purchasing outboard used in saltwater--good or bad

[mountainboy]

I've been looking at a couple small outboards that were once used in salt water. They seem well taken care of and are in good shape. I would use it in fresh water. Any advice is always appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[plywoody]

Re: purchasing outboard used in saltwater--good or bad

Hi, mountain boy<br /><br />I would check carefully for any signs of corrosion, or signs of new paint and such trying to hide such corrosion.<br />And especially around the transom bracket and related springs as such, as well as the powerhead.<br />If there are no outward signs and it pumps water ok, you should be fine.<br /><br />I have had many Johnson and Evinrude motors used exclusively in salt water with no problem whatsoever, and I would not hesitate to own them. On the other hand, I once had a 9.8 Merc that seemed to want to dissolve in front of my very eyes. There was, however no paint made that would completely conceal this in that Merc.<br /><br />Good Luck<br /><br />John

 

[grandx]

Re: purchasing outboard used in saltwater--good or bad

The problems salt water can cause can be found with visual inspection, namely corrosion. If motors have been cared for properly they should be OK. Corrosion on wires, bolts, etc. keep an eye out for fresh paint. If all checks out visually, i wouldn't worry. Could even pull thermostat housing to ge an idea on internal water jacket corrosion.