Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

[matt9923]

Im looking to get a new motor for my 14ft MFG Niagara boat. It looks good and i think it is perfect or my needs. My other option is a 25hp.
Its a 1994 40hp mariner (what model its 2 cylander and has tilt/trim)
i onley see 1994 on kbb with 4cylander?
Are they reliable motors? any know problems and what are they ushualy worth.
Matt

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

Better post a S/N for that motor to be sure of the year. I don't think it is a 1994.

I had a 1993 and it was a 4 cyl with completely different color scheme on the cowling. That looks more like an mid-late 80's vintage, but that just my opinion.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

Found this online look ssimilar.sn on this one is- 421858
http://smalloutboards.com/mar4087.htm

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

Good motors tend to be made bad motors by the previous owner so your question is not one that can be answered with any confidence. New they were decent motors as most motors are. How it was used and cared for determines whether or not it is STILL a good motor. In my view. regardless how well an engine looks, it is still junk unless I can hear it run or better yet, test drive it. Even engines that had less than a stellar reputation new, can turn out to be very good motors. Chrysler comes to mind. Many of those motors have been used hard, cared for religiously and are still performing well. Even with a bad reputation, a motor can be a good one.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

Its at a outboard shop for sale. The owner is honest and trustworthy, he was recommended by a friend. He goes through the whole motor and tunes up and makes sure the motor is 100% or he wont sell it. If anythings fishy he wont sell it so I'm OK paying some more $$ to a business then some guy of CL. (craigslist)

I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar motor and knows if they are good reliable motors. I have a Johnson 33hp that i lost faith in so to me even if someone gets it going good i don't want it. I cant have family and friends out and have it die. This also has tilt/trim and a steering tube so it will be safe (new teleflex system) and wont have to worry about lifting the motor manually or adjust the trim.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

I've had one Mariner - a 25. It ran good. Unfortunately the previous owner didn't take good care of it and I came to a crossroads with it the first season. Would I buy another? Only if it came with a boat I wanted and it checked out or the opportunity was good.

 

[Johnnyboy454]

Re: Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

Mariner outboards in my opinion are pretty decent outboards for your money. I have a 1994 Mariner 50hp thats in pretty decent condition that works for me great. I have it on a 16ft Sportcraft bowrider and she runs 40 mph on calm water which is pretty quick with 4 people and 3 of which are close to 200 pounds.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Is this a good motor? Mariner 40hp

Iv been out on the water 3 times this week and it runs great. Pushes my 14ft very nicely. I almost got a 25hp but this is 10 times better with remote control and power tilt.
Matt