Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Value of 1976 Johnson 15 HP Long Shaft

Posted by Gamalot on 06/22/11 - 4:36 PM
#1

When I got my boat it had a 1976 Johnson 15 HP long shaft (15EL76) kicker on it. I don't need a kicker motor at all and have no plans to ever use it but it is a pretty nice motor.

I spent the afternoon going through it and cleaning it up to see if it would even run or what it might need. It did not appear to have much time under the hood and the PO said it was rarely ever used.

After about 10 minutes of prep, checking the plugs, oiling the cylinders and a few other minor details I gave it a yank and it fired up on the first pull. It runs fine and all seems to be good with it. It is too large a kicker for a Montauk but I am pretty sure there are many great applications for a motor like this and of this vintage. If I was going to keep it I would certainly replace the impeller and probably rebuild the carbs and replace the fuel lines. I want to sell it and use the cash to finish my project. I don't have a clue what this motor should be worth or even what numbers to start and finish at when I do decide to sell it. I know it goes by what a buyer is willing to pay but where do I start? I also question the model being 15EL because there is nothing electric about it. Pull to start and no electric wires at all with a folding tiller arm and manual shifter on the side. I do think a 12-14 foot row boat would fly with it but it is a long shaft.

Any ideas?

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v722/Gamalot/Boat/100_0429.jpg[/IMG]

Gary

Edited by Tom W Clark on 06/23/11 - 10:29 AM

Posted by Fishmore on 06/23/11 - 1:39 AM
#2

You should probably start at $600 considering it needs work but does run. You can always come down in price. What I usually do is post it at my wanted price and then each week reduce the price by $50 until it sells.

Posted by Gamalot on 06/23/11 - 5:42 AM
#3

Thanks Fishmore. I guess if $5-600 is all it is worth than it is better to keep it around.

The term Needing work is a little off as I see it because the work it should have done is pretty basic normal maintenance for any older motors of this vintage and the advent of Ethanol in our fuel supplies. I could hang it on a boat and run it as she sits right now but for the peace of mind and reliability factor a good going over is in order.

Posted by RMS on 06/23/11 - 6:04 AM
#4

I believe the "L" in "EL" indicates a long shaft.

Posted by Gamalot on 06/23/11 - 6:13 AM
#5

RMS wrote:
I believe the "L" in "EL" indicates a long shaft.


Thanks RMS, now it makes perfect sense. I still don't understand why there is no plate, tag or number anywhere on it. The spot on the mounting bracket where the tag is usually riveted in place is completely blank and has no old holes indicating the tags removal.

Posted by CES on 06/23/11 - 6:29 AM
#6

$5-600 is a pretty good price for that motor.....you're probably not going to fetch much more than that.....

Posted by John Fyke on 06/23/11 - 6:37 AM
#7

Nice, clean motor. I have a friend looking for one right now.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 06/23/11 - 6:43 AM
#8

That is a $250-$500 motor at best where I live.

That doesn't mean the 9.9/15 is not a good motor, it is just that they were so popular, OMC sold a great number of them over a very great number of years and that because they are so reliable and durable, they last a very long time. Thus there are a LOT of them to choose from and the prices tend to be very low.

Posted by Gamalot on 06/23/11 - 7:35 AM
#9

I can certainly agree with all of the above comments. These vintage motors are strong and very well made but there are tons to choose from. It just seems a bit odd because I recently sold an Evinrude Sport Twin 6HP short shaft of the same vintage and had guys fight over it at $350. I guess I expected a 15 HP to be worth around twice as much with the long shaft. Also keep in mind the Salt Free diet!

Edited by Gamalot on 06/23/11 - 8:03 AM

Posted by rvschulz on 06/23/11 - 8:52 AM
#10

in my area - that motor would sell in 5 minutes at $600. $1000 is a good price if it's running decently - i recently sold a boat motor and trailer on craigs list - get an account and be prepared to wade through 90% tire kickers for a month. but ... i got my price. up your price so you can be negotiated down - potential buyers love that - but only accept cash. good luck.

Posted by Gamalot on 06/23/11 - 9:08 AM
#11

I do see there is a great deal of disparity depending on geographic locations. It probably has more to do with the local economy and supply and demand. I have a few fresh water lakes near by but relatively few Marina's or boat repair places.

Where I will have some issues is with the HP because many of the fishing lakes limit the HP to under 10 HP up here. A lot of them don't even allow gas motors at all.

I think I will put it on CL and start at $750 and take $600 that I can toss into my Montauk restore.