp, and would really like to get a motor that will spin a larger diameter prop.

 

[DJ]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

The V-4 is 60# heavier (250 vs. 310-crossflow) Is that really an issue?

I've got two 3-cyl. loopers, one runs, one doesn't. TD is right, a bad carb will melt one of those down in a heartbeat. The V-4's a bit more forgiving.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Open forums are not for solicitation to buy or sell.

Use the PM system please.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

The V-4 is 60# heavier (250 vs. 310-crossflow) Is that really an issue?

kind of

its only a 16' Starcraft SS with a 1050# capacity, 85 hp rated

A 2 year newer model is 4 inches longer, same beam and transom dimensions, but has a weight capacity of 1500#
So I'm sure it could handle the extra weight, but it will be pushing it.

motor 240#
gas 100#
3 batteries and troller 175#
Anchors, gear, cooler, and fishing equipment - 100#
new seat and storage box 50#
wife and I, 385#

thats 1050# already and we haven't added the sunscreen or chapstick.

Plush I'd like to throw the kicker on the back, for the one week a year we spend in Canada.

 

[DJ]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Understood. Most Starcraft SS 16's were equipped, new, with 70's. A very popular and well balanced package.

However, I've seen plenty with 85's. They were-quick!

Of course, the 85 was only made for a few years, in the 70's. They are getting a bit hard to find. The newer 90's are similar but not exactly the same (bigger bore). Similar weight.

Keep searching, you'll find one.

If you're looking, much newer, look at the Merc. 60 four stroke. Similar weight and HP.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

The late eighties to late nineties johnyrude triple is my favorite motor. I've also got two of them

I went and looked at one tonight I saw on clist thought maybe for a parts motor. It was rusted out and corroded from salt so I passed on it.

I think the 70hp rude is the perfect choice for that setup. Lightweight and lots of power. Keep looking!

 

[pduquette]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

I've been looking too - longing for t-n' t / lower unit . just cleaned out my truck then happened by a "boat angel" charity re-seller and saw an old glasstron with an '80s 'rude 60 hp but no tnt. $600 for B.M.T. but I balked then went home to get the compression tester, batt pack, tools ,etc while debating wether I spend the rent .....3/4hr later the boat was gone...Maybe pennence for letting my Boyscout training slip.....maybe the boat angle was saving me from ticking off my landlord... Otherwise been slim pickens round here too. peter

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Here is one for you..

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/1700018977.html

 

[KeyWestSkipper]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

I figure there's always more motors and boats out there than what a guy can search out online; keep searching, but try posting and re-posting a motor-wanted ad on Craigslist or wherever you're browsing. Include the ballpark year/HP/model/price you're looking for. Say you have cash. You never know who is sitting on what, and just dragging their butt about posting an ad (like I would, and do). Your motor's out there somewhere. Good luck and post up a photo when you get her all rigged up.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

been thinking of posting some more "wanted" ads on cl.
Did a weeks worth and got only one reply, a guy selling a whole rig for too much money.

I need to make the jump up, 20-30 hp, to make the risk and hassle worth it.
Otherwise, I'll just rig her up with the 2001 Merc 50, it has less than 50 hours on it, probably 40, but I forgot to write down the hours the first 2 years.

rogerwa, thanks for the lead. I will be making another run over to Mayo in Rochester on Thursday, gonna try to look at it on the way back on Friday.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Check this EBay sale out. The guy isn't that far from you, so you could pick it up in person. He has a couple of negative feedbacks, but he also says that, if you pick it up at his site, he will let you check the motor out and back out of the sale, if you don't feel its a good motor.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John...9354601QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear



???

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Are there any boat dealerships near you that you could call? There are a few here in Memphis and they usually have some used motors for sale, they just don't advertise them.

 

[Skiuseme]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Roscoe, Give Holmen Marine a call before you head to Mayo. I know they dont update their site very often. They have helped me out many times.

www.holmenmarine.com

Adam.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Hi Adam, nice to hear from you, How's the family?
Will stop in at Holmen, if we have time and if the wife is feeling up to it.
(she's why we are going over to Mayo.)

CN - yes, been checking dealers when I get near one, but no luck. Many of them dump all their older stock off to resellers and part out guys, they only want bright and shiny on the showroom floor. But will keep looking.

Jay - I've talked with that seller a few times. Really hard to get info from him, like model and serial numbers. They do a lot of painting and appear to do some jerry rigging, kind of like resurrecting the dead, and always hold out for a crazy high reserve price. I can't see paying $2200 for 30 year old 70 hp motor, when I only paid $2000 for a 2 year old 50 hp., I know I stole this one.

Call me cheap, but I think the price has to match the merchandise.

If I had more cash available, I'd go get me a new e-tec.


I appreciate the help and advice guys.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

I've got the same rig and I agree...I don't see many 70hp johnnyrudes for sale in my area either.

I would guess that they are in high demand due to the favorable power/weight ratio.

The pre-trim/tilt models('78 and earlier) are more common for obvious reasons. I have a CMC tilt bracket so I might opt to get one lacking that feature so it's cheaper(hopefully).

I currently have a '71 4 cyl Merc 80hp and it is a good fit for the boat, the reduced weight of the 70hp would mean a shallower draft.

Good luck to ya!

 

[avenger79]

Re: Why can't I find a motor?

Hey Roscoe, just a thought. Jefferson swap meet is this weekend. while it is mstly cars, every road aiming towards Jefferson will have anything you can imagine out for sale on the curb. take a drive around, you never know you might get lucky. Front yards are already starting to fill up by us.