New to the boat world

[Mitch]

Hello all,

I just recently purchased my first boat, nothing spectacular, just a small jon boat. Being new to the boat world I'm sure I am going to have lots of questions about rigging, repair and the such. Most of these questions will more than likely be very elementary to all you gurus out there but please bare with me.

My first step is finding a motor for this boat. I've found a few through this site and local papers that I'm going to be looking at in the next few weeks. My question to you is, what should I be looking for in a motor that might be a sign of something that I want to avoid? These motors are going to be older motors as my price range restricts. Another question I have is, should I demand that I see a motor run before purchasing?

Any input to help me avoid receiving the "long shaft" so to speak is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Mitch

[bluedevil]

Mitch,

I would want to here the motor run before I would buy. Also, if possible, go through the gears(forward, reverse) and make sure everything sounds and feels ok and prop turns freely in each gear. I would also look for any discoloration on the heads from an overheating problem in the past. Over heating can really shorten the life of a motor.
Thats about the extent of my knowledge on outboards. hope it helps.
Good luck with your shopping and congrats on your new boat.:D

[Beave]

What price range are you looking? What size?

Someone here had a 10 or 15 horse Mercury in the for sale forum. 2-Stroke that sounded in great condition. I think they wanted $850. Realistically you should be able to get that motor for $750 if that's not out of your price range.

A 4-stroke is going to be quieter and give off less nauseous exhaust fumes, but you pay for a 4-stroke in price and weight.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64497

If you're just looking for inland lake use I'd consider an electric trolling motor and a pair of oars for backup use otherwise. A 50lb thrust transom mount trolling motor is under $200 at Walmart. You can buy two good deep cycle batteries for another $125 and you'd have enough juice to go all day if you're just going to use this for hoping around small lakes and rivers.

[TONGA]

You did not say what size the jon boat was,,,but I will assume you are looking for something in the 5-20hp range
If at all possible see it in action on the water,,,you can shift it with the muffs on but if the clutch dog and forward gear are worn you wont know till you put a good load on her,,,you know you give her the gas and she pops out of gear!
For the most part people are honest you just need to ask the right questions,,,like say a motor has a broken tilt lock,,don't expect the guy selling this motor to tell you about it because he has long forgot it ever had one in the first place.
Also while you are running it in the water see how slow she will run,,,a small 2-stroke should be able to run at a very slow speed indefinitely,,,if the motor will not run slow and starts to spit, jerk and stall it usually means there is some kind of case leak like bad reeds or a crank seal!,,,if he gives you the biz about the carb just needs to be cleaned the tell him you will take it as soon as the carb is strait and the motor runs properly

[Mitch]

Sorry about that... It's only a 12 footer so I'm looking for a motor in the 5-7 hp range.

I considered a trolling motor but it's main use is going to be the Kalamazoo river so I don't know if that would work or not.

Thanks for all the input... Please keep it coming!

Mitch

[The Whale]

Mitch, first Welcome to the boat world. You are now committed to spending every last dime you have toward your current boat, not to mention the future ones that will eventually arise. It always does. :D

Now then, a 12'er, dude, put a 50 lb. bow mount electric ( I say a 50 so you stay in the one battery/12 volt zone) on that boat and you'll be zooming on any river you can get to. Lots of power for a smaller craft and as much controll and slow speed manueverability as you'll ever need. :) :cool:

[Mitch]

Thanks for your input Whale! Maybe the high thrust trolling motor isn't out of the question afterall. Might be just the way to go, at least to get started. And cheaper to boot!

Thanks again,

Mitch