Help me find a motor...

smokeonthewater · #1 03-17-2015, 12:31 PM

Well guys while I was home last week dealing with family stuff Dad and talked more than we have in many years.... He asked about my V and wanted to know what I planned to do w it... I told him it was one of the best blue water boats for it's size ever built and that I hope to eventually get it rigged up well enough to be able to make trips n do saltwater fishing off the east coast.... He got excited and wanted in so I told him I'd step up my efforts to get a motor on it I can trust offshore and he and I would go hunt down a moby dick of a tuna....

Losing mom made me realize just how little time we may have left and frankly lit a fire under me....

My old merc 115 TOP does run well but I just can't trust our lives to a 1975 engine that was designed for much better gas than we have now and has a fairly complex ignition system that is 40 years old and I'm not real sure how long the lower unit is gonna hold up as it had more water in it than I'm comfortable w when I got it and no idea how long it was in there.

I am just not in a position to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a motor so I need some help.... I know somewhere out there is a deal and maybe one of you guys can spot it for me....

I would settle for a 110 or bigger but a 150-250 would probably be better.

I would LOVE a 4 stroke but I highly doubt I can afford one.

I'm very handy w a wrench but would rather not get into a full rebuild as I really doubt I'd end up saving any money going that route..

I've got an old merc 7.5 short shaft for a kicker.... Not great for big water but runs great so unless I find an amazing deal on a bigger one I'll run it.

bgreene · #2 03-17-2015, 02:05 PM

Finding an honestly good motor can be challenging...........or you can get lucky .

I've purchased a few......found by contacting boat dealers, motor dealers, craigslist etc.

I can tell you that I found ARG Marine in Florida to be a reputable source.
Reputable meaning they answered all questions, follow up was accurate, and motors I purchased were delivered in proper crates, condition , hours all as presented.

They have a web site and contact was Victor....if he's still there.

If you find they have a motor you want , I suggest you make offer rather than take list.

smokeonthewater · #3 03-17-2015, 02:27 PM

Thx... I looked but they don't have anything.... Honestly I probably need to find a private party deal.

phatdaddy · #4 03-17-2015, 06:50 PM

in your situation,being inland(at least i think you are), i'd look for merc opti that's been fresh water used. lots of them being switched out for 4 stroke and the optis get as good, if not better fuel mileage. they are more expensive to run with special oil and compressor issues, but spare of ferm can probably give you some insight on the better years.

i sold the rebuilt 200 and the blown 150 and all my 2 stroke parts for $1100. i looked hard at the opti, but like the simplicity of the merc 4s.

i know you travel a good bit, keep an eye on the atlanta craigs list, lotta boats on lake lanier.\

i've also found you can sometimes get a better deal on a boat motor and trailer than just a motor alone.

good luck, i'll keep my eye out

THEFERMANATOR · #5 03-17-2015, 08:43 PM

If you need a 20" shaft engine, watch screamandfly.com. Theres always good freshwater 20" shaft engines going up for sale over there. If you're on a budget, I would go with a 2.0L carbed 150 MERC. OPTI's are nice for fuel economy, but when a compressor goes, it's a $100 bill last I checked. My 2nd choice would be one of the 2.6L 150 YAMAHA's. It's a TOUGH engine with a PROVEn track record. Also decent on fuel with fair power. Theres alot of good engines out there, but finding one that isn't going to drink you out of house and home buying on a budget will be a challenge.

Monkey Butler · #6 03-18-2015, 09:17 AM

I have a 1986 V-6 Special that needs to be put together. Powerhead is in one piece. Located in Mass. Any interest?

smokeonthewater · #7 03-18-2015, 11:14 AM

Possibly, 20" shaft? Why is it apart?

Monkey Butler · #8 03-18-2015, 02:26 PM

25" shaft. It's the one on the boat in my sig. I found a newer 1991 that I now use.

I was going to replace the shift rod which turned out to be in good shape. Have most new gaskets, and a new exhaust adapter and tuner. Needs a tilt tube and it should have the lower resealed.

I'm thinking around $500

I'm also selling my Wellcraft 250 with a 1991 225hp and tandem trailer with brakes. I was going to wait til the weather warmed up to do clean it up and list it for more but pre-season to V20'ers is $3500

bgreene · #9 03-18-2015, 06:42 PM

Get on the phone and call all the dealers closest to you branching outward ....

Hello - do you have any good used outboard motors for sale ?

Do that 100 times and chances are you'll find it.

smokeonthewater · #10 03-18-2015, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkey Butler

25" shaft. It's the one on the boat in my sig. I found a newer 1991 that I now use.

I was going to replace the shift rod which turned out to be in good shape. Have most new gaskets, and a new exhaust adapter and tuner. Needs a tilt tube and it should have the lower resealed.

I'm thinking around $500

Sounds like that might be a decent option.... Have you compression tested it? or can you?

Newer would be nice but if it's in good shape I could throw it together and man that ought to make a V20 scream.

I wonder if I can find a 20" mid section.... Might be able to use a jack plate... will have to look at the steering cable routing