Outboard motor life

[Diesel Boy]

I am looking into buying a bass boat. Found a 17 foot 87 Ranger with 150 Johnson. Boat is like new. Question is what is the life of a two cycle outboard that appears to be very well maintained. Person is asking $6,800. Is price reasonable? Any advice or help greatly appreciated.

 

[RedRam1]

Diesel Boy,



If it's been well maintained, it should be fine. I've got an '87 Pro V 150 Yamaha on a Skeeter that I bought new. Until my first daughter was born 6 years ago, I used to fish at least 3 out of every four weekends. Also fished a pot tournament every Wednesday from March thru November. Now that I've got two kids, I don't fish as much, but still get out quite a bit. There is no telling how many hours my motor has on it, and it still runs good as new.



Down here in Georgia, an '87 Ranger (363V/364V?)would have to be in absolutely mint condition to bing $6800... probably would though. It's hard to find a "like new" boat of that vintage, so it is a little difficult to say what it would bring.



I have fished out of nearly every brand of boat over the years. I'm sure I will rile up the OMC fans out there, but I never liked OMC V6's. They seem to be fairly reliable, but IMHO they are the coarsest/roughest running of all the major brands (Merc, OMC, Yamaha). Also, they burn literally twice the fuel of a comparable Merc or Yamaha. My buddy used to have the identical boat to mine except he had an XP 150. His boat was outfitted very similar to mine, we ran the same pitch prop (25"). My boat would run just a tick faster, and, no exaggeration, burned half the fuel that his used. I would also be wary of an OMC since they have filed chapter 11. They were bought out by Bombardier, so getting parts/service shouldn't be a problem... still would make me a little nervous.

Good luck finding a boat, don't blame you for looking at used, it's hard to believe what the new ones go for these days!

 

[Alaskaskiff]

If you are worried about the motor do a compression check. Should be near 100 +-15 and the cylinders should be within 10 percent. As long as the compression is good, go for it.



Price sounds high to me, but I am not a Ranger expert



Run the boat in the water before you buy!



Check this site out http://www.iboats.com/forums/boat_engines/

 

[Skydiver]

I agree compression test is a must. Also the test only takes 10 minutes to do.

Look for stress cracks around the transom. Check the hull good.



Replacing carpet is in a bass boat takes many hours.

Price is high for our neck of the woods.

Tim

 

[DiTrani]

Like was said, if well maintained they can last (especially if used in fresh water), but they very often aren't. If the rest of the boat looks good that should be a good indicator of owner care. I still see lots of 20-30 year old outboards running strong. And they can be rebuilt with relative ease.

 

[RedRam1]

I agree with Skydiver regarding the transom. I had to get a new transom put in my '86 Skeeter a couple of months ago. Cost me $1900, the guy did a h@ll of a good job though, replaced the carpet too. Hated to spend that much $$$ on a 16 year old boat, but I had no choice other than sell for maybe $2K (value of motor and saleable accessories), or cough up the dough. I guess my boat would be worth around 5K now.

 

[gitchesum]

I've got a 84 Johnson V-4 that still fires up on the first bump of the key. Amazes me how these thing just keep on running.



For that kind of money, the boat should be in excellent shape and run like new. I'm guessing it hasn't seen any saltwater.



I would definately take it on a test run. I know that should be obvious but you would be suprised at how many people buy a boat after just hearing it run in the driveway. Some things can't be seen until it's in the water.



Good Luck with it either way.

And just remeber, the two happiest days of a boat owner's life is the day they bought the boat and the day they sold it.

 

[Skydiver]

Here at the lake(500 acres) Where I work Mr. Bill (our most regular fisherman) runs a 1979 Merc. 115 hp on his bass boat. Claims he has never replaced a water pump. He fishes 5 out of 7 days. Yesterday he came out with a 102 degree fever. Man had the flu and still went fishing.

Funnyest thing I have ever seen in my 23 years at this lake. Had 2-men put in a boat that they had just bought. I noticed it was getting very low(sinking)in the water. I made the 150 yard walk down to the ramp. They Knew it was sinking. I asked"Don't y'all have a bilge pump"?They reply "yassah but I's don't want to run's down my bat-tree".

Needless to say they forgot to put the plug in.

Tim

 

[The patriot]

I had an 84 Evenrude 140 on a Grady White.

When I bought it, it had been sitting for probibally 3 years.

I put all new gaskets in the carb and intake system, and it ran beautifully.

That thing really flew. The true definition of "sleeper". I miss it.

My Dad has a 9. 9 Johnson that's from the 60's. Runs good, and I dont think anything has been done to it either.

I bought it for him about 15 years ago for $175. 00.

Eric