Outboards to avoid...

[kjackson]

I've finally decided on what I need and want from a boat-- a compromise, unfortunately-- and I'm looking for used boats. Since I have pretty specific requirements, I know what to look for with the hull, but  I don't know enough about outboards, except that I will not buy a boat with a four-cylinder, 50 hp (or the detuned 45 hp) Mercury. What other dogs are out there?  I'm looking for a used boat, and there are so a lot of different motors...  I probably will pick a boat with a mid-range motor-- most likely under 100 hp and certainly over 40 hp. I know zero about Hondas, but I've run all the other brands. 

What lemons are definite no-go?

Thanks.

[fishinwrench]

Rather than give you a list of certain outboards that I wouldn't want to own personally, I'll just say that all of my Johnson/Evinrude customers are noticably happier, not seen nearly as often, and they trade motors way less often than all of the others.

I used to be able to say the same for Yamaha 2-stroke owners ....but lately it is getting harder and harder to find parts for them.  Had a blown Yamaha 70 in here last Spring that I couldn't buy pistons or a replacement powerhead for.  Could get RINGS but no pistons 🙄  We found a slightly older blown Evinrude 70 with controls CHEAP, rebuilt it, and I haven't heard from them since.  He sends his neighbor's and friends to me so he must be happy. 😊

[kjackson]

Thanks, Wrench.  I'm leery of old Mercs/Mariners/Trackers based on some of your NLA comments.  How do you feel about older Evinrudes that have had their skegs sandblasted to about half of the original depth?  

The problem I find is picking up the hull I want with the motor that's acceptable. 

[fishinwrench]

48 minutes ago, kjackson said:

Thanks, Wrench.  I'm leery of old Mercs/Mariners/Trackers based on some of your NLA comments.  How do you feel about older Evinrudes that have had their skegs sandblasted to about half of the original depth?  

The problem I find is picking up the hull I want with the motor that's acceptable. 

The only old Evinrude's that I run from are the early 70's models with the hydro-mechanical lower units.  Those are bastards, but they only produced them for a couple years.  All the others are sweethearts IMO.

Damaged skegs can be repaired (for 40-80.00) so as long as the prop shaft isn't bent that isn't a deal killer.   

[Gumboot]

I'm constantly amazed at the number of near new boat and motors out there, in great condition, at huge discounts to new.  If your patient, and don't mind looking outside your zip code, you can find a good deal on a clean/low hour rig.  I like to buy the 4-5 year old boat with 90 hours.  Fall/winter is a great time to shop.

Drive an hour to Pomme, I got nice Lowe 180W w a 90 hp Yammie for sale.   

[kjackson]

I've been looking for the "perfect" boat for over a year now. During that time, I've come to realize that what I want isn't the best boat for my current situation. As a result, I've only changed my mind about 47 times...worse than my wife on shoes.  Since I'm better off avoiding a bass-boat-style setup, I've come to realize that a smaller vee hull will work better, and by "small", I mean 16 feet minimum and probably 18 feet max. If you look at the prototypical Lund walleye hull, you'll see what I'm after.  Finding that with a non-Merc outboard isn't easy, but it can be done.

Now that I've realized the best option for me, I'll be looking at picking up a hull in the next few weeks.

Thanks for the help, guys. And I'll be talking to you in a couple of weeks, Wrench.

 

[MrGiggles]

2 hours ago, kjackson said:

I've been looking for the "perfect" boat for over a year now. During that time, I've come to realize that what I want isn't the best boat for my current situation. As a result, I've only changed my mind about 47 times...worse than my wife on shoes.  Since I'm better off avoiding a bass-boat-style setup, I've come to realize that a smaller vee hull will work better, and by "small", I mean 16 feet minimum and probably 18 feet max. If you look at the prototypical Lund walleye hull, you'll see what I'm after.  Finding that with a non-Merc outboard isn't easy, but it can be done.

Now that I've realized the best option for me, I'll be looking at picking up a hull in the next few weeks.

Thanks for the help, guys. And I'll be talking to you in a couple of weeks, Wrench.

 

There are a couple Alumacrafts on CL that may interest you.

I've seen the same thing. Jon boats, pontoons, and bass boats seem to be the majority around here. 

I've often thought of running up to Minnesota where aluminum V-hulls are pretty much all there is.

[kjackson]

16 hours ago, MrGiggles said:

There are a couple Alumacrafts on CL that may interest you.

I've seen the same thing. Jon boats, pontoons, and bass boats seem to be the majority around here. 

I've often thought of running up to Minnesota where aluminum V-hulls are pretty much all there is.

I've been wedded to CL for what seems like ever...there are boats that will work, but most of them require a compromise on what I really should get. I can live with most hulls, but too often the outboard is wrong. However...there are possibilities. I'm jammed with work the next 10 days or so; after that I'll be kicking tires with the intent on getting on the fall walleye bite.

[fishinwrench]

5 hours ago, kjackson said:

I've been wedded to CL for what seems like ever...there are boats that will work, but most of them require a compromise on what I really should get. I can live with most hulls, but too often the outboard is wrong. However...there are possibilities. I'm jammed with work the next 10 days or so; after that I'll be kicking tires with the intent on getting on the fall walleye bite.

The best way to end up with what you really want, when limited to the USED market, is to find the boat and trailer you want....and don't concern yourself with what motor is on it because regardless of what it is you can almost always run it until you find the "right motor", then sell it or part it out and repower the boat with your "perfect motor".    I don't even bother titling or registering the outboard if I know I am going to unload it soon (it's perfectly legal to use a "BORROWED" outboard as long as it is registered to SOMEBODY).

Play it right (smart) and you can come out like a fat rat. 🐀

[kjackson]

Sounds good. Thanks for the advice.