When buying an outboard motor you are presented with many choices such as: brand, 2 Stroke or 4 Stroke, long or short shaft, horsepower and finally used or new. The decision to purchase a used motor is probably the most important factor since it will save you money.
Purchasing boat motors is similar to cars in that sometimes buying used can offer you a better value. This is because when a boat motor is used, just like a car, it depreciates in value, but doesn´t immediately depreciate in quality. If you have a boat and either need to replace an old motor or you simply do not have one, you may want to consider buying used. Buying used can save you lots of money and can also get you a much better value, or more engine for the buck. However, when buying used there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
First of all, look at the brand. There are several very trusted names in outboard motors, including Yamaha, Honda, Mercury and Evinrude. It is actually better to purchase a more popular brand because they are usually the best quality and come with the best warranties.
Speaking of warranties, when purchasing your used outboard motor, consider the warranty. Just like a car, warranties vary, but often cover routine or common damages that occur within the first certain number of hours used. If the motor is new enough, it should still be under warranty.
Hours used is the most important thing to consider when looking at used outboard motors. Look for an outboard motor with lower amounts of hours run. Unlike automobiles, which have lives measured in kilometres; boats and motors lives are measured in hours run or hours used. This will be like purchasing a used car with only 50,000 kms It will give you a quality motor at a cheaper cost, which may still have a warranty. Therefore, you are definitely getting more motor for your dollar.
Age is another important factor to consider when purchasing a used outboard motor for your boat. Like in searching for a car, age is telling of how much the piece of equipment has been used, but not completely accurate. Nonetheless, look for a motor that is only a few years old. This will give you a greater chance of less use on the motor and will hopefully provide you with a warranty.
