How do you know if used motor prices are in the ballpark?

[lakelover]

This is sort of related to my other thread about an Evinrude 48 on Cragislist. My boat has a 15" transom and thanks to tashasdaddy, who posted a plan for a home made jack plate, my possibilities are opening up a little.

Now that I have been looking around more, I am noticing that 50hp motors with 15" short shafts don't seem to be too common. Even the new ones being made now, almost all are 20". I think I've found a local sheet metal fabricator who can make td's jack plate brackets for me at a reasonable cost.

I've come across a 2002 50hp Johnson 2-stroke with tilt/trim & no controls. Seller states "Low hours, Runs Exc", but that's common for an ad. They're asking $1800 for it. I know condition and maintenance are everything, but is that figure in the ballpark? I looked at the NADA value for this and it is closer to the asking price than values for older motors I've seen. I guess the newer it is, the more accurate their valuation. Older motors seem to be way off. Maybe experience is the only way to tell.

This 50hp is a lot closer to me than the 48 but still 60 miles away & I'm trying to decide whether to look into it or not. That price doesn't seem unreasonable, but that's without any controls.

Anything in particular to look for with this model?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do you know if used motor prices are in the ballpark?

i would try to get it down, $300, to cover cost of controls, realistically controls are suppose to go with the motor. that unit will use the new control, with multi-plug connections.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do you know if used motor prices are in the ballpark?

Determining price of anything involves research. On-line searches, Local dealers, Craigs List, E-bay, your local classifieds, NADA, and the grocery story bulletin board are all sources. Thow out the highest and lowest prices and you have a pretty good idea of what the market is for whatever it is you are buying. Here are just a couple prices in my neck of the woods:

88 Johnson 40 HP w/controls: $1195
04 Johnson 50 HP 4S w/controls: $3995
05 Merc 50 HP 2S w/controls: $3495 (sold)

 

[lakelover]

Re: How do you know if used motor prices are in the ballpark?

i would try to get it down, $300, to cover cost of controls, realistically controls are suppose to go with the motor. that unit will use the new control, with multi-plug connections.

Assuming the motor includes no controls at all, how/where can I find out what I would need to set it up? Would a manual give that info?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do you know if used motor prices are in the ballpark?

You need the control box, the engine to control box harness, the shift and throttle cables of the proper length, the steering link (if it's not on the engine), and if the engine doesn't have battery cables, you need those too. You need stainless bolt kit to bolt the engine to the transom.

 

[lakelover]

Re: How do you know if used motor prices are in the ballpark?

You need the control box, the engine to control box harness, the shift and throttle cables of the proper length, the steering link (if it's not on the engine), and if the engine doesn't have battery cables, you need those too. You need stainless bolt kit to bolt the engine to the transom.

Thanks a lot, this goes a long way toward getting me started. Knowing what I'm talking about can certainly help my bargaining position.

 

[lakelover]

Re: How do you know if used motor prices are in the ballpark?

I got more info on the 2002 50 hp Johnson, power tilt/trim, asking price $1800 without controls.

I'm going to need some advice on this. It sounds good to me, but I'd like some opinions so I can make a more informed decision.

It is on a "fleet" rental boat, 17' center console fishing boat, fresh water only. Seller says it has been run for 2 or 3 seasons; purchased as part of franchise contract in 2002 and not mounted until 2005; then not used every season, but only for 2 or 3 seasons. Reason for selling, now they are switching over to 4-strokes. On first phone contact, seller sounds sincere & genuine. I'm usually pretty good on first impressions.

Lower unit oil has been changed. Doesn't know compression. I will be able to try it out on the water.

What else should I be asking when I go look at it Sunday?