Looking at a (79) 115 Johnson, how much would you pay?

[robnfl35]

The story- this guy traded this pop up camper for a tri hull boat w/115. by the pictures it looks like he was overwhelmed with the rotten floor and bad transom. He removed the motor and did not mark wires and now wants to sell the whole mess for $500. My thought is I'd check what I could lower unit oil overall condition etc. crank it and get some idea of compression. Have no illusions about finding a diamond here but hoping to get lucky. Wondering what someone else would pay if in my shoes and thinking parts motor?

 

[jrttoday]

and a mess it might be !!!! That was a short story, but today's facts have to be used in your determination (and what's it really worth to you).
The previous neglect to the rest of the boat says something, but not everything....

I took a gamble on a 1970 115 for a parts motor; and it's now the motor I'm running. Had no history to examine, but externally appeared intact - turned out to be a diamond imho.

Don't know what your options are, but I wouldn't offer over $200 firm - unless I was really impressed by the rest of what I saw.

 

[Scott Danforth]

a 40 year old motor strapped to a junk boat? the hull will cost you about $200 to dispose of. motor AND controls AND gauges are worth $200 if in good running condition. tell them you will take it off their hands for free

 

[robnfl35]

The motor has been removed from the boat and would include controls. Agree junk boat has negative value.

 

[Scott Danforth]

motor and controls (no gauges), about $150 if the motor runs perfect. if the motor doesnt run or start, its worth $0.07/# as mixed scrap until you throw enough parts at it to make it worth something.

if you spent the time to separate the aluminum from the steel, the aluminum is worth $0.40/# for clean aluminum

 

[Baylinerchuck]

There are still some folks out there who really like these old 2 stroke power houses. They really are great motors. I have had a couple and they always need power packs, if they have not been replaced already. Power packs will set you back a little over $100 or more depending on the model. For $500.00, you should hear it run and do a compression check on it, and ensure the power trim works. If its not in running condition, don't pay more than $200. If you can't get a good compression test done, walk away. The good thing is, parts are readily available on-line for these relics. The bad thing is, like anything marine, they ain't cheap. Make sure you know what you're getting into before you buy.