Outboard life expectancy

[skindr]

Not wishing to start another thread of my opinion versus your opinion, I recently researched yachtworld for an answer to the question of outboard life expectancy, In viewing used Intrepids in the 35' up class, I noticed that over 70% of those 3yrs and older had replaced/rebuilt their outboards.I have to conclude that they are about a 5 yr. investment. Either intrepid owners frequently neglect their $25000+ engines,or they are short-lived . Factor this info. into a purchase price of a used outboard equipped boat knowing that you are the one going to get hit with that expense if not sooner,than later !

[Sunbury]

There are a lot of reason for replacing a motor. Just a few I can think of:

Change of sponsor

Missed a weigh in by 5 minutes with the winning fish and there's a larger motor available

Everybody's got 300s and I've only got 250s

Edited July 31, 2011 by Sunbury

[SCAngler]

A outboard engine that is properly maintained and not abused should last for at least 2000 hrs. The

avg. boater run their boat approx 50 hrs a year (in the south it is probably closer to 100 hrs )

Even using the 100 hr usage a engine should last 20 years. Many owners do not properly maintain their boats and engines.

[noelm]

even though it is common practice, I think outboards on big boats are a waste of time, sure it may be cheaper than a couple of diesels, but not when you have to replace them a couple of times.

[Popeye]

Maintaning anything is hard work. Dont get me started. Ok, Howbout a 1950 seahorse. 10hp? Never let me down. Alot of work, But it never left me out. Now, My 200BlackMax? Lotta upkeep. But I love that motor. It pushes my boat just fine. Its what I have. It has never left me out. Take care of your craft. Then you can be confidant and enjoy you day.

[Popeye]

even though it is common practice, I think outboards on big boats are a waste of time, sure it may be cheaper than a couple of diesels, but not when you have to replace them a couple of times. What do you Know about big boats/outboards? I'm just asking.

Edited August 2, 2011 by Popeye

[noelm]

I have had enough big outboards and diesels to know that when you are getting up towards 35' outboards are NOT the choice of power, and while we are on the subject, what do you know about big outboards/boats?, just asking!

[SCAngler]

I have had enough big outboards and diesels to know that when you are getting up towards 35' outboards are NOT the choice of power, and while we are on the subject, what do you know about big outboards/boats?, just asking!

i agree with you about using diesels ...they are much better than big outboards on the big heavy boats. I think all the popularity with big outboards come from the go fast crowd

[skindr]

I have had enough big outboards and diesels to know that when you are getting up towards 35' outboards are NOT the choice of power, and while we are on the subject, what do you know about big outboards/boats?, just asking!

It is exactly because I don't have knowledge about big outboards, as I clearly stated, that I looked at Yachtworld for an answer. The answer is that they don't hold up long term in the real world,are frequently $25000 throw aways. My conclusion is the same as others' Diesels are more reliable and certainly more long lived,adding to a vessel's value on the used market.

[welder]

Most of the big CC's running BIG out boards spend much of there time int the AIR , those guys run those big boys at 50+ MPH [ your not doing that in a common diesel ] so basically they THRASH the snot out of their motors.

The bigger OB's on work and pleasure boats last thousands of hours.