Something in your post doesn't make sense: "For less than 1/2 that
price he could have a new motor. "

Not for a boat motor! If you meant twice that price, then that
might be in the ballpark for a motor of that size.

As far as the water pump is concerned, that is considered a normal
wear item to be changed out yearly or every other year, depending on
usage. Had your brother been interested in doing the work himself,
had the time, and is mechanically inclined, he could do this normal
maintenance himself in a couple of hours at a parts cost of, I'd
guess, between $20 and $40. A 'water pump' in a boat motor isn't
like a water pump in a car. It's a rubber impeller and is
considered a normal wear item. If your brother is feeling ripped
off about this motor as a result of this, he should probably
seriously consider selling it. Not being sarcastic here. Boating
is fun, but no one said it was cheap! Well, sailors perhaps. :^)
If he encounters a real problem with the motor, that's when it can
and usually does get expensive.

-JimL


user wrote:
My brother purchased a used Nissan 8 hp (1996) for $800 last summer. The
seller said to give him $600 up front and the last $200 in 30 days. The
seller stated he'd cover up to $200 in repairs for 30 days.
My brother put the engine through it's paces on no less than six
outings. The engine seemed fine. Six weeks after he had the engine, the
water pump went bad. Cost about $150 to repair it. So now he's got $950
in a seven year old motor. For less than 1/2 that price he could have a
new motor. I'm certain other problems are on the way. Only time will
tell if it was worth buying used. In this case, I'd bet not.