When you are looking to purchase a used boat, one of the most important components that you should look into is the engine. Its condition will determine your level of comfort while out on the water and can ultimately reduce how much risk there is for damage or injury.
Most people purchasing their first used boat don’t realize this until it’s too late, but many different things should be considered when buying an old motor. Here are some suggestions on what to look for when shopping around for used outboard motors.
The whole process starts by knowing what you need in your Used Outboard Motors before going shopping. For example, if you plan on taking up offshore fishing, a lower horsepower engine with lots of torque might work best. On the other hand, if you are going to be staying in a more shallow environment, a larger horsepower engine might be your best bet.
If you don’t know what the actual horsepower is, look for other signs, such as the overall weight of the motor. The heavier it is, the more power it has and will produce for higher speeds when operating at its max level.
One of the most important things to look out for when purchasing used outboard motors is damage or scratches on different parts of the unit. You shouldn’t see too many deep gouges or dings in metal components like manifolds and propellers because these can become broken and leave holes where water can enter into. Also, always ask if there have been any overheating issues that could lead to warped or cracked parts.
It is common for people to customize their outboard motors, especially older ones with less complicated features. If you are buying one that has had additional pieces or components added on, make sure that they were done properly and easily put back if needed. This will help ensure that the motor lasts as long as it should after you purchase it.
The most important thing about used outboard motors is proper maintenance before and after every use. For example, if your engine gets damaged after an accident or collision with something underwater, make sure the propeller wasn’t bent before getting fixed. This could cause issues when running the unit again. Ensure that all of the oil levels are topped up so that there aren’t any leaks from the main engine block.
The final thing to consider with used outboard motors is how long they have been in use. It is recommended that you try and purchase a model with less than 80 hours of usage if possible, preferably under 50 or so. This will help ensure that there haven’t been any issues with the internal components and parts beforehand.