Used Outboard Question

[jackpine]

Hey All,<br /><br />Just wanted to note that I have been a member for a couple weeks now and would like to say that this is a great site with tons of great insight and discussions. Enough of that...to my question. I am new to the Outboard world and am looking to buy a used Outboard anywhere from 2hp-9.9hp. Are there any manufacturers that I should stay away from, similar to the auto industry where some used vehicles raise automatic red flags. Any info would be appreciated.<br /><br />Jackpine

 

[NMplayer]

Re: Used Outboard Question

Most any brand that is still being made today is OK. Don't buy old motors like Chrysler, Elgin, Scott, Sea King or really even Force. Its not that they were are bad motors. I've owned almost all of the above and still see them around but parts can be hard to get.

 

[oregonducker]

Re: Used Outboard Question

jackpine,<br />That question could open a serious can of worms. Some people are very brand loyal kind of like cars. Personally I like old OMC(Johnson/Evinrude) motors. The number one reason is because my dad had them and I learned the basics of using and working on them as a kid. That and I just can't say anything bad about them. I've never had an OMC newer than 1979 but I know they are just as good, if not better, now. One thing I've been told about OMC motors is that parts are much easier to get than other brands. When you get into the older motors anyway. I don't know if that is true because I've never had anything but OMC. I've never had much trouble getting parts though. Lot's of used stuff out there. <br /><br />Anyway, welcome to this forum and welcome to the world of outboards.

 

[DJ]

Re: Used Outboard Question

I have to second the comment to stay away from brands that are no longer being produced.<br /><br />I really do not think there any bad ones out there.<br /><br />When you narrow down your search, let us know.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Used Outboard Question

Jack - You did not tell us what boat you are putting it on?? A shot in the dark would be an older OMC 9.9 (I run a 1975). You have to try hard to break them and as oregon mentions parts are plentiful & cheap and the motor is easy to work on. Whatever you get buy a factory shop manual.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Used Outboard Question

The only real dog made by a major manufacturer I can think of that's in that range is the 4hp Mercury Gnat (late '70s early '80s). It's a two cylinder looper. Most of them are dead and buried now anyway though.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Used Outboard Question

I try to avoid outboards made in North Korea.

 

[BF]

Re: Used Outboard Question

There's a huge difference between a 2 hp and 9.9. We dunno what you're putting it on, but you'll probably need 6-7 hp to get even a light, easy to plane boat up on plane (with no load)... A 9.9 is a particularly useful size, they will troll down nicely, but still (usually) will be able to get a small boat with 2 people on plane and moving at a reasonable pace. So, there is something to be said for buying the bigger hp, it also saves you from buying and selling just to gain a few hp in the future.<br /><br />Of course, maybe you're looking to also be able to use the motor for a canoe, or space in the trunk is a big issue, in which case maybe you'd be content to putt putt around. (?)<br /><br />Ditto the others... OMC (johnson/evinrude), Merc/Mariner, Yamaha, Honda would all be OK in my books. I do have a personal preference for OMC's (70-80's vintage)... I currently have 2,6,15 hp OMCs and would say they're all good motors, but the 15 (identical to the 9.9) is smoother and quieter at idle than it's smaller siblings.<br /><br />Brent