Buying an NSF 30A

[pdubrule]

I am considering purchasing a Nissan 30HP outboard. The motor, which is from a friend, has less than 40 hours on it. It has the remote controls and tilt/trim. I believe that the motor is either a 2003 0r 2004. Is there anything about this rig that I should look for? Any parts that you'd recommend I replace before I run it? Should I run the other way? I think boat, motor and trailer are going to be between $2500 and $3000.
TIA
Pete

 

[kaferhaus]

Re: Buying an NSF 30A

Parts are expensive

I'd put a impeller in it

You do not describe the boat or trailer...

I certainly wouldn't pay that for the engine alone.

I like Nissan/Tohatsu engines but I always buy them used as the resale value on them (here anyway) is low compared to most other's on the market.

Dealer support can be hard to find as the dealer network is not near as expansive as most others. Although I have a local dealer they sell very few engines and therefore do not have a good supply of parts... and if you buy from them you pay through the nose... so most parts are bought online.

Also the quality of paint that they use doesn't hold up well to salt water use. I actually "wash" my engine everytime I take it out of the water, not just hose it down. I wax it at least 3 times a year.

Now having said that, the newest one I have is a 2001... they may have improved the paint by now.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Buying an NSF 30A

"Parts are expensive"

No more than any other Japanese brand.


"Dealer support can be hard to find as the dealer network is not near as expansive as most others"

Why do people never say that about Honda or Suzuki? They have less dealers than Tohatsu.

"Also the quality of paint that they use doesn't hold up well to salt water use."

Simply not true. It's no better or worse than any other brand.

 

[pdubrule]

Re: Buying an NSF 30A

Thanks for the reply!
Any chance you fellows can tell me the best online source of partsfor this (NSF 30A) outboard?
TIA
Pete

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Buying an NSF 30A

www.internetoutboards.com comes to mind. Not sure why though