How To Buy Used Outboard Motors

There are important questions that need to be asked when you are considering the purchase of used outboard motors and used outboards. The pertinent questions you will need to be asking are firstly, the main purpose of the outboard. Secondly, you would want to know the approximate number of hours you will be using it for on a yearly basis. The other important question would be the amount you should be spending to acquire the used outboard and lastly, how much will you need to set aside to maintain it.

Manufacturers of outboard motors usually do not create the very same outboard. Several outboard operate via diverse applications. An example of this would be say you need to do a significant amount of trolling, then a 4-stroke outboard would be the best option in this case. When you have to do a significant amount of trolling, the 2 stroke outboards tend to smoke and that usually affects the spark plugs. Additionally, if you are using the outboard motor extended hours at a time, then it makes sense for you to purchase either a direct injected 2 stroke such like a Yamaha HPDI, the Mercury Optimax or the Evinrude Etec; or invest in a 4 stroke outboard motor.

Cost of Used Outboard Motors

The cost of used outboard motors is, as mentioned before, of great importance. This is so due to the fact that when you purchase an outboard used, and it is more than five years old, you will have the added expense of purchasing the powerhead gaskets immediately or at least in a few years.

The powerhead gaskets that come on used outboard motors will typically run you anywhere from one thousand to fifteen hundred dollars. If this was not in your finances, then this could set back your plans for boating for an entire season.

Another important thing to consider when purchasing used outboard motors is if it is carburetor or fuel injected. This is very prudent information, as the ones that are fuel injected cost hundreds extra to overhaul. Even if your hours are not too high; say around thirty hours for the year, then even if you have a two stroke, it will still end up costing you more if it is fuel injected. It in fact will be wiser if you operated on more hours; up to eighty and over, as the more fuel efficient your used outboard, the more you will be able to save over the long term.

Used Outboard Motors- Buyer Beware

Typically, used outboard motors are being sold for a specific reason. Finding out why it is being sold is crucial as there may be a serious problem with it and it would not make a lot of sense to purchase a used outboard and be able to use it. As such, the onus is on the person who wants to buy any used outboard motors, to have them inspected before buying them.

Buying used outboards through eBay is relatively safe as every seller has a rating and reputation online that they probably don't want ruined by misrepresenting an item for sale. Check the seller's rating and comments from previous buyers to help smooth your search for and purchase of used outboard motors.