looking at buying a used pontoon.

[Maclyn]

well I found a used pontoon boat recently it's a 1986 24ft Landau Pontoon Boat and 90 hp Johnson. But the motor has low compression on one cyl. I'm kinda new to boats so I'm not really sure what I'm looking at here...I need some good advice, is this worth looking at or is it too much work/risk?

 

[rrhodes]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

Without numbers we can't really help. What are the compression numbers on all cylinders?

 

[Maclyn]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

around 110-115 except one cyl which is reading maybe 20 (this is all second hand from the guy selling so I'll try to answer whatever I can)

 

[rrhodes]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

If one cylinder is reading 20psi the engine needs a rebuild.

 

[Maclyn]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

well I had figured as much but good to hear it confirmed. Any idea what that would run?

 

[rrhodes]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

depends on who is doing the work. The last outboard I rebuilt cost me $800 in parts and I did all the work myself. If you plan on paying someone I am betting $1500 and up. I would call around to shops in your area and ask what they charge for a rebuilt powerhead installed.

To answer your original question. It depends on how much he wants for the pontoon. A 20+ year old motor that has 20psi on one cylinder is an anchor IMO and worthless.

 

[boatmor]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

It doesn't pay to spend money on old motors. It usually cost more than the motor is worth. There are bargains out there if you look hard enough.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

If the pontoon is in nice shape I would make an offer to him based on the Pontoons value only. You can always part out an engine pretty easy and make some cash to buy a different engine. The lower units go for 200-400$ on ebay and the tilt and trim units catch a decent amount of cash also. If you think you could handle replacing a powerhead in your own garage than it might be worth fixing as rebuilt powerheads can be found for decent prices.

 

[Maclyn]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

well both the local shots told me it would be 3000 + to repair that motor...since that's double the cost of the boat I think I'll keep looking. Shame it was a nice enough boat solid floor though all the furnature had been stripped out....

anyway thanks for the help, and if anyone comes across anything cheap around the oklahoma area let me know since I'm apparantly still in the market

 

[pontoonokie]

Re: looking at buying a used pontoon.

where bouts in oklahoma ? have you looked on craigslist? not much their tonight, but it has produced some good boats.. i know where an older one might be.. like 70's model hard top.. motor was supposed to be lake ready.. did not go look at it .. i found mine before i got there.. ,
hope this helps..