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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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used motor buying advice?

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pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/25/2012 : 11:36:33

Does anyone have guidelines for things to look for when evaluating a used motor? Yamaha and Mercury seem to be the most common brands on the used market in my area. Does anyone have opinions about either of these brands? I'm ruling out motors older than 10 years. As far as valuations go, NADA has an outboard motor valuation tool, but it yields surprisingly high values. Any other methods of determining value?

Pat Duffy
1984 SK/SR #4113
Slàinte

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 13:10:12

This is a tough question. First go by looks, If the engine is dirty just to look at, Chances are it wasn't cared for. Look for a fresh water engine. It wouldn't bother me to travel for a full day to get a good one. Test run always. If you can pull the plugs and look at their condition. Compression test. When was it last serviced. All of this goes into evaluating how much an engine is worth and what you would be willing to pay. For instance I think this might be good deal and would make a run to go see it.His add shows me that the engine was cared for, Has all the manuals etc. He says OBO so...http://erie.craigslist.org/boa/2868614131.html

Edited by - islander on 02/25/2012 13:12:21

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 13:40:18

As above, and let it warm up completely before going through the gears and revving it a bit. Let it idle for a while after that to be sure it continues to run smoothly. Check the lube level and condition (foam probably means a leak )in the lower unit. Many swear by the brand they own and would never own another, but all the big names are good motors. Write down the serial number - if it is stolen, the seller will probably object. A very late model in a state that doesn't require paperwork is more likely to be stolen. Definitely look at the price difference between used and a Tohatsu from On Line Outboard - peace of mind is worth something. I am fairly knowledgeable, but one of the three used outboard that I have bought in my life was a piece of junk even though it passed the quick checks.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 18:40:35

I think the reason they are selling and/or knowing the owner is critical. If the are selling because they sold the boat or have a reason that makes sense it maybe ok, But if they are selling as they have "moved up" etc/., you should ask/pay to have a reputable dealer evaluate the engine to make sure it is ok.As the old saying goes . . . buyer be ware!

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 20:53:10

Environmentally, new four-strokes can't be beat, but older engines if well cared for can serve you well for a long time. I had budgeted for a new Tohatsu about three years ago when my job situation, as well as my plans, changed. Fortunately my '89 Evinrude, although not shiny and new, has served us well. A professional tune up about 4 yrs ago made a big difference.

Sometime mid-70's my brother and I salvaged a relatively new 10 hp Johnson from the bottom of a river where it had sat for a couple of weeks. The owner said if we could find it, it was ours, so off we went. Neither one of us was much of a mechanic but followed the advice given us. Bottom line, my brother still throws that motor on and old flat-bottomed fishing boat about once a year to explore some unknown creek. My point is that age alone doesn't undermine value; there are good used motors out there. If possible, have a mechanic work with you to check a candidate out.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 20:58:44

Agree with above. Check the water flow (should be laminar, not turbulent coming out). Smell the oil. Should not smell burnt. Remove the plugs. Crank the engine slowly by hand. Listen very carefully for clanks, rattles, slap, play in the mechanism. Look at the condition of the coil and electrical components. Check for salt corrosion inside the engine.

Replace the plugs and run the engine. Does it smoke just after start? Check the engine for vibration at low RPMs, then run it up and check it for vibration at high RPMs. Let the engine idle. Will it idle for a while without stalling?

Does the throttle connection have any play in it? Does the tiller have any play? Can you tighten down the side-to-side stiffness of the engine? Does the transmission linkage have any play in it? Do both forward and reverse gears engage? When you put it in forward and reverse at low idle, does the engine stall?

How does the gasline connector look? Is it loose? If you connect a voltmeter to the electrical connection, does it generate between 13-18 volts DC? If you happen to have a trailer light fixture and connect it to the (+) and (-) electrical connections, will it light up?

If you have a battery or a battery booster, hook it up and try the electric starter. Disconnect the plug wires and crank it for 5-10 seconds. Make sure it doesn't bog down.

Other have asked about the look and smell of the lower unit oil. If its frothy or cloudy, the lower unit gaskets could be bad. If the bottom unit oil not honey golden, it is old.

Check the recoil starter several times - try to make it engage all the teeth and ratchet pawls in the recoil starter.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 22:18:15

Be prepared to spend money. A good, late model used motor won't be far off from new prices.

Cheap motors are usually old, worn out junk. There's a reason they're for sale.

I'm not even gonna mess with it. I'm buying a new motor.

Edited by - on

JeanAndre
Navigator

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USA
224 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 22:29:45

The subject was well covered on the posts above, but one thing I learned from experience:

My boaat came with an old 2 stroke mercury, I serviced the engine in a Mercury dealer so I would have expert opinion on the motor. THe motor was perfect, except for one thing. The shaft was too short so it wouldn´t pick up water to cool it down and then it overheated...

If it is a used motor make sure the shaft is sufficiently long!!!

Cheers

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2012 : 22:41:09

For comparison. I sold a '94 XLS Johnson 9.9 in very good condition for something around $700 three or four years ago. The guy drove from Washington D.C. to southwest Ohio over a weekend to get it because XLS motors are hard to find and he thought it was a very good price.

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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2012 : 07:28:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">If you connect a voltmeter to the electrical connection, does it generate between 13-18 volts DC?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Connecting a voltage meter or test lamp to the electrical/battery charger outlet on the side of the engine won't show anything. A battery has to be hooked up to it to complete the circuit otherwise the regulator/rectifier wont send out any current.
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> If the bottom unit oil not honey golden, it is old.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Depends on what brand oil was used, Mine is a greenish blue.

Edited by - islander on 02/26/2012 07:30:32

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2012 : 08:16:43

I get "no older than 10" but don't completely rule them out. I've seen and owned some really sweet older motors.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2012 : 15:10:45

A reasonably maintained 2 stroke will last way beyond 10 yrs,, but newer motors usually win in convenience features. The difference in noise and fuel efficiency between a 2 stroke and a 4 is amazing.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2012 : 15:39:29

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DaveR
 I get "no older than 10" but don't completely rule them out. I've seen and owned some really sweet older motors.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

My last boat had a 22 year old Johnson on it and that thing just flat out ran without any problems. I almost didn't want to let that outboard go when I sold that boat. My current outboard, a two-stroke Merc, is 17 years old, starts on the first half pull then purrs like a kitten, and for a two stroke it is surprisingly quiet. (Knock on wood) I'm not sure how much life it has left, but based on how it runs now, it may go 20-25 years, or longer!

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2012 : 15:48:39

A quick way to check compression is to remove one plug, pull the starter cord, replace the plug, remove the other plug, and pull the cord. If it feels the same on both pulls, you have reasonably equal compression on both cylinders, which is a pretty good sign they're good.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2012 : 18:39:37

My boats got an '89 Suzuki 2-stroke that usually starts on the 3rd or 4th pull when cold and with no fuel in the carb. When hot it will usually start on the first pull. It's not pretty or quite but seems to be pretty reliable(knock on wood or skull whichever is harder on a given day).

Edited by - GaryB on 02/26/2012 18:40:51

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2012 : 20:06:01

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave5041
 .....The difference in noise and fuel efficiency between a 2 stroke and a 4 is amazing.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yeah, it'll be nice to have my sailboat not sound like a dirt bike anymore.

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 06:40:09

Just came across this beauty. A good example of what to run away from. Can you believe this seller wants $350 for this? Well I got my laughs for the day! The seller says Not running, Really?

Edited by - islander on 03/01/2012 06:58:38

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 08:09:21

While I continue to monitor Craigslist and ebay for potential motors, I am starting to lean towards a new Tohatsu. The primary reason is that it seems that there are almost no 25" motors available - lots of 20". My current Honda is a 20", but if I am going to spend some money, why compromise? My kids are smart - let 'em figure out how to pay for college themselves!!!

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 08:16:32

I'm going to buy this:

[url="http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Tohatsu-6-hp-MFS6CUL.html"]Tohatsu 6HP SailPro[/url]

I only use a motor to leave/enter the marina, and sometimes hunting a ball or dropping the hook, but that is rare....99% of the time I'm putting out and putting in. I'm on an inland lake, so no current and "waves" for me are maybe 1-2 foot chop....usually calm conditions.

For my needs and budget, the SailPro is the way to go. If I were to go with the 9.8 I'd also have to buy/install a new motor mount....all told adding $950 to my costs.

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 08:46:31

Joe - I'm looking hard at that same motor. My quandary is that if I buy that motor, I will never be able to attempt the Barnegat Inlet and sail in the ocean. (Some would argue that I should not try it regardless.) I have only day-sailed my boat on the Barnegat Bay but someday hope to venture through that inlet for the excitement of ocean sailing.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 08:59:23

For me, being on a smallish inland lake, the 6HP SailPro is great. If I had an ocean, inlet, waves, current, etc....to deal with.... I would strongly consider the 9.8 and upgraded motor mounts. You can get it in a 25" shaft with electric start for $2199. I bet most here will tell you the same.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 09:02:47

BTW - I would have no issue whatsoever doing coastal cruising in my C25. I'd just keep a sharp eye on the weather, not venture too far out (so I can dash for cover) and always plan (with a backup) my route and anchorages. I think it'd be great!

Edited by - on

PCP777
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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 09:07:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Joe Diver
 For me, being on a smallish inland lake, the 6HP SailPro is great. If I had an ocean, inlet, waves, current, etc....to deal with.... I would strongly consider the 9.8 and upgraded motor mounts. You can get it in a 25" shaft with electric start for $2199. I bet most here will tell you the same.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We get 3 to 4 foot rollers on LRH at times, but like you said, no currents, you can choose when you go out and as long as it's a long shaft that 6.5 should have no problem driving your boat. Looks like a good deal.

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 09:22:05

Nice motor and the fact that it has a 5 amp alt. for charging the battery is a big plus. Not that common in a 6HP motor. Pat are you looking for a 9.9 or an 8?

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pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 09:31:04

Scott - the Tohatsu does not make an XLS in the 8hp, so will likely get the 9.9. I'm certain that under most conditions that I am willing to sail in, the 6 would be adequate. However, as my skills (hopefully) increase and my kids get a bit older, I think a week long coastal cruise would be fun. At that point, I think I might regret the 6.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2012 : 09:35:12

Also - the Evinrude 15 HP can be de-tuned to become a 9.9 They are the same engine with a different plate in the carb. Or something like that. If you find an evinrude 15HP sailmaster on craigslist, I can't see a disadvantage to getting it vs a 9.9.

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