1957 Johnson Seahorse 35hp value?

[Amphipod]

Hello everyone!
I have a 1957 Johnson Seahorse, as mentioned in the title. Carb rebuild last year, resealed lower unit, new impeller and some other random stuff. It has the lower unit shaft extension. It's in good condition for the age, runs well.
I know you can't give exact numbers not being able to look at it and all, but what's a ballpark number these sell for? I have no clue. The 7-10hp ones I could find on FB seem to be selling from $250-$500, which throws me off even more. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Johnny

 

[dwco5051]

Yes there is a buyer somewhere for that motor. I has no special value as a collectable, antique, or classic as there are lots of them still around. The buyer you are looking for is probably one of two persons. 1) Someone who has restored their grandfather's old boat and wants a period motor just like he had to match. 2) Someone like me who can remember where I was on VJ Day and still understands how to work on a breaker point ignition system and tinker around on the rest. They know that if they can get one that runs well and has good compression it will do everything they want from a motor. Most parts that normally go bad are still available and if it completely goes South they are only out a few hundred bucks. Unless it is someone in category one you will find the smaller engines (18hp and less) of that vintage may get a higher value put on them than a mid-range horsepower. 200 to 500 is likely to be in the ballpark.

 

[racerone]

There are 2 models.-----The deluxe model is more $$

 

[airshot]

When it comes to older used motors, smaller up often brings bigger $$. Small engines are used as kicker ( spare/trolling) use or on small boats staying close to shore.

 

[cyclops222]

Any old motor should have starting or running problems. That is why it is for sale. Buy for 75 to 125 maximum. If parts are still available by you looking for them.

 

[matt167]

I sold a solid running Super Seahorse 40hp that needed re sealing on the lower unit for $250 with restored controls included, and I had trouble at that price.

Most People don’t want tinker toys. They want to go boating. Nobody works on the old stuff anymore even though most stuff is all still easy to get so your going after that 1% of people that know and are willing to tinker, or the person that has to have a motor just like granddads used to have

 

[roscoe]

, or the person that has to have a motor just like granddads used to have

1957 …Now we’re talking Great Granddad, most people have never met their GGD and have no knowledge or interest in his “old junk.”

 

[airshot]

I sold a solid running Super Seahorse 40hp that needed re sealing on the lower unit for $250 with restored controls included, and I had trouble at that price.

Most People don’t want tinker toys. They want to go boating. Nobody works on the old stuff anymore even though most stuff is all still easy to get so your going after that 1% of people that know and are willing to tinker, or the person that has to have a motor just like granddads used to have

Today, no one wants a fixer upper, it needs to run and run well in order to get top dollar. Finding service depends on where you live. Here in the walleye capital, find folks to work on older two strokes is easy and plentifull, not cheap, but plenty of these motor still around. What has been come very expensive is working on newer 4 strokes that are beyond warranty coverage. I don't understand why people try to sell stuff that needs serious work yet expect top dollar. Fix it and make it right or sell for parts. People get pissed driving for a half hour only to find a junk motor that the seller has stated needs " minor" repairs. If those repairs are so.minor, fix them before selling it !!

 

[tphoyt]

The last one I picked up was free. I had parts laying around and figured why not bring it back to life a sell it. I only got $200 for it. They are gas guzzlers and most people just aren’t interested any more.

 

[racerone]

The 4 strokes really run so nice.----But that comes at a cost.-----I can't believe the number of used 4 strokes for sale these days.-----Perhaps the folks who can afford them buy a new one.----Repair / service work is big $$$$ on them.

 

[JimS123]

The classic boat / motor market has slumped in recent years. My Lyman was appraised at $10K in 2005, yet last year I saw one sell for half that.

Pristine, fully restored to original motors have asking prices that are ridiculous. They don't sell.

IMHO, advertise at $300, but take the first $200 offer.

 

[airshot]

The 4 strokes really run so nice.----But that comes at a cost.-----I can't believe the number of used 4 strokes for sale these days.-----Perhaps the folks who can afford them buy a new one.----Repair / service work is big $$$$ on them.

Our local repair shop guy stated that folks really like there four strokes, but fear repair costs if anything goes haywire. Maintenance us much higher and most that buy new also buy extended warranties out to ten years. Many are beginning to look at trading in there almost 10 year old motors due to fears of high repair costs. They are busy with two stroke repair and maintenence, as it turns out, folks can rebuild or overhaul there two stroke for far less than buying a new four stroke. Larger engines still have a backup in delivery dates even up to six months on motors over 150 hp.
Boat sales are slow most places, except here in the walley capital, where used boats in very good condition or better still bring high dollars.

 

[racerone]

Was given a 2004 Ya@%A 90 HP 4 stroke.----Not worth fixing.----Picked up a 150 HP Ya%$#@a 4 stroke for $1000 Ca funds.----Well to do folks said---" get us a new one " no need to waste a short season at the summer home.

 

[roscoe]

except here in the walley capital,

Where is this walleye capitol you speak of?

Google list about 20.

 

[JimS123]

The 4 strokes really run so nice.----But that comes at a cost.-----I can't believe the number of used 4 strokes for sale these days.-----Perhaps the folks who can afford them buy a new one.----Repair / service work is big $$$$ on them.

Sadly, my 4-stroke Merc kicker would not start yesterday. A carb problem for sure. Since I don't have a tank to run it in and I didn't want to work on it at the launch ramp, I took it to my local dealer for repair. (I realize that these tiny motors have small jets, and I have been diligent to run the carbs as dry as possible after a trip, but after 8 years she finally got the best of me)

I bought my first outboard from this guy in 1968, and have bought other boats and motors from him since. His son is now in the business as well.

I was surprised at the turnaround time he quoted me. His shop had few repair jobs. He said that the new 4-strokes are so reliable that his motor repair business has slumped.

My 2 boats have 4-stroke OB main motors. After sitting for 6 months in a cold Winter, the first Spring startup is merely a click....zoom. My old 2 strokes were always an issue. And don't get me started about dressing points in the old days, or cleaning out old carbs.

I will never own another I/O. 4-Stroke OBs for me. I can afford the cost, if necessary, but as a retired old fart I can't afford losing a day on the water.

I must admit that I run 100% stabilized E10.

 

[JimS123]

Where is this walleye capitol you speak of?

Google list about 20.

I can't answer for the previous poster, but IMHO it's Sturgeon Point, Lake Erie.

 

[airshot]

Where is this walleye capitol you speak of?

Google list about 20.

Lake Erie, we have the largest walleye population of catchable walleye than any other place on earth.

 

[matt167]

Today, no one wants a fixer upper, it needs to run and run well in order to get top dollar. Finding service depends on where you live. Here in the walleye capital, find folks to work on older two strokes is easy and plentifull, not cheap, but plenty of these motor still around. What has been come very expensive is working on newer 4 strokes that are beyond warranty coverage. I don't understand why people try to sell stuff that needs serious work yet expect top dollar. Fix it and make it right or sell for parts. People get pissed driving for a half hour only to find a junk motor that the seller has stated needs " minor" repairs. If those repairs are so.minor, fix them before selling it !!

Well sure, I could have fixed it and gotten just a little bit more out of it. But if I did that, why would I have bothered to repower my boat.. I fully disclosed it had water intrusion in the lower unit in my ad. After half a dozen guys basically offering to take it for free, I had a younger man come with his son and they had a near identical motor which he couldn’t make run right but had a good lower. So he was going to take my minty running power head and make one good motor. I actually gave him a 4hp twin that I had as well because he was a nice guy with his son