"Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is Here wrote in message
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Eisboch wrote:
"Haas C" wrote in message
...
Hi all!

I am about to purchase a pre-owned/used boat soon - it will be my
first time purchasing. I am going to buy something between 3-6 years
old - with that kind of age, what would be a good use of engine hours?
Not sure if i am getting an outboard, inboard, I/O, but would welcome
any and all suggestions. i am going to be boating mainly on lakes.
When i see ads, i usually see engine hours listed - just wanted to
know how many hours are too much, etc. Thanks!



Retain the services of a professional surveyor and also a engine
specialist to inspect before purchase.

Hours on an engine are only a rough estimate of time between rebuilds or
repower. Some gas inboard or I/O engines need a rebuild in less than
1000 hrs. Some, better maintained engines will last longer.

As a rule of thumb, however, 1000 hours for a gas inboard or I/0 is
about average. I don't now about outboards.

Get it inspected .... there's lots more to be concerned about than the
engines. Hull, fuel tanks, outdrives, etc. can all be expensive to
replace. Faulty thru hulls and sea cocks can sink you. Jury-rigged
wiring by a previous owner can fry you.

Eisboch

I have over 1200 hrs on my I/O s, and was told by a mechanic, if you
follow the recommended maintenance schedule (especially oil change every
50 hrs, and at the end of the season and fogging your engine whenever you
won't be using the boat on a regular basis, a fresh water boat you should
be able to get about 2500 hrs before a rebuild. He said if it isn't
maintained properly, or run at much higher RPM, you can expect a rebuild
in the 1000 -1500 hr range. I hope this info is correct. The engines
currently purr, especially if I rub them them just right.

I don't run the boat WOT, and normally will back the rpm down to 3200-3400
once I am on plane so they don't take as much abuse as some engines.


My 351 Ford engine was still OK but down on power at 1450 hours. They say
the newer engines are good for 2000 hours with decent service.