QA

Question: What To Look For When Buying A Used Inboard/Outboard Boat

What is considered high hours on a boat?

There are a few things to consider when looking at boat hours. Unless you are looking at a really high hour boat (2,000+ hours) there are typically very few drawbacks to the number of hours a boat has. In fact, a boat with normal hours (50-75 per year) will often time run better than a boat with low hours.

How do I know if my boat motor is good?

Give the outboard motor a thorough visual inspection. Check out the cowl to make sure it’s undamaged and in good condition. If the cowl looks brand new, make sure to ask why. Inspect the propeller for damage and for debris around the shaft.

How old should a used boat be?

Our experience indicates that boats in the 2-4 year old range usually offer the best prospects. Of course, boats that are only one year old are hard to find since not many people sell at that age.

How many hours does an inboard engine last?

An inboard engine can run for an average of between 1500 to 2000 hours depending on the type. As with outboard engines, maintenance is crucial to prolonging the usefulness of an inboard motor. Ventilation is crucial for an inboard motor and should be continuously checked; otherwise overheating could cause a fire.

Why should a boats gas tank never be completely filled?

It’s important to never fill the tank of your boat beyond 90% full. This leaves room for gas to expand and avoids the potential for overflow. Ensure that all air vents and valves to the gas tank are open.

What is the lifespan of an outboard motor?

A typical estimate from the industry is that an outboards motor last around 1,500 hours of operation. Assuming the average owner uses their boat 200 hours a year, this would mean that the motor would last between seven and eight years.

What should I look for in a boat survey?

The surveyors will inspect the hull to check for soundness and water intrusion, running gear, electronics, electrical system, plumbing, heat and air conditioning and all other items of the boat. They will do a cursory review of the engine and mechanical systems.

Should I buy a used outboard?

Benefits of Used Boat Motors The biggest reason to buy a used boat motor is budget. Used boat motors can often be found for a fraction of the cost of a new boat motor. If you are looking for a replacement motor that does not break the bank, it is worthwhile to buy a used boat engine.

Why are outboard motors so expensive?

The boat engine (outboard) is expensive because they need to withstand the marine environment well, so all the parts used in making one are expensive stuff. And they don’t sell numerous motors all the time, so to stay in business, they need to make a profit, so the price of an outboard (boat motor) is high.

How do you test an old outboard motor?

Step 1: You can test an outboard motor without access to a boat or ocean. Simply mount it to a sturdy platform, place a big bucket underneath it and fill it with water so the propeller is fully submerged. Step 2: Clean out the gas can of old gas and oil mixture because it may be water contaminated.

How do I find the value of my outboard motor?

Determining the value of your outboard motor is a relatively simple task and should only take a few minutes, depending on the method you choose. Log onto the NADA Guide’s website at NADAGuides.com. Go to eBay.com, and type in your outboard’s make, model and year of manufacture into the search box.

Can you test a boat motor out of water?

You would be causing damage to the engine if you ran it without water, and hence, attaching a hose to the water intakes is very important. Run the water before you start the engine, and then run the engine for five to ten minutes, based on what the engine’s manufacturer recommends (that’s in the user manual).

Who makes the most reliable outboard motors?

So before you make any moves, be sure to check out these best-of-the-best outboard engines. Yamaha V-Max SHO 115 – Best Mid-Size Outboard For Acceleration. Yamaha F250 – Most Reliable Outboard. Suzuki DF350A – Most Efficient Design. Mercury Racing 450r – Best High-Performance Racing Outboard.

Does the age of a boat matter?

No matter what your age, there is nothing like being out on the water in a boat, no matter how small or old it is. Armed with your boating course, common sense, and a modicum of prudence you can venture out on the water with your new boat a little at a time.

How many hours is a lot for a boat engine?

Most experts agree that a gas boat engine with over 1,500 hours is a lot. A boat engine goes through a lot. Most people use their boats infrequently throughout the year. The engine may have a lot of years on it, but not too many hours – this can be a great deal if you can find one!Jun 10, 2020.