Outboards For Sale Craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth buying a used outboard motor? ›

When done right, a used outboard motor purchase can save you a lot of money. However, the challenging part is finding a good model and properly testing it.

Because they have fewer parts, 2-stroke motors are generally smaller and lighter than 4-stroke motors. Lighter weight also allows 2-stroke engines to run faster. As a result, when making a 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke outboard power comparison, 2-stroke motors usually win out.

What are the Ideal Hours for an Outboard Motor? Most experts say you can expect to get 1,500 hours out of a gas boat engine before it needs to be rebuilt. This means you can drive at cruising speed every day, and still only use up one year/'s worth of driving time in ten years.

Well-maintained inboard engines, inboard outboard engines (unless diesel), and outboards have a serviceable average life of about 1500-2000 hours. If you're looking at a gas-fueled marine engine close to or exceeding 1000 hours, inboard or outboard, proceed with caution. It may be a deal, or it may be a money pit.

Because there are more steps, moving parts and pieces in order to complete a single combustion cycle, 4 stroke outboards are arguably more complicated than 2 stroke outboards. Thus, they tend to be heavier and more costly to fix. However, 4 stroke outboard functionality is known to be more reliable overall.

Two-Stroke Outboard Motors:

Since two-stroke engines do not include valves, their construction is simpler and many mechanics argue that they are easier to work on. Additionally, two-stroke engines offer double the power for their size due to the fact that there are twice as many strokes for each revolution.

The thumb rule is to have one horsepower for 25-40 pounds of weight. That means if your vessel weighs around 800 pounds, you need a minimum of 30 HP – 40 HP outboard strength. Depending on the exact use and weight, a 5,000-pound boat might need an outboard between 125 HP to 200 HP.

A carbureted two-stroke engine can emit up to 25-30 percent of its fuel unburned into the water or atmosphere, which is why high-emission engines are prohibited on some lakes.

As long as it's well maintained before going into storage, a boat can sit for a few months, a few years or even a few decades. Neglecting to prep it for storage, though, will necessitate massive repairs or even a total rebuild.

What year are the bad Yamaha outboards? ›

The first-generation Yamaha F-Series models, manufactured between 2000-2005, are notorious for severe and unusually fast dry exhaust corrosion problems. The F225 models, in particular, experienced this issue after only 500-700 hours of use.

The outboard engine is too old, parts are likely scarce, and the technology is dated. If it's an '80s engine with some or all the features previously mentioned, and a new engine is out of the question, rebuilding can be a good option that will add years to your old outboard's life.

Replacing your old engine with a new one is a phenomenal way to maximize your boat's overall performance. Generally, repowering a boat improves the power-to-weight ratio (making your boat easier to handle), maximizes speed and power, and offers a more enjoyable boating experience overall.

Outboard motors, similar to wooden boats, are valued by the simple laws of supply and demand. Yet, some fairly common models like Mercury kg-7 “Super 10” and Johnson 5 hp green TD models are fairly pricey in restored condition. Some rare, often low horse power, brands like Flambeau or Elgin are easy to bargain for.