1988 Johnson 60 Vs 2000 Mercury 60 which to Buy

[lowebo]

Ok I have two deals on the table one is a 1988 Johnson 60 nice even compression rebuilt carbs...ect mostly fresh water (no power trim)looks to have been used modrate amount but overall in great shape for the age and being sold by a qualified marine tech for its worth.
#2 a 2000 Mercury 60hp 2 stroke sold by idividual, power tilt and trim Good even compression has been used 100% salt water shows lots of use....wore down skag,bad paint faded stickers show some sighns of being left in water but nothing awfull but is 12 years newer than the Johnson and 175$ cheaper both in the aprox range of a thousand bucks.
I have alot of experience with OMCs and know when there good there good but seems to be a fare deal on the merc to.

What would you do?

 

[JB]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

My brand loyalty says go for the Johnny.

My experience running boats suitable for those outboards says go for the PT&T on the Merc. It just makes sooo much difference in operation.

Were I you I would continue my search for a good JohnnyRude 60-70 with PT&T.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

You pretty much answered your own question: I would stay away from the Merc. You are describing a neglected salt water engine. If not now, nothing but trouble later on down the road. Plus, you do know OMC.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

I had a '72 125 OMC that I added tilt to; didn't make trim then...the following year. The modification was not a problem and the cost reasonable. Bought the tilt new, as a separate sale, for the engine from a local dealer.

What you said about the Merc indicates a careless operator and surely that carelessness prevails in the overall maintenance of the engine, not to think about the effects of continuous salt water use, vs seldom.....having had/used both environmentally exposed engines of mixed brands in the past. 12 years is a long time but for a well kept engine with a new water pump and fluids may be a walk in the park.

I'd take the OMC and look at a trim kit possibly from an engine that blew a powerhead, or check with a dealer for a stand alone trim for sale, or look for another engine with trim. I definitely will not buy another engine without trim and adding it after market at my point in life is not my forte'.

My 2c,

Mark

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

TnT's for newer JohnnyRude can be easily found on ebay. Prolly around $250 for one. If the purchase price of the Johnson +$250 or so doesn't add up to more than $800-$1000, the Johnson could be a decent deal.

 

[lowebo]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Yeah Im pretty much on the same page with most you guys. I am for the most part a OMC guy and dont mind adding the trim later so im going with the Johny. With 130psi across the board I feel good about it even though its geting some age.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

getting some age.

An '88? Heck that's barely broken in!

 

[lowebo]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 Vrs 2000 Mercury 60 wich to Buy

Turned out it did have TnT and has spend most/all of its life on a fresh water pontoon. And is now now in my back yard.

Thanks for the opinions guys!