Eight Tips For Buying A Used Outboard Motor

As outboard motor prices continue to skyrocket buying a used motor can save a person a lot of money. There's good used outboards out there and there's not so good outboards out there. The not so good used outboards could cost you the same price as a new motor once the repairs are made after purchasing. Below are tips to help you get the most for your money.

1) A missing model number/serial number nameplate on a outboard motor is a very good indicator that the outboard has been stolen. A boat dealer will never remove this nameplate. Buyer Beware!

2) Inspect the prop shaft to make sure it isn't bent. This can easily happen on a motor that has either a stainless steel or aluminum prop. To check for a bent prop shaft spin the propeller with your hand and look at the end of the propeller hub. There should be absolutely no wobble. Even on a smaller motor this will be a $300 or more repair.

3) Remove the bottom screw on the lower unit and make sure NO water or milky grease comes out. If water or milky grease is present is means there is a seal leaking or a crack in the lower unit. In either case the repairs can be very expensive.

4) If buying from a dealer ask for the results of the compression or leakage test on each cylinder. Unless you have the equipment this really isn't feasible when buying from a private individual. If you can't do this test make sure the motor runs flawlessly!

5) Make sure you can at least hear the motor idle. This has to be done in the water or with muffs attached to a running garden hose. If the motor idles rough the carburetors need cleaning or there is an ignition problem. In either case these repairs will add up in a hurry. I highly recommending taking the motor out on the water and running it at both idle and wide open throttle.

6) Check that you can easily shift from neutral to forward and neutral to reverse with the motor running. Once again lower unit repairs can be very expensive.

7) When running the motor make sure it "pees" strong indicating a good water pump. If not there could already be serious engine damage. Note that on some motors such as a Mercury 25hp it will not pee until the thermostat opens.

8) Before you leave make sure you get a receipt or bill of sale. Even if purchasing from a private individual do not leave without one of these documents. This can be just a simple hand written document with the seller and buyer's signatures. The date of purchase should also be include.

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