Outboard Restoration.

andrewkafp

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 15, 2003
Messages
1,668
I notice on this site, a lot of boaters restore early motors.<br />This seems to occur much more than in my country.<br />Is this due to more parts availablity ? or more mechanical knowledge ? Or just more enthusiasts.<br />People here tend to junk old motors and fork out a fortune for a new model.<br />As our dollar is about 1/2 of yours we're talking $8,000 to $12,000 for a motor ???
 

alcan

Commander
Joined
Dec 14, 2001
Messages
2,505
Re: Outboard Restoration.

Hi Andrew<br />It's just too hard to restore new motors. You can't fix it if it ain't broke.
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Outboard Restoration.

Hi Andrew,<br /> If you're handy and resourceful, rejuvenating an older outboard can be a lot of fun, and in some cases it can be well worth it as you can save some money over a late model motor of similar power. If you're not very handy and not very resourceful, and old motor can be a pain in the butt and very costly - particularly if you're paying someone else to maintain it. It's all a matter of perspective.<br /> What some folks might think isn't worth it, others might disagree. Personally, I don't much care for the 1960s OMC V4s as they're VERY thirsty and the electric shift lower units can be troublesome. However, there are some who love the sound they make, and really dig how they look on the back of their boat. It all comes back to what you want - not what someone else says is the "way to go". If you're weird ol' Uncle Freddy had a such-and-such and you want to get one like it - go for it!<br /> Bottom line is to have fun! I know of guys who have spent way more on a motor than it could ever possibly be worth, but they had fun doing it and it was worth it to them...<br />- Scott
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: Outboard Restoration.

Gotta ditto chinewalker here...I just love the way the older motors look and run. I've brought a few "back to life" and have enjoyed every of it. I mainly display the old girls at my shop and lots of folks enjoy there company as much as me. I recently found a 38' Johnson that will be my next project.<br /><br />I guess it's like collecting Tonka Toys are something like that. It's just what makes ya happy.
 
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