Outboard engines?

Question

I live in Big Bear Lake Ca. and I have a nice little boat but no engine. I am a college student so that probably expalins my financial status for now but would really like to get out on the lake on my boat this summer... Anyone have any tips on finding an inexpensive outboard? some repairs ok....The boat should have from 60 to 100 horse.....Thanx

Answer 1

get a 90 hp yamaha 4 stroke engine they typically run like an 18 foot jones brothers flat bottom skiff about 35mph but the new engine might cost like more than ur price range

Answer 2

what ever you decide to purchase, before the money is put down, make the seller prove that he/you can start that motor by rope pulling, manually, with out busting a gut or getting hurt.  if you can`t start it that way,  walk away.  in the event that you are out in the water and theres no power, you will need to get back to the dock/ shore safely, no excuses, and in the event of fast moving weather, its a bad time to findout that the motor dont or  wont work.  brand lables these days almost always end up at your local merc dealer any way  just for your info, anything above 70hp manual start is like wrestling a bear, immpossible to roll over in a hurry

Answer 3

I don't know if there is such a thing as an inexpensive outboard now days.  In our area we have a radio program that has callers that sell or look to buy.  Check around or maybe you do.  If not allot more expensive I would buy from a dealer. They will probably back up the motor with at least some warranty.  If you buy one that needs repairs, be careful.  Check out the cost of the repairs first.  Nothing to do with an outboard is cheap.  Good luck.

Answer 4

Inexpensive and outboard are not too commonly associated terms. Still let me try to help you out. You have a few things working against you. First, its heading twords the boating weather, so more people are going to be looking, second, being in CA you have to watch out. If the outboard has been used in a marine environment, and has not been carefully flushed or maintained, you can have a big problem. Not with fixing, but with trying to get the parts off.  Third, once you hit that HP range, things tend to jump in price.

So my advise would be, first check out the local marinas, some people will be trading up or newer, and alot of times dealers will let an engine go for a good price. Figure this much, its taking up valuble floor space. Second, try craigslist. Sometimes there are great deals to be had. Finally, what I know many people have done, is bought a boat with motor already mounted for less then just the motor, and do a swap. Then sell the motorless boat to someone who needs it. Dont worry about the controls, most of the time they will come with them. Figure this, if someone just bought a new boat, and needs to clear the old one out, that is a perfect opportunity to get a good deal. Just check the ads everyday for an opportunity and have the cash on hand.