Older Outboard Motors

[Madcrawdad]

As I mentioned in my earlier thread, I'm currently looking to buy a small row/fishing boat to use with my kids.

In looking through the ads on craigslist, I'm finding that many people are selling older outboards (1970s and older), either separately or included with a boat. Many of the ads claim that the motors are still in fine working order.

Anyone have experience finding parts to keep these older motors running? Are they still readily available, or if something goes wrong will I be stuck combing the Internet trying to find hard-to-get out-of-production parts and then paying big bucks for them?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Rallysman]

Older motors are tanks. I laughed many times this fishing season when my co workers with modern boats spent more to fix their new engines than what my entire rig cost me ('71 caravelle with a '77 merc 850).

This is the best site I've found for information and parts. http://www.dougrussell.com/ You can get the parts numbers here and search for better deals, but they're usually spot on.

 

[Rollinondubz200]

the best site for boat info is www.iboats.com . i have a 81 johnson seahorse 115.. runs super strong, but its sure not to good on fuel

 

[CONDUCT]

My 1976 Evinrude 85HP Outboard runs like a champ and parts are all over and cheap.

 

[Madcrawdad]

Thanks. Now I won't be as hesitant to buy an older model...

 

[excuzzzeme]

I don't recommendther purchase of an older motor for the sporting enthusiast. Reason being that parts cost, availability, and general upkeep willl cost more than it is worth. The total cost of ownership willl exceed the the leisure returned.

It comes down to the individual and the skills rather than motor itself. If you aren't particular about asthetics and certain other qualifiyers, going with used may be perfefectcly fine.