Motor Hours - Used Boats?

[zeth]

So I am actually in a place to start considering getting a boat and moving from non-boater to boater. That is if all goes according to plan and we all know how that usually goes. Got to stay positive though.

I am looking to get something in the 30-35,000 range.

I am not sure what the max amount of hours I should consider?

I saw a Ranger with 325 and a Legend with 90. Same price. Big difference.

 

Thanks for any info. New territory for me.

[Fishing Rhino]

Hours are not a reliable indicator of engine use.  Most hour meters, such as a Hobbs, are clocks.  When you turn the ignition to the on position, the hour meter starts running.  The hour meter gives you no idea of whether the time it shows has been mostly idling around, or running wide open.

 

Other hour meters actually measure rpms.  Those have a cable driven hour meter that is exactly like a cable driven  speedometer.  The faster the engine turns, the faster the "hours" accumulate.  The the tach part of it shows rpms in the same way a speedometer shows speed. 

 

The "hours" are shown on the same mechanism as miles are shown on an odometer.  An engine turning four times as fast as another will show four times the "hours", even though both have been running the same amount of time.

 

I'd worry more about the maintenance an outboard has received than the "hours" it has been run.

 

Don't ignore the "hours", but do not put too much stock in them either.  Hours are not necessarily a reliable indicator.

 

Have it checked by a competent tech.  A compression test should be a part of his exam.

[zeth]

Sounds good

Thanks

[SoFlaBassAddict]

The original outboard on my saltwater boat had roughly 2000 hours on it before the powerhead let go. Water pump failure caused the powerhead to fry. Had it completely rebuilt and its at around 1800 hours now and runs flawlessly.

Like Rhino said, hours are not the end all be all determination of a motors health. Solid maintenance record and having a good mechanic check it out are better indicators of how it'll run.

[Junebugman]

Don't forget a leakdown test too I had a 70 horse johnson mechanic did leakdown test on it it failed.5 years later after I sold it the buyer was still running it!

[Way2slow]

Actually, I many of the motors in recent years breaks the hours down into the different rpm ranges the motor was operated at. It's very common to see half the hours were at below 2000 rpm. You just have to have the dearer pull them off for you with their computer.

I would do my homework on the actual motors. Some models have much better reviews than others from the same manufacture. One manufacture may for the same size and style motor than another with similar motor. Don't get hung up on it having to be a particular make. Look for the one with thee most remaining factory warrenty, and has the best reviews for the size.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Actually, I many of the motors in recent years breaks the hours down into the different rpm ranges the motor was operated at. It's very common to see half the hours were at below 2000 rpm. You just have to have the dearer pull them off for you with their computer.

Ain't modern technology great.

[sean55337]

If you don't mind traveling, get one from the Northern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin where boats are only used 4-6 months a year at most due to winters. Therefore a 8 years old boat only saw maybe 4 full seasons. Yet it valued at 8 years old instead of 4.