Need opinions on motor
 

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/885551236.html

This is on my local craigslist.
I've made him a trade offer on it. My 1989 Maxum Bowrider w/ 93' Merc 150 for this motor w/ controls.

I'd like to get yall's opinion on this motor. I believe its one I've seen listed as a (higher than average) gas hog on here. Is it a Looper? Let me know what you think.

it is a looper, and about being a gos hog how often do you use your boat?

I would say on average I will be using it 2-3 times per month with an absolute max of 4-5 times a month. I'd be wanting to fish mostly the intracoastal waterways/rivers and some offshore stuff (near shore).

i see. thats not a really a whole lot of fuel burn there. for example lets say you burn 20 gals a trip with the e-rude 5 times a month thats a 100gals. if another engine is 10% more efficient then you would have burned only 10 gallons less that month. that is $30 dollars but if this engine is substantually cheaper to buy then you would come out ahead. they are pretty good engines and the gear cases for e-rudes are about the less expensive ones on the market.

Good engine, but they are semi thirsty. The older 235's were the MAJOR gas hogs. Real world numbers would be about 3-4 GPH at idle, and 14-16 GPH at a 4000 RPM cruise for the 93+ carb 200 looper. They are one of the most reliable engines in it's size range though.

see if the guy will let you crank it on the stand & check compression, also check voltage output on the battery(battery should have 1.5/2.0 volts more with engine running )

if you can wait till after thanksgiving, the way prices are going, you can probaly get a ten year old boat motor & trailer for $2500.

They turned down my trade offer so Its a no-go. No worries I'll just continue marching on w/ the 150 Merc.

I emailed the Nida-core guy today to find out when he's coming up my way. I just about got the money to start the transom repair. Pics to follow when I start tearing into it.