new powerhead OR used running engine

[jbrinch88]

Can't decide which way to go for my 24' offshore im restoring. I'm looking at Evinrude/Johnson 225-250hp 2 strokes. I've been looking for quite some time and they all seem to fall between 2-4500$ depending on condition/year/hours/rigging included or not.

However there are quite a few that are shot and need new powerheads that are going for less than 1000.00.

I'm essentially re-doing everything to the boat (theres a thread started in the photo section). For the price of a used running engine and not knowing the history of it besides doing a compression test, I figure id be into it for just alittle more buying an engine that needs a new powerhead.

Either way I go the engine would get a new paint job/decals/carbs rebuilt/new coils/fuel pump etc. Using all the older parts for spares. Would most likely buy all new gauges as well. Just wondering if I'm overlooking something here? I'd love to start off fresh with an essentially new engine to go with my almost new boat.

 

[suzukidave]

you are in crapshoot territory. there is no right answer.

personally, in your shoes i'd get a cosmetically beat looking motor that is running well, apply paint and do nothing else and see how you do.

 

[ahill]

A "new powerhead" is generally a reman powerhead. You still have a lot of parts to install, electrical, fuel and other components. Research well what you are getting. Ask the supplier questions and assume nothing.
I had a similar dilemma when I had an oiling system failure on a 2005 115hp DFI Evinrude.
In the end I opted for a rebuild with new crank done by a trusted shop.
So far no problems.
I've also done rebuilds on a pair of 1988 150 Johnsons due to their notorious coking issues with great results.
Do what you are comfortable with. The cheap way isn't always the best way.

 

[jbrinch88]

I ended up buying a 1999 225hp ocean runner with a hole in one piston. Got it for a price that im ok with especially since it was local and I didn't have to drive anywhere crazy. Came with most if not all of the rigging. I'm going to drop the lower and pull the powerhead this weekend to make it easier to move around. It's going to end up sitting on a pallet for a few months before I get into it.

The way I see it is the boat is going to be pretty much brand new when I'm done with it (or as close to new as possible). I'm not ok with buying a used motor with x amount of hours from whoever not knowing how they took care of it. I know I will be into it more money wise this way, but to me it's worth it to start with a basically new engine.