What is it worth? Outboard motors, similar to wooden boats, are valued by the simple laws of supply and demand. Yet, some fairly common models like Mercury kg-7 “Super 10” and Johnson 5 hp green TD models are fairly pricey in restored condition. Horsepower alone is not a good pricing guide.

How can you tell how old an outboard motor is?

Locate the serial number on the mounting bracket of the outboard motor, or the silver plug on the top of the motor. Write the serial number down.Decipher the serial number using INTRODUCES as the key code. Locate the final three numbers to determine the year.More items

Are outboard motors worth rebuilding?

The outboard engine is too old, parts are likely scarce, and the technology is dated. If its an 80s engine with some or all the features previously mentioned, and a new engine is out of the question, rebuilding can be a good option that will add years to your old outboards life.

What is the average life of an outboard motor?

A typical estimate from the industry is that an outboards motor last around 1,500 hours of operation. Assuming the average owner uses their boat 200 hours a year, this would mean that the motor would last between seven and eight years.

How do I find out what year my older Mercury outboard motor is?

The sequence of letters and numbers (or just numbers) at the top of the identification tag or instruction plate is your Mercury outboards serial number. On newer Mercury outboards, the tag or plate will also show the motors year of manufacture below the serial number.

How do I tell how old my Mercury outboard is?

Every Mercury outboard has a serial number label located on the transom bracket area of the engine. The latest serial number labels display a 2-digit number in a box at the lower right portion of the label. These digits coincide with the last two digits of the year in which the outboard was manufactured.

How much does it cost to swap outboard motors?

$500-$800. If the motors are different brands you will have a lot more things to change----------If its the same brand motor it should be a simple Undo the old and hook up the new. I would think a good mechanic could do it in 3-4 hours.

Which outboard motor is the most reliable?

Best Outboard EnginesSuzuki DF25. Above: Hour upon hour of testing has proven the reliability and easy starting of the DF25. Yamaha F25. Youve gotta love where an engine like the Yamaha F25 can take you. Mercury 75/90/115. Torqeedo Deep Blue. Suzuki DF90. Yamaha V-Max SHO 115. Evinrude ETEC G2. Yamaha F250.More items •Jul 23, 2020

Which is better 2-stroke or 4 stroke outboard motor?

The fuel efficiency of a 4-stroke motor can be 50% better than that of a 2-stroke motor with the same HP. As for environmental concerns, 4 stroke outboards produce far less harmful emissions, which can be as much as 90% cleaner than those from a similar sized 2-stroke motor.

What year is my Mercury outboard motor by serial number?

The sequence of letters and numbers (or just numbers) at the top of the identification tag or instruction plate is your Mercury outboards serial number. On newer Mercury outboards, the tag or plate will also show the motors year of manufacture below the serial number.

What year is my Yamaha outboard by serial number?

To find your Yamaha outboards year and model number, locate the identification plate or sticker on the transom mounting bracket. The ID plate/sticker should be somewhere above the waterline on either the port or starboard side of the bracket.

What year is my Mariner outboard by serial number?

Locate the serial number plate by looking on your motors transom bracket; the plate will have Mercury Marine written on the top. The serial number is the top number on the plate. The number directly beneath this is the year it was manufactured.

Where is the serial number on an old Mercury outboard?

transom bracket Answer: Every Mercury outboard has a serial number label located on the transom bracket area of the engine. The latest serial number labels display a 2-digit number in a box at the lower right portion of the label. These digits coincide with the last two digits of the year in which the outboard was manufactured.

How many hours do boat motors last?

The average marine gasoline engine runs for 1,500 hours before needing a major overhaul. The average marine diesel engine will run for more than three times that long and log an average 5,000 hours under the same conditions.

Can you put a new motor on an old boat?

On an older boat, its just smart to replace these items. Old instrumentation may not work with a new motor. Old controls may not work with a new engine. If steering components are worn or just old, its smart to replace them with new parts.

Is it easy to swap outboard motors?

Swapping out old outboards isnt as simple as you may think, but its worth the effort and expense to upgrade to high-tech digital motors. Swap your middle-aged outboards while theyre still firing on all cylinders. You wont be buying just new engines, youll get new technology, too.