What to look for in used outboard

[newbytoboats]

Hello all. I have retired and want to buy a 12- 14 tin boat and a small (9.8 or less) outboard using craigslist. I have never owned a outboard and need to know what to look for and how to proceed as far as testing, ect. I just want to end up with a outboard that works and will work under load and spin the prop. I need to know how to evaluate what is sitting there. I'm sure a lot of the motors for sale are junk and some are ok. How to tell? What do I do?
Do I have to run it on the boat under load to know or is a tank test good enough. I just need advice so my chances of making a mistake are lessened. I want to buy on the cheap and craigslist looks like a good venue for that.
Thank you, Chas

 

[nwcove]

Re: What to look for in used outboard

test tank wont tell you much, other than the motor starts, runs, pumps water and shifts. a compression test, and check of the lu oil is a must. ( although a savy seller will replace the gear oil before the sale) . if a half hour run on the water is possible....thats the way to go. other than that.....ya pay yer money, ya take yer chances!

 

[LongLine]

Re: What to look for in used outboard

"seeing is believing". If you don't see it run, don't bother...unless the value of the boat alone is worth the price.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What to look for in used outboard

the practical problem is that someone selling a small used motor isn't going to invest any time in letting you test stuff, other than starting it in the yard. No one's taking you to the lake for a sea trial. And they aren't going to let you wrench on it.

In some cases you may need (or want) to bring your own tank with fresh gas.

Some may allow a peak at the lower unit fluid to see if it's watery (look for water, if it's been sitting, or milky color if it's been run). But even one with water can be a good deal; just budget in doing the seals.

Some may allow a compression test.

All should let you start it, although you may feel comfortable taking his word, and the chance (I came across a nice 15 at a yard sale; husband was out of town; wife said it ran fine and in that case I'd trust her; others I wouldn't. Point is, it's just a matter of judgment).

You may get lucky with a nice guy who will let you bring it back in 10 days if it doesn't check out.

One thing to check out is how it shifts, turns and tilts. And in this regard, get the seller to show you the locks. Those old motors are like Chinese puzzle boxes; some have to be in gear to tilt them, some have hidden latches, catches and releases, many have bent latches and catches and have a "trick" to them that you will never figure out when you get it home.

A good motor that size will sell fast. There are enough savvy buyers that the seller doesn't have to do anything.

 

[robert graham]

Re: What to look for in used outboard

Look for a "feshwater" motor, since "saltwater run" motors can have corrosion already started on the insides. Insist on a sea trial, if at all possible, to really know it runs good....otherwise you're buying a "pig in a poke" If you don't know much about outboard motors, then take an "outboard friend" along to evaluate it. Good Luck!

 

[jasper60103]

Re: What to look for in used outboard

Hello all. I have retired and want to buy a 12- 14 tin boat and a small (9.8 or less) outboard using craigslist. I have never owned a outboard and need to know what to look for and how to proceed as far as testing, ect. I just want to end up with a outboard that works and will work under load and spin the prop. I need to know how to evaluate what is sitting there. I'm sure a lot of the motors for sale are junk and some are ok. How to tell? What do I do?
Do I have to run it on the boat under load to know or is a tank test good enough. I just need advice so my chances of making a mistake are lessened. I want to buy on the cheap and craigslist looks like a good venue for that.
Thank you, Chas

Congrats on your retirement. Some good advice already given.
Also, I would try to find a deal on a boat/motor/trailer combo. Buying a motor separately is usually more expensive. Good luck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What to look for in used outboard

Also, I would try to find a deal on a boat/motor/trailer combo. Buying a motor separately is usually more expensive. Good luck.

Indeed. Find the motor you want even it's on a boat you don't. Chances are good you can sell the boat/trailer without the motor for a decent price.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What to look for in used outboard

Congrats on your retirement. Some good advice already given.
Also, I would try to find a deal on a boat/motor/trailer combo. Buying a motor separately is usually more expensive. Good luck.

I would agree as to motors 40 hp and above but disagree as to smaller ones--they are portable equipment, and at least around here, are very often sold alone. Not to say you can't get a good deal on a BMT, too, but if you aren't really equipped to store and sell the other parts it's not worth it.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: What to look for in used outboard

I would agree as to motors 40 hp and above but disagree as to smaller ones--they are portable equipment, and at least around here, are very often sold alone. Not to say you can't get a good deal on a BMT, too, but if you aren't really equipped to store and sell the other parts it's not worth it.

Yea, but he's shopping for a boat too. Just sayin.

Hello all. I have retired and want to buy a 12- 14 tin boat and a small (9.8 or less) outboard...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What to look for in used outboard

you're right; I missed that and thought he was motor shopping. In that case I agree he'll have more choices for a BMT that assembling the three parts. I see lots of good motors alone, but not many boats without them, in that size range.