Re: How Reliable '89 O/B Mariner?
It's a 2 stroke. I have twin 89 200 mariners. I'm having problems with mine but don't use me as a gauge. I bought the boat two years ago and it sat for a while which may be causing my problems. They will smoke, easy to work on as compared to todays engines. Some say they are bulletproof, and will keep on running. Make sure you do a compression test on the engine. Each cylinder should have no more than a 10 psi differential. The most important thing with compression tests is that all cylinders are close to the same psi. Find out if it has a new power head. Run it at idle check for excess smoke which may not be a mechanical problem but could be a nuisance for your passengers. Mine said they felt like they were at a Greatful Dead concert.
<br /><br />Also be sure to get the boat surveyed. Good Luck<br /><br />By the way a Mariner is really a Mercury engine. Identical motors. Some call them Grey Mercs.
