Reasonable Price ?

jpmurphy · Jan 24, 2009

I placed an add on Craigs List for an outboard motor. Got a reply on a 77 Merc elect/long/remote, wiring harness,cables and power tilt without the tilt control box. Came off a pontoon. Guy wants $800.00.

Before I talk to this guy and start asking the right questions, is this a reasonable price for a motor in reasonable shape ?

I checked the old merc website and did not find a 35 hp for 1977. Everything but. I can't find a comparable model/hp on Craigs list to compare his asking price to.

Appreciate any thoughts...

mthieme · Jan 24, 2009

Re: Reasonable Price ?

1970 to 1983 the 35hp was a 40hp.
In 1984 to 1989 they fell back to 35hp again due to the Feds.
They were the same motor.
$800 for a 30+ y.o. motor sounds steep to me.
I bought a 1987 35hp last year with boat and trailer for $400. I put another $300 into the motor. I used the heck out of it all last summer. I also picked up a '78 402 for $100 (with SS prop!). Haven't got this one running yet though.

jdp8488 · Jan 24, 2009

Re: Reasonable Price ?

Price seems a bit steep to me too. I spent $400 on a 1976 johnson 70hp, ran great. Sold the boat it was on then bought an 89 merc 175 for $500. Also runs great. If it was me, I would wait for a better deal to roll around.

Barnacle_Bill · Jan 24, 2009

Re: Reasonable Price ?

I agree with the others, $800 is too much plus keep in mind that parts are getting harder and harder to find (but not impossible).

kabcpapc · Jan 24, 2009

Re: Reasonable Price ?

For that $800 you probably could get a mid-80's to mid-90's motor. On December 8, 2008 I bought a 1983 Mercury 25hp long shaft remote with controls, wiring harness and cables off eBay for $491.56 including shipping. It runs good. I need to get about $50.00 in parts (cowl seal, clamp bracket screw, clevis clip for choke assembly, bottom cowl grommet, choke knob grommet) so it looks like a new motor. At this time on eBay the lower hp motors are scarce. The best selection was between July through November. They had some really good motors going for some low prices. I missed out on two motors because I didn't have a high enough max bid.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/_Boat-P...atZ111121QQ_pcatsZ50438Q2c26443Q2c6028Q2c6000

tashasdaddy · Jan 25, 2009

Re: Reasonable Price ?

i will get blasted for this, but, got big shoulders. the older motors, mercury is bad about having NLA parts, especially essential ones. this may not be true about this particular motor. but it has been my experience. i now look at the parts list on mercury motors before i buy one.

mthieme · Jan 25, 2009

Re: Reasonable Price ?

I agree with TD since I have several older Merc's and chase after parts frequently. But, I still manage to find what I need in either aftermarket, through a dealer, or otherwise. As bhile said, they are getting harder to find, but not impossible.
Maybe we should let the Chinese know there is an untapped market waiting. Heck, they make antique tractor parts...why not OB parts?

jpmurphy · Jan 25, 2009

Re: Reasonable Price ?

Terrific ! This is exactly the kind of guidance I hoped for. Based upon several of your replies I think I will pass on this $800 gamble and continue my search for a newer lower priced motor.