Used Boat Motors - How to Inspect and Buy One

A dependable boat motor is just as important for your safety as the boat itself.  Without one, you might end up using your hands as a paddle.  Knowing what to look for when searching for the best used outboard boat motor will save you money, expensive repair costs and a lot of aggravation. In this article you will learn a little about the boat motor and what to look for when buying a pre-owned one.

Propelling your boat through the water is the main purpose of a boat motor.  Just as a car engine has many moving parts, a boat motor also has many parts.  The main parts of a boat motor are the propeller, the engine itself and various components built inside.

Typically a new boat motor will have some type of warranty against defects and will be serviced at a discount or free.  A used boat motor usually will not have any warranty or coverage and if something goes wrong then you will be stuck with a huge bill.  It is always best to buy one from a reputable dealer.  If you buy one from an auction site make sure the person has excellent feedback ratings and offers some type of warranty or refund period.

When buying a <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.used-boatmotors.com"target="blank">Used Boat Motor</a>, there are several important things to do and look for.  If it is currently attached to a boat, take it for a test drive and if possible run it wide open.  Ask the owner the age of the motor and if it has had any major repairs. In addition to the repair history, ask if they have any repair receipts so that you can look at them.  When inspecting the boat motor, first check the general condition of the motor and look for any type of outside wear and tear.  Look for any type of welding or work that was done.  The propeller should be spun to look for any wobbles or abnormalities.  Also check the prop for any dings, dents or gouges. 

You will need to have a compression test done in order to check the cylinders.  Typically what you are looking for is compression which is plus or minus 10% of each other. Remove the cowl and check for any fuel, water or exhaust leaks.  If you are not mechanically inclined, it is best to hire a mechanic who can do the previous checks.

The boat motor is one of the most expensive items you will need for your boat. Although you can never be 100% sure about a pre-owned boat motor, a proper inspection will increase you chances of success.  Buying a good used boat motor will save you a lot of hassles, costly repairs and a night stranded on the lake.