looking at a 87 30hp mariner with controls

[txbandit44]

Price is 700 bucks runs and look clean. I havent had a chance to do a compression test yet. I have a 1976 75hp evinrude that is just to heavy for my boat. I was looking to go smaller. Its just a 15ft fiberglass fishing boat. I saw this on CL and thought it sounds like a good deal. Are Mariners as reliable as johnson and evinrude? What should I look out for. The guy selling it has only had it a month. its a long shaft and he needs a short shaft for his duck boat. Are these easy to work on and find parts for? I was checking for a factory shop manual and havnt found a source. Is that a bad sign?

Sorry for all the ?'s if its a good deal I want to act fast and my searches where turning up zip...thanks for the help in advance

 

[hamit59]

Re: looking at a 87 30hp mariner with controls

Most of the mariners are in part a yami motor. As with all things proper care there as good as any motor.Parts are not hard to find for most of them. You need to see the compression numbers on it before thinking of buying. How long has it been sitting ? If you can get a test run well, try to any way. Some things that might have to be done is carb rebuild, water pump kit and lower lube change. I would ask for a sample of the lower lube also it will tell you, if the lower is leaking. Creamy oil is not good.
700 is not that bad for a 30 hp, I have seen them go for more and less 87 model is about right on the mark.


Just my 2 cents worth