wrote:
Hi-

I'm looking at a boat advertised in craigslist that looks to be very
close to what I want. However, the motor is a 15hp Suzuki outboard.
According to the owner it is a 89 or 90, 2 stroke, pull start. He
claims it ran fine until last year when he "put some bad gas thru it".
So my question for y'all does this sound worth pursuing anyway?


Eh, I don't know. of course, it's up to you. I wonder what he meant by
"bad gas" . Was it old? could be the carbs are gummed up. did he mean
"bad gas" because he didn't ahve the oil mixed or mixed with it
properly? Could mean the engine is toast.
Would it insult the guy if you asked him to let a reputable mechanic
look it it?

If it would, then I'd back out of the deal. pronto. best to be
doubtful and be money ahead, then buy now only to find out you got
junk.


The
price he is asking for the boat, trailer and motor is less than the
new price of the boat alone, and about 1/2 what I've seen competitive
listings for the same boat go for. For example, I talked to one fellow
yesterday who wanted $5k for the same model boat with a equally old
25HP merc on it. This fellow is only asking $2k. So I think I could
put some $$$ into engine servicing and still be ahead.

I don't know anything about Suzuki outboards, what their rep is, or
how many $$ a major servicing (for example, carb rebuild) would take,
so any net.wisdom is appreciated.

Thanks,

-dm