Advice on a C'sL purchase?

[haute]

Hi Everyone,

This post is an extension of my "Trying to find my first boat" post here.

I am going to look at this 15hp motor tomorrow: https://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/boa/4515750199.html

It's in really mint-looking condition, and given the price, it seems to be a **** near a no-brainer, even if I have to fix it up. 15hp in these parts are going for $1500+.

Are these engines reliable? What faults specific to these engines should I be looking for? By the looks of it, it appears to be around the 1986 model year. That's nearly 30 years old. This engine is primarily for running from spot to spot, not for trolling, so safety/reliability are paramount to me.



On the other hand, I am also considering this 9.9hp motor: https://sunshine.en.craigslist.ca/boa/4511052613.html

However, I'm not sure I want to deal with a 4 stroke (extra weight, lay down one side only, less torque/power).


Any thoughts/advice would *really* be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TNtroller]

Cant help on the Evinrude reliability questions, but I have read numerous times that the Yammers are almost bullet proof. One question is will the 9.9 push your boat to your satisfaction?

If the 9.9 will push your boat well enough, then you have the 2s vs 4s issue to decide on.

 

[stevesecotec02]

I would get that evinrude in a heartbeat. Good engines and about as simple to work on as you can get. Nothing wrong with the yamaha fourstrokes but in anything for a smaller boat the 2 stroke weighs so much less and is easier to maintain.

 

[haute]

stevesecotec02 » 12 Jun 2014, 05:58[/url]"]I would get that evinrude in a heartbeat. Good engines and about as simple to work on as you can get. Nothing wrong with the yamaha fourstrokes but in anything for a smaller boat the 2 stroke weighs so much less and is easier to maintain.

Is there anything specific to these motors I should be looking for when I see it?

 

[richg99]

A compression check is very worthwhile. Both cylinders should be close. Ten percent variation or less ..between them is the target. Some auto supply stores rent or loan out the checkers.

 

[haute]

richg99 » 12 Jun 2014, 14:00[/url]"]A compression check is very worthwhile. Both cylinders should be close. Ten percent variation or less ..between them is the target. Some auto supply stores rent or loan out the checkers.

PSI was identical in both cylinders. I repeated the test 3x in each cylinder, ie, one cylinder, then next, compare, repeat. Same reading every time.

Bought the 'rude.

Thanks, guys!

 

[BrazosDon]

In pounds what was the compression?

 

[SumDumGuy]

Good choice on the buy.

 

[haute]

BrazosDon » 13 Jun 2014, 05:15[/url]"]In pounds what was the compression?

120 in both, each cylinder tested 3x separately.

SumDumGuy » 13 Jun 2014, 11:58[/url]"]Good choice on the buy.

Thanks! I'm really happy.

Pics are in the original thread, here.