Outboard motor boating
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Central, MA
Outboard motor boating
I’ve decided to start looking at getting a used 14-foot standard open fishing boat.
I did a search on this earlier and it appears that many of the message board regulars are also into boating.
I’ll be fishing the smaller ponds and lakes with occasion trips to the larger lakes near me.
I have to be practical. I have about a $2k budget for a good used combination of boat, motor and trailer. I’d like to keep the boat light, I’m thinking an aluminum V-hull and an adequate 8-15 hp gasoline engine.
Any suggestions on who is making the better motors and boats lately and are there any particular reliable combinations that are a great buy?
Things have changed over the years!
Thanks in advance!
Dave
I did a search on this earlier and it appears that many of the message board regulars are also into boating.
I’ll be fishing the smaller ponds and lakes with occasion trips to the larger lakes near me.
I have to be practical. I have about a $2k budget for a good used combination of boat, motor and trailer. I’d like to keep the boat light, I’m thinking an aluminum V-hull and an adequate 8-15 hp gasoline engine.
Any suggestions on who is making the better motors and boats lately and are there any particular reliable combinations that are a great buy?
Things have changed over the years!
Thanks in advance!
Dave
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 481
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
To keep the fun in it for you (after all, that's what boating is supposed to be right? 
) and to stay within your budget, I wouldn't be too worried about the actual boat itself - that will be the least of your worries. To keep the most enjoyment in it, I'd concentrate on looking for a boat without a motor, and buying a new/newer motor. In the 8-15 horsepower range I would choose a newer Yamaha 4-stroke above all others. Their reliability is unmatched in this market segment, they start easy and run like champs. A one-to-two year-old 15HP should be in the $2k range, a 10HP in the $1500 range.
) and to stay within your budget, I wouldn't be too worried about the actual boat itself - that will be the least of your worries. To keep the most enjoyment in it, I'd concentrate on looking for a boat without a motor, and buying a new/newer motor. In the 8-15 horsepower range I would choose a newer Yamaha 4-stroke above all others. Their reliability is unmatched in this market segment, they start easy and run like champs. A one-to-two year-old 15HP should be in the $2k range, a 10HP in the $1500 range.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,857
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From: Northern CA
Whatever you get, you should probably think about a 4 stroke engine. More & more of the lakes out west here are requiring the use of 4 strokes for "environmental" reasons.
BD has the right idea as far as the set up. As long as the boat floats & doesn't take on water it'll work. Spend your energy and $$ on the motor.
gw
BD has the right idea as far as the set up. As long as the boat floats & doesn't take on water it'll work. Spend your energy and $$ on the motor.
gw
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Central, MA
Originally Posted by cjben
not sure about your state,but here in Illinois most smaller state park lakes are 10 hp motors or less.
Every body of water has different rules and restrictions.
The four-strokes do sound good.
Besides, they aren't much heavier than the 2-stroke motors either!
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
you should probably think about a 4 stroke engine
Mercury, evinrude, johnson and the japaneese co's make decent OB's
STAY AWAY from crystler and force....
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Elder User
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From: Central, MA
Originally Posted by jake00
Theyre expensive here. I'd go 2 stroke (lightweight ) and plentiful
Mercury, evinrude, johnson and the japaneese co's make decent OB's
STAY AWAY from crystler and force....
Mercury, evinrude, johnson and the japaneese co's make decent OB's
STAY AWAY from crystler and force....
Chrysler Marine may have become "Force" sometime in the 1980's.
Even with my novice experience, historically Chrysler Marine likely made the worst outboard motors. I remember back in the 1970's it wasn't uncommon to see people remove those motors (new) and snap on a Mercury or other proven brand of motor.
I’m just wondering who is still making good stuff.
Johnson, Mercury, Evenrude and a few others once upon a time made great motors. Some of these motors are decades and decades old and still pushing boats around.
There are many to choose from now. I’ve never dealt with a Mariner or any of the Japanese brands. Even Briggs & Stratton has a 5hp 4-stroke out now.
Last edited by Flexfuel-Dave; Aug 4, 2006 at 02:26 PM.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: On A Ship, MI
aint nutin like the old stuff. you can find an older boat, trailer and motor for well under your buget. i bought a 1970 sears 14ft boat with trailer and a 1957 7.5hp johnsen all for $300. now ive got aobut 1k into it. i bought a 1975 15 evenrude for $900 form a local dealer. if it dosen't come with a motor briggs and stratton make a 5hp outboard that runs really well. if it was my choice go to the max hp... it will get you too your spot faster.
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Bass Pro has a aluminum 14ft jon for around $700, a cheap put it together yourself trailer you can get. and I have a 67 model 7.5hp mercury and its the most reliable little motor i've saw. my dad and his dad have done nothing but work on outboards and you can get them little dudes for like 2-400 sometimes. it starts up everytime and honestly runs about as smooth as a nice new 4 stroke.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,250
Likes: 7,678
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
Check with rental companies. Sometimes you can pick up used boats in the fall for a good deal. as far as motors stay name brand. Check HP regulations. ie. Here in AZ the small lakes have a 5 hp limit. so get a 9.9 merc. and a set of 5.0 decals and have fun.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: cape may county NJ
Originally Posted by jake00
mariner is was made by merc
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From: Central, MA
Originally Posted by GlennFordx4
......Now I am on my second 19' boat and its sitting in my slip not running right after spending a $1000 bucks in repairs and being out twice,I really am starting to wonder why I like boating so much the most fun I have had so far is the day we took that free 12' boat out.
I plan to start looking at 14-footers more aggressively soon.
You guys are right. I might just get a decent “sea-worthy” boat and then find an appropriate motor in my price range.
Most of the older boats I've looked at were really beat.
I looked at a couple 1960's Starcraft and Grumman boats.
Is it my imagination or did the older boats use thicker aluminum than the newer ones?
Any other comments or suggestions as far as boat trailers go?
I’ve got a ’99 Ranger 3.0 with an automatic and 4wd to pull things around with.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
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From: Travelers Rest SC
If your gonna fish small lakes, nothing beats a set of oars! I grew up around Long Island Sound and used to row for miles. Kayaks are great, too. I worked in the marine industry, and Yamaha was always the best, if you're going to have a motor. But make sure you maintain whatever you get, especially if it does a lot of sitting. You'll have less trouble if you run it often. Besides, if you're too busy to go fishin', you're just too busy!
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