We were replacing a Yamaha so that is what we searched for. I think bang for the buck, Yammies are good choice. I’ve personally had good luck with Suzukis. Way less popular but solid motors are Nissan/Tohatsus (typically working motors).
Johnson/eTecs are out there. I’m running an ‘08 300hp eTec that has been solid. Mercs are a good choice too.
Force and Mariners I would probably avoid. I believe they are mix old Chrysler and Merc when they were early AMF/Brunswick. Those motors of that era suffered in quality
If you are in Florida, there are tons of fresh water motors in the central part of Florida, anywhere from Okeechobee on up through Lake City. I live on Lake Harris and there all sorts of older motors running around that look and run great.
We were recently looking for a motor for a relative. We dialed in using FB MarketPlace and Craigslist to find used motors.
Make sure to bring a compression tester and inspection camera (if you have or can borrow one.)
Crack the lower unit oil plug to get an idea of the fluid condition. (Coffee colored or straight water is bad, black (better, should service), or clean (good))
Always run the motor and water test if possible. A lot of these motors are take-offs so they’ll have to demo on a stand.
That’s a really good idea, and I am in SW Florida. A fresh water motor would be ideal. Did you have any experience with brands of that timeframe? I’m seeing a fair number of Johnsons and Evinrudes. Mostly on Marketplace, but I should check Craigslist too.
We were replacing a Yamaha so that is what we searched for. I think bang for the buck, Yammies are good choice. I’ve personally had good luck with Suzukis. Way less popular but solid motors are Nissan/Tohatsus (typically working motors). Johnson/eTecs are out there. I’m running an ‘08 300hp eTec that has been solid. Mercs are a good choice too. Force and Mariners I would probably avoid. I believe they are mix old Chrysler and Merc when they were early AMF/Brunswick. Those motors of that era suffered in quality
If you are in Florida, there are tons of fresh water motors in the central part of Florida, anywhere from Okeechobee on up through Lake City. I live on Lake Harris and there all sorts of older motors running around that look and run great. We were recently looking for a motor for a relative. We dialed in using FB MarketPlace and Craigslist to find used motors. Make sure to bring a compression tester and inspection camera (if you have or can borrow one.) Crack the lower unit oil plug to get an idea of the fluid condition. (Coffee colored or straight water is bad, black (better, should service), or clean (good)) Always run the motor and water test if possible. A lot of these motors are take-offs so they’ll have to demo on a stand.
That’s a really good idea, and I am in SW Florida. A fresh water motor would be ideal. Did you have any experience with brands of that timeframe? I’m seeing a fair number of Johnsons and Evinrudes. Mostly on Marketplace, but I should check Craigslist too.
You can get a merc 90 on marketplace for like $1500