Thoughts on this motor??

[MuskieWannabe]

Hey there everyone,

I'm looking at a boat/motor combo, both are from '97. The boat is located about 7 hours from here so I'm trying to figure out of the boat is worth the trip. The boat itself seems fine but my main concern is the motor. The prop looks a little beaten, as it is missing some paint on it. I'm just not too sure if I have confidence that the motor will last the 5 years I want out of it. I know the boat will, I am just wanting the motor too as well. Any thoughts coming when you see a motor like this and the markings on the prop? If I decide that it will probably last me the 5 years I want from it, I will make the trip and will indeed take it for a test run...I know that's the best way.

Also, any thoughts on what kind of warranties dealers generally give with used boats?

Cheers,

MuskieWannabe

[SlowPoke]

Don't worry about the paint on the prop, small nicks aren't a big deal either. Bends and chunks are something to be concerned about. From the pictures, the prop looks fine. The picture from the rear was a little alarming at first on the top blade but I think it's just the trim tab in the way. The side picture seems to show that it's all there.
Life expectancy? They're good motors. If the boat looks well looked after, chances are that the motor was as well. Properly maintained, those motors will last 20+ years trouble free.
It must be a heck of a deal if you're willing to travel 7 hours to get it!
-Brian

[Scumking]

Hey Brian, the prop should'nt be problem as it always can be changed.Some of us ding them sometimes,if you recall you were with me the first time I did it. The question you might ask yourself is when looking at the Skag does it have the same marks.It appears that the owner hit that as well.

Before you go check out is the boat was stored inside and if the foot oil was changed each year? Also check if it was properly winterized flogging the cylinders etc.

Also make sure the trailer is what you want and it's the right size.It looks small in the pic but i really can't tell.Just an observation but the first pic shows the V heading in halfway up the boat.Look at the shrink wrapped boat to the right and you'll notice the frame covers the whole boat.

Brian,I was really excited buying my first boat and did it thru a dealer never even taking it for a run and buying it over the internet 300 miles a way. .I got lucky and got what I think is a decent boat .just some advice should you choose to take it.

Ron

[furious]

I'd double check the age on that motor, it looks more like an 87 to me. I looked at a 40 horse a couple of weeks ago and it was an 87 and it looked just like that one. There should be a metal plate on the engine somewhere with the year on it.

[swampbuster]

Hi Brian

Well its a Lund / Rude so thats a good start ! I would check the plywood floor especially around the edges, poke it with a screwdriver and see if it is soft, replacing those floors is expensive and difficult.Also the way the paint is worn off the prop to me looks like it has been run in sand or mud a lot , I would ask the owner as the intake gets plugged and he may have had overheating issues.I would ask if the oil pump has been disconnected as these engines sometime had issues with the pump failing, a lot of guys unhook it and mix the gas themselves, it is a pain but safer.The weight of that boat is about 600lbs and the motor about 200lbs so allowing for extra gear livewell full of fish and water I would say you should have a min of a 1000 lb rating on the trailer.Its galvanized so thats a bonus.Also check the gear oil if it is milky it may need an expensive o-ring replacement.If you take the serial no. to and evinrude dealer you can get the year it was made. I know fishing guides who ran these motors hard for years and thay are tough and make great power . I would check the boat for leaking if possible or damage to any rivets. The waterline makes me think it was kept in the water not on a trailer when not in use.I think you have an great boat motor combo and if the price is good maybe if you needed to sink a little into repairs it would still be a great deal.

PS Don't forget you promised to take Musky fishing in the Ottawa this year (Neptune Guy) We can use my Lund or yours

Hope this helps Russ

[Wallyboss]

The comment about the oil pump is right, my Father in law had his go on the same motor as that and he got a fuel filter installed and then had to use mixed gas, but one thing is that since that change he hasn't had another problem with his idling and it used to bog down every once in a while. If he would've known that he would pulled the pump the first year.

[mikemicropterus]

Get a compression check FIRST if it is even or within 10% of each other and higher than 110psi -------

Ask to drain the gear oil and pressure/vacuum check the gearcase. If there was any water in it this ios when it will show up. If the dealer hesitates about the gear oil WALK AWAY-- -------

Check the prop hub for damage. Look to see if it has spun.


Check the bottom of the boat for rockers, dents and loose rivets. Check the floor for rot especially around the seat bases. Make sure all the instruments work as well as the lights and livewells and bilge pump.

Jack the trailer up and spin the wheels and listen to the bearings for and grinding or growling. Check tires for cracks and tread life and overheating. You don't want to loose a tire or wheel bearing on your way home if you decide to buy it.


As far as the fuel/oil pump goes there is a very audible warning system and I have NEVER seen one of these pumps cause a problem without letting the customer know about it, FIRST. Sonmetimes they ignore the horn and thus the dreaded major catastrophy. I would recommend having it changed dependent on the hours it has run and that is the same with any fuel pump. They all have a life expectancy.

If the owner is a bit anal he will have the service bills for the boat. If it hasn't been properly winterized each year I would be somewhat suspect and insist the dealer provide you with a 60 day warranty.



If they dealer balks at any of these suggestions or checks


WALK AWAY

PM me if you need more info

[jiggy2006]

i suggest you bring it to the nearest marine shop (so before going wherever you going, find out from google or phone book the nearest marine shop and give them a call fist), pay them a small fee $50 at most.. to have them look a the motor. they will check the oil int he lower unit, if there is water or not, if there is it would need seals, they would check also check compression and shifting & also run it as well.

overall from the picture everything looks good.. those engines are very nice, if maintained well will run forever. mark on the prop.. its normal we eventually get those one time or another. i dont think as mentioned that motor does not look 90's.. it could be from 80s. marine shop can verify from the serial number.

good luck.

[Lunker Larry]

Found this on the internet to figure out the year, etc.

What is the model and serial numbers?
Example; E35ELENS Mod. no.
The E says its an Evirude
35 says it's a 35 H.P.
the next E says its an electric start
the L says its a long shaft
the next two letters tell the year
I N T R O D U C E S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
so EN says it's a 1992
The last letter is an OEM designation that usually don't have to worry about

[MuskieWannabe]

Thanks for all the info everyone! It's great getting some other opinions as I've never bought a boat before. My only problem now is finding time to go check it out. I'm super busy at work and with getting set to move into my new house. NO worries though, I'll have a boat found and in the water for when muskie season opens up. I love the style of this boat here, so I'll keep you all posted with the happenings.

Cheers,

MW

[JimmyBuffett]

I like the red Bri don't worry about the prop if it runs well... My buds dad out here does props, just found out Getting mine done as well! Go get er bud

Rich