I just took in my 1954 Johnson Seahorse 5.5 to get tuned up and have an oil leak checked out. I've had the motor eleven years and God willing I'll get a few more out of it, but I realize, being so old, maintenance and repairs will get more difficult, if not impossible, as it gets older.

So, consequently, I may be looking for a new motor. Is there a general guideline or "blue book" when it comes to purchasing used motors? If and when I replace the one I have I'd like to upgrade to a 10 or 15 hp. What could I reasonably expect to pay for a reliable motor of that size?

I made that mistake in 1998 I bought a used 85 Johnson 15 horse for $900 worked fine for about a year then it was nothing but one repair after another. I dumped that piece of junk and bought a new Honda 8hps 4 stroke in 2004. That was the best money I ever spent it was a left over model from 2003 I got a real good sale price on it i'm still using it don't plan on getting a new one any time soon. The only thing i've done to my Honda I put in a new thermostst an a new choke . Take my advice get a new motor you wou'nt regret it.            MCOPELAND1

Brand new? Definitely something to look into. I get what you're saying about the used. It's why I've never gotten a bigger motor. The one I have is small and old, but aside from the recent oil leak I've never had any trouble. I appreciate the feedback.

I did the same thing my old mercury just couldn't be repaired anymore so i bought a new 4 stroke tohatsu motor. It was the worse mistake I ever made. They are identical to the mercury, well they make the mercury outboards up to 15 hp I think. I broke it in according to the instructions in the manual. But most of the fishing I do is trolling on small inland lakes for pike and walleye. That thing started burning oil like no other. Took it back to a factory service dealer and they tried to tell me I didn't break it in properly. I even had to take it to a neighboring lake to ours to do the break in because ours is a no wake lake. I have since bought a newer boat and it came with a 2006 Johnson 15hp and I have no regrets. I know that 2 stroke motors are going to be hard to come by but if you have a good one and troll a lot hold on to it. most guys don't spend near the time on the water I do and most used ones have seen little use.

Yeah, I'm hoping to get at least a few more years out of this one. I don't even actually want a different motor. I really like the one I've got, but I'm sure as time goes on parts will get hard to come by.

Yeah, I'm hoping to get at least a few more years out of this one. I don't even actually want a different motor. I really like the one I've got, but I'm sure as time goes on parts will get hard to come by.

On the other hand; my boat has a 1967 Evinrude Starflite 80 hp motor that runs like a champ! The first year I had it , it needed an overhaul, but now it always starts the instant the key is turned and is trouble free.

Beautiful boat and motor! I can't wait to get my motor back. It's still in getting tuned up.

There are tons of Johnson/Evinrude parts new and used out there. I would not worry about parts being hard to find for a very long time. I picked up a 1956 Evinrude 3hp this past summer and parts were no problem. I hear vintage Mercury parts are getting to be a problem though.

That's encouraging to hear. You're in Hayward? I'd like to get there to fish one of these days.

Hayward Lakes area has no end to the variety and size of lakes to fish. From the Big Chippewa Flowage to small 58 acre lakes that are accessible only by small boat or canoe. Fun area to live in.

If you want to get information or repair/maintenance tips or help with your motor, log onto this site and they'll be quite helpful.

http://www.marineengine.com/boat-fo.../forum.php

Have fun with your motor.