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Hi All, I am looking at buying a used Whaler with this engine. The Whaler is a 1999 Outrage 18ft. I am new to boating and this will be my first boat purchase. My concerns that due to the engines age I can't get the hours on it. I am also concerned that I might not be able to get it fixed if it breaks down since according to someone trying to sell me a different boat replacement parts may not be easily found. This might force me to have to re-power the boat.
Saybrooker wrote:
Hi All, I am looking at buying a used Whaler with this engine. The Whaler is a 1999 Outrage 18ft. I am new to boating and this will be my first boat purchase. My concerns that due to the engines age I can't get the hours on it. I am also concerned that I might not be able to get it fixed if it breaks down since according to someone trying to sell me a different boat replacement parts may not be easily found. This might force me to have to re-power the boat.
Any and all advice is appreciated.
Thanks!
I believe the 175 you at referring to is a carburetored 2 stroke. For myself, If it were a 1999 FICHT I would be more cautious. Actually I would say run! That was a terrible year for the FICHT.
But, yes this is an old motor, but a good one if well taken care of. Most all parts for that motor are available on boats.net.
Before you buy the boat I would request that you have a certified mechanic look the motor over, do a compression test..Etc.
That motor on an 18 foot boat would be a nice combination if it is in good condition.
Welcome Saybrooker. Vance is correct. The J175 is a good motor. Any used outboard that has been cared for is a good motor. It is not the age of an outboard, but rather the care and condition that allows the engine to last for many years.
You posted a model number for the J175 that is incorrect. The correct model number for the outboard is J175PXEES.
You are considering the purchase of a boat, motor, and trailer, as a package deal. The best way to evaluate the used boat is for someone with skill and knowledge of the 1999 Boston Whaler 18 Outrage with the J175PXEES inspect the boat for overall condition.
The best way to inspect an outboard motor is to start with a compression test. Examine the powerhead for corrosion. Sample the gearcase oil for contamination. Is the skeg intact? Is the propeller free of damage? Is the paint original? Are the zincs intact? Does the trim/tilt system work? The optimum way to test an outboard is to run it in the water to see how well it performs. The fuel system should be thoroughly examined for contamination, deterioration and corrosion.
It is really funny when a salesperson that wants to sell you something else tells you a lie, like: "parts are no longer available for this old outboard." Is the dealer selling the used boat a supplier of another brand(s) outboard? That is usually the case; one dealer of a brand badmouthing another brand. Typical salesman behavior.
Parts are readily available for the J175, any year/model, at www.marineengine.com.
Thanks for the help. Weatherly you are correct it is model J175PXEES
The salesman definitely made it sound like if there was a problem with the engine than I was likely going to have to re-power. He has the 2000 Outrage that he is selling with a 150HP OpiMax Mecury. He describes the difference in the two engines as night and day. Saying the OpiMax is far superior engine. Not sure of if that's true or not but the boat 1999 looks like it is great condition. The 2000 looks like its in really good condition. One year difference in the model year is not a big deal is it? Thanks so much again for the feedback!
Saybrooker wrote:
One year difference in the model year is not a big deal is it? Thanks so much again for the feedback!
That is correct for any item as long as it has been maintained correctly and well.
As for the motors what is their running hours. The 150 pushing a bigger boat might not be as good as the bigger motor having pushed a smaller boat. The one year difference is neglectable.
But as mentioned have engine checked out and do sea trial before signing the dotted line.