1987 Evinrude XP 150, good or bad?

BondoBob

Cadet
Joined
Mar 30, 2003
Messages
7
My son has a chance to buy a 1987 17 1/2 foot Skeeter bass boat with a xp150 Evinrude motor on it. Boat, motor, and trailer for $1500. I know the seller a little so I don't think he'd rip us off. A local saltwater dealer told me those motors do not hold up to todays gasoline so it's worth maybe $500 on a trade-in. This would be his first boat and I don't want him to get a lemon. The lower unit has a crack in it from probably hiting a log so I know that has to be delt with. I'm a pretty good mechanic so I'm not too worried about it. I plan on doing a compression test but does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks. Bob
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 1987 Evinrude XP 150, good or bad?

Hi, Bob.<br /><br />That was a fine engine 15 years ago. If it has had good care and maintenance it is still a good engine.<br /><br />Don't visit that dealer again. While he might only allow $500 on trade, he is just plain lying about why.<br /><br />Sounds like a decent buy to me. :)
 

bernieb

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 9, 2003
Messages
209
Re: 1987 Evinrude XP 150, good or bad?

Hi bob,just my two cents worth here.....my fishing partner and I use the evinrude xp 150 a mid eighties in saltwater quite often and find it an excellent engine .He acquired the engine similar to your sons but first he being a mechanic was aware of the possible problems.He overhauled the engine and found that he still had a miss and the two top plugs (served by one carb)were semi dry compared to the other plugs.Problem solved when carb jet hole was slightly enlarged.Your lower unit being cracked may be from a water freeze problem ,it can be welded but you best have a pro check the rig out for you......like compression and that lower unit can be very costly if you have gear damage.Tell the present owner that if you get a good report from a pro mechanic it's a done deal.The repair on the rig may be a bargining chip. good luck
 
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