Can anyone recomend a good vendor that offers reasonable prices for outboards, used or new? Any prefrences out there? Yamaha, Honda, Johnson, etc? I'm thinking of a 9.9. or 15hp. I have an older 8hp Johnson, and it's been pretty unreliable this past season, so I'm looking to buy a new or a new-used outboard. Any thoughts or suggestions? -Sean
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the vendor I used...
I used ITG Marine outboards. The BEST prices I could find. http://www.marine-outboards.com/ best of luck
I used ITG Marine outboards. The BEST prices I could find. http://www.marine-outboards.com/ best of luck
I got a really good
18HP Nissan (or is it Tohatsu?) on eBay for about $550 a few years ago. I would not advise you to pay until you saw it though or had it inspected by someone you trusted. I had a friend look at mine and sent him the money so that he could pay for it in person. It has worked fine for 6 years now with no major work at all. I have had a lot of bad luck with computer parts recently. 5 items out of 6 were defective and It takes a couple of months to get money back and then you don't get it all.
18HP Nissan (or is it Tohatsu?) on eBay for about $550 a few years ago. I would not advise you to pay until you saw it though or had it inspected by someone you trusted. I had a friend look at mine and sent him the money so that he could pay for it in person. It has worked fine for 6 years now with no major work at all. I have had a lot of bad luck with computer parts recently. 5 items out of 6 were defective and It takes a couple of months to get money back and then you don't get it all.
fresh water O/B
I just bought an outboard for 400 bucks that was used only on fresh water here in florida. its an 88 8hp johnson. It complety rebuilt lastyear and it hasn't let me down yet.
I just bought an outboard for 400 bucks that was used only on fresh water here in florida. its an 88 8hp johnson. It complety rebuilt lastyear and it hasn't let me down yet.
I'm going with a new Honda!
Hello Sean, I've researched this and it's come down to the Honda for three reasons; 1, It has what I call, "Sail drive", when it goes into reverse instead all of the exhaust going out the prop, (Which means you are trying to cut through air) part of that exhaust comes out of holes near the fin. 2, The alternator charges at 12 amps, not 6 like most I have seen. 3, It is quiet. I echo the guy below, New would be the only way to go for me on a boat motor. Jack Hart
Hello Sean, I've researched this and it's come down to the Honda for three reasons; 1, It has what I call, "Sail drive", when it goes into reverse instead all of the exhaust going out the prop, (Which means you are trying to cut through air) part of that exhaust comes out of holes near the fin. 2, The alternator charges at 12 amps, not 6 like most I have seen. 3, It is quiet. I echo the guy below, New would be the only way to go for me on a boat motor. Jack Hart
Sean...guy in AL
Last I saw, he had three brand new 9.9 HP engines. Think 2 are Yamaha and 1 is Johnson. He just bought a marine fix-it shop, and these engines were in the back. I don't know what a "reasonable" price is, but seems like wanted about $1200 per. Let me know at flyhop AT comcast.net if you are interested, and I'll get the two of you connected.
Last I saw, he had three brand new 9.9 HP engines. Think 2 are Yamaha and 1 is Johnson. He just bought a marine fix-it shop, and these engines were in the back. I don't know what a "reasonable" price is, but seems like wanted about $1200 per. Let me know at flyhop AT comcast.net if you are interested, and I'll get the two of you connected.
Watch out - - - -
I like to buy used and save money that i can use for other items I might need, but some years ago I found in a news paper ad a nice 9.9 hp outboard. Three years later, I took the outboard to a shop for check-up on the water pump. At that point I found out that the serial number on the bill of sale was not the right number, it was a part number. The guy I got it from was no where to be found - - - from bad to worse, no shop wants to work on it, they say it mite be stolen. So watch out. Do your home work to find out were the number is and that it is the rite number. I learned the hard way
I like to buy used and save money that i can use for other items I might need, but some years ago I found in a news paper ad a nice 9.9 hp outboard. Three years later, I took the outboard to a shop for check-up on the water pump. At that point I found out that the serial number on the bill of sale was not the right number, it was a part number. The guy I got it from was no where to be found - - - from bad to worse, no shop wants to work on it, they say it mite be stolen. So watch out. Do your home work to find out were the number is and that it is the rite number. I learned the hard way
rebuild
Before you decide to get a new outboard. Get a compression test to see what your PSI is at to see if you need a rebuid cause your motor may just need a carb tune or rebuild. But if it needs a rebuild... Do it yourself, rebuilding a 2 stroke is really easy/cheap. It runs about 50 bucks a bore per cyclinder and most kits are around 150 bucks, which include pistons, seals, rings, etc. If your not comfortable with doing a rebuild yourself, take it to a motorcycle repair shop, they love 2 strokes and can rebuild one with everything for around 500-600. It's a great learning experience to do it yourself though, I now know most parts on an outboard from a rebuild and can do on the spot fixes.
Before you decide to get a new outboard. Get a compression test to see what your PSI is at to see if you need a rebuid cause your motor may just need a carb tune or rebuild. But if it needs a rebuild... Do it yourself, rebuilding a 2 stroke is really easy/cheap. It runs about 50 bucks a bore per cyclinder and most kits are around 150 bucks, which include pistons, seals, rings, etc. If your not comfortable with doing a rebuild yourself, take it to a motorcycle repair shop, they love 2 strokes and can rebuild one with everything for around 500-600. It's a great learning experience to do it yourself though, I now know most parts on an outboard from a rebuild and can do on the spot fixes.
Thanks for all the feedback - Outboard
I've been thinking about this for a while now and I think I have to go and buy a new OB. Considering this would be one of my most important lifelines during an extended trip. So I'm considering all comments posted here very seriously. Thanks again for the suggestions.
I've been thinking about this for a while now and I think I have to go and buy a new OB. Considering this would be one of my most important lifelines during an extended trip. So I'm considering all comments posted here very seriously. Thanks again for the suggestions.
Try these guys
they looked reasonable when I was shopping,,,I ended up buying a factory refurbed merc. 9.9, for $1200.
they looked reasonable when I was shopping,,,I ended up buying a factory refurbed merc. 9.9, for $1200.
jeepmark - Rebuilding an Outboard
Are there any how-to's out there that describe with pictures what it takes to rebuild one of these 2cycle outboards? I'm good with my hands but I've never worked on engines before. I'm always willing to give it a shot though before shelling out 2300 on a new outboard. Do you know of any schematics or outlines that show how this is done? -Sean
Are there any how-to's out there that describe with pictures what it takes to rebuild one of these 2cycle outboards? I'm good with my hands but I've never worked on engines before. I'm always willing to give it a shot though before shelling out 2300 on a new outboard. Do you know of any schematics or outlines that show how this is done? -Sean
Sean, Smalloutboards.com
also takes trade ins. but you have to deal with shipping. The merc, I bought was a factory reconditioned, with the same warrenty as new. called my local shops and started asking about reconditioned,,,found they varied by as much as $400, between stores. shop around...last year was our first season and the engine performed incredibly...added my own version of the dole fin and it does get you up quicker....since you are in annapoilis, you may even drive over to DE to avoid the sales tax..but with gas prices today, it may be a wash. By the way...we have a 10' RIB fiberglass floor...and with 2 adults,,,the 9.9 planes very well....however add 1 more adult male or a bunch of gear,,,and it will plow.....I wanted the 15hp but the admiral, out voted me. Good luck....
also takes trade ins. but you have to deal with shipping. The merc, I bought was a factory reconditioned, with the same warrenty as new. called my local shops and started asking about reconditioned,,,found they varied by as much as $400, between stores. shop around...last year was our first season and the engine performed incredibly...added my own version of the dole fin and it does get you up quicker....since you are in annapoilis, you may even drive over to DE to avoid the sales tax..but with gas prices today, it may be a wash. By the way...we have a 10' RIB fiberglass floor...and with 2 adults,,,the 9.9 planes very well....however add 1 more adult male or a bunch of gear,,,and it will plow.....I wanted the 15hp but the admiral, out voted me. Good luck....
carb
I still think its just your carb that needs rebuilt. 2 strokes are relatively easy to diagnose, if you have sub-par or uneven compression (9.9 sailmasters have 2 cylinders which is what I have) I would suggest to rebuild the motor. But if the compression is good and your still bogging or having uneven power surges your probably just out of tune. A motor rebuild on your own would cost you about 300 and dont forget about the learning experience which is priceless!
I still think its just your carb that needs rebuilt. 2 strokes are relatively easy to diagnose, if you have sub-par or uneven compression (9.9 sailmasters have 2 cylinders which is what I have) I would suggest to rebuild the motor. But if the compression is good and your still bogging or having uneven power surges your probably just out of tune. A motor rebuild on your own would cost you about 300 and dont forget about the learning experience which is priceless!
Rob - Used/Rebuilt Outboards
How long have you had the outboard? I'm guessing you were satisfied with the engine or else you wouldn't be recommending them... What year is yours? Is there a way of knowing how many hours it had been used prior to being rebuilt? Just trying to see if it's worth spending that much on a rebuilt engine instead of rebuilding my own like the previous post mentioned.. the other thing I'm worried about is hurricane damaged/flooded products being resold that might work today but fall apart tomorrow without anyway of holding the seller accountable..
How long have you had the outboard? I'm guessing you were satisfied with the engine or else you wouldn't be recommending them... What year is yours? Is there a way of knowing how many hours it had been used prior to being rebuilt? Just trying to see if it's worth spending that much on a rebuilt engine instead of rebuilding my own like the previous post mentioned.. the other thing I'm worried about is hurricane damaged/flooded products being resold that might work today but fall apart tomorrow without anyway of holding the seller accountable..
The merc we purchased
was a 2004 brand "new".....its was deamed reconditioned. When I talked with the dealer about what reconditioned means,,he told me,,that when the engine came off the line, there was a defect,,, that defect could be a scratched cowling, or a bad cylinoid....what ever,,, if the engine comes to the final inspector and they dont pass it for what ever reason,,,its sent back to be repaired.,,,then back to the inspector for a final pass....he said,,,ANYTIME,,,a motor doesnt pass the first time,,,it is deamed reconditioned....true its like buying a brand new used engine. But for my budget it was worth it...so far.... I also liked the Johnsons....At the time I was buying the engine,,, there was a huge political scurmish between Mercury and Yamaha,,, the lawsuite was Yamaha was product dumping (selling for less than cost) in US markets. At that time Mercury was the last US outboard manufacturer. Jhonson is made in Canada. But some of the components of the Merc,,,just like alot of things are made overseas. Merc is assembled here....I think since Yamaha and Merc were having their scwables,,,merc was lowering their prices on everything to compete with the Yamaha....remember these are also 2 stroke,,,and there are laws coming out phasing these motors out....4 stokes are beautiful engines but very heavy for a dingy. We also have a 1964 5 1/2 HP Jhonson,,,doesnt run right not reliable,,,have rebuilt it 2 times and was not worth trading in on a new engine... so we wanted an "new" engine......no matter what,, its mechanical, if its 2 stoke you have a gas/ oil mix that will clog stuff up sometime,,,so its all a crap shoot...but in general Merc, Jhonson, Honda, tohatsu, yamaha are all good engines. Good luck.
was a 2004 brand "new".....its was deamed reconditioned. When I talked with the dealer about what reconditioned means,,he told me,,that when the engine came off the line, there was a defect,,, that defect could be a scratched cowling, or a bad cylinoid....what ever,,, if the engine comes to the final inspector and they dont pass it for what ever reason,,,its sent back to be repaired.,,,then back to the inspector for a final pass....he said,,,ANYTIME,,,a motor doesnt pass the first time,,,it is deamed reconditioned....true its like buying a brand new used engine. But for my budget it was worth it...so far.... I also liked the Johnsons....At the time I was buying the engine,,, there was a huge political scurmish between Mercury and Yamaha,,, the lawsuite was Yamaha was product dumping (selling for less than cost) in US markets. At that time Mercury was the last US outboard manufacturer. Jhonson is made in Canada. But some of the components of the Merc,,,just like alot of things are made overseas. Merc is assembled here....I think since Yamaha and Merc were having their scwables,,,merc was lowering their prices on everything to compete with the Yamaha....remember these are also 2 stroke,,,and there are laws coming out phasing these motors out....4 stokes are beautiful engines but very heavy for a dingy. We also have a 1964 5 1/2 HP Jhonson,,,doesnt run right not reliable,,,have rebuilt it 2 times and was not worth trading in on a new engine... so we wanted an "new" engine......no matter what,, its mechanical, if its 2 stoke you have a gas/ oil mix that will clog stuff up sometime,,,so its all a crap shoot...but in general Merc, Jhonson, Honda, tohatsu, yamaha are all good engines. Good luck.
outboards
I'm a mechanical guy so I have no issues with buying a used outboard, you can often pick up a great used one for a third the cost of new, or, if you want one to tinker get a well used one free, bought a truck a while ago and talked the guy into throwing in a 50 horse evinrude instead of dropping another $50 on the price, worked out, sold the motor for what I paid for the truck after changing gaskets and plugs. an older motor is as reliable as a new motor if both are maintained and in good shape, problem is, unless you know how to work on them, you can't realy tell if they are in good shape. Ken
I'm a mechanical guy so I have no issues with buying a used outboard, you can often pick up a great used one for a third the cost of new, or, if you want one to tinker get a well used one free, bought a truck a while ago and talked the guy into throwing in a 50 horse evinrude instead of dropping another $50 on the price, worked out, sold the motor for what I paid for the truck after changing gaskets and plugs. an older motor is as reliable as a new motor if both are maintained and in good shape, problem is, unless you know how to work on them, you can't realy tell if they are in good shape. Ken
Thanks for the link Rob
I'll check it out. Yeah, if I buy it new, it'll have to be a four stroke. I've got a Mac 26 and the quieter the ride the better. But if I can fix up my old Johnson that would let me be able to do more to my boat. And plus learning how to rebuild a carb sounds like a good challenge too.(for someone who hasn't really worked much with engines)
I'll check it out. Yeah, if I buy it new, it'll have to be a four stroke. I've got a Mac 26 and the quieter the ride the better. But if I can fix up my old Johnson that would let me be able to do more to my boat. And plus learning how to rebuild a carb sounds like a good challenge too.(for someone who hasn't really worked much with engines)
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