How to Choose Used Outboard Motors

Once you have a boat, you'll need a motor to getnot have these features in your boat, it is not
you out to that great fishing spot. Looking for apractical to buy a motor that uses them.
good used motor? Look no further. A few simpleNext, consider age. Age and use are not always
decisions and you are on your way. Here are just asynonymous. A used motor can be older, and still
few things to keep in mind when buying a usedhave had relatively little use. It is hours run that
outboard motor.matters with a boat, and not miles on an odometer
When buying used, the best thing to do is look foras in a car. Anything over 500 hours run will generally
quality name brand; Evinrude, Yamaha, Mercury, andmean more maintenance. As a rule of thumb, look for
Honda, for example. It is actually better to purchasea motor with the fewer hours run. This is the safest
a more popular brand because they are usually theeconomical practice.
best quality and come with the best warranties.Buying a boat, complete with motor, often ends up
Check out Consumer Reports for outboard motors.costing more. If you find a boat, new or used, then
Read consumer's reviews on Yahoo Shopping. Lookchoose wisely on a used motor, you are saving
around and ask people what they have and why.money, since in many cases, it is the new motor you
When you have the whole picture, you are ready toare paying the most for on a boat bought complete.
choose your next used outboard motor.Remember that age does not equal quality. There
Look at the different accessories you may choose.are some fantastic used motors out there that have
Some have hydraulic tilt, cable steering, and electrichad little use. Depreciation on a motor occurs most
start, all of which simplify using the motor, whilerapidly in the first year, but that doesn't mean the
others have a pull rope start and a tiller handle forquality of the motor is any less.
steering and throttle control. Because of theseThe same principle applies to having a boat that has
factors, no one piece of advice or article can coverneed of a "new" motor. Choosing a used quality
all the possibilities. If you already have the boat,motor is going to be much cheaper than buying new,
however, you need the compatible motor to yourand in most cases, just as practical. By doing just a
setup. In other words, if you have a steering wheel,little homework you can decide which used outboard
or stick type steering system, you will want to buy amotors are best for you. Having an economical used
motor with a steering cable attachment, and if yououtboard motor does not have to compromise
have a battery and wiring to an ignition system youquality.
will want electric start. On the other hand, if you do