Outboard Operating Hours

[Eric Fryklund]

I am considering purchasing a used boat. The engine on this boat is a 200 90h 4stoke Merc with almost 300 operating hours on it. Is this a lot and what is the rule of thumb with how many hours an engine has in it. ex cars about 200k miles. If you could compare to car miles it would be easy.<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[JRJ]

Re: Outboard Operating Hours

I see this is your first post Eric, so welcome to iboats. This topic was covered not long ago so here you go: I figure in a car it takes me about 2 hours to go 100 miles. Another poster says the industry standard is 30 miles per hour. (i don't remember who, sorry) So, what do you think Eric? Good luck

 

[bossee]

Re: Outboard Operating Hours

Year 2000, 90 hp, 4-stroke, Mercury - right?<br />If Yes it has carburators but that You know I assume.<br />Although I personally prefer EFI better than carburators there is nothing wrong with carburators (some people prefer that over EFI).<br /><br />300 hours on a 4-5 year old outboard is no problem in my opinion. The important thing is You check all documentation on the service made on this outboard during the previous years. If it is serviceprotocols available that show it has been serviced it will make the desicion easier to buy or not to buy.<br /><br />Are You buying from a company or from a private person?<br /><br />If the servicestatus of the outboard is unknown and You buy it I would have it serviced and also change the waterpump rubberwheel(impeller).<br />That should hopefully give You a troublefree season.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Outboard Operating Hours

When the water pump is changed, you should also change the driveshaft bushing. It keeps the shaft stright(from whipping at high speeds) so as to not destroy the oil pump.<br /><br />There are no Mercury 90 4-strokes with EFI. What you do need to know is this: The carbs have very small pasages for fuel. You'll need to use it alot, or be very careful with your fuel(stabilizer, run all the time) or it will gum up quickly.<br /><br />Otherwise, these have been pretty good engines. They are not old enough yet to make a real determination as to how long they'll last. So far... So good!