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Kijiji and Marketplace have been slow for the last several months. Not a lot of new ads and hundreds of ads that have been there for months. It is obvious that there is little or no interest in certain makes and models of outboards regardless of price. Parts for the popular models especially gearcases and powertrim assemblies sell quickly if they are priced right. The popular model outboards are sold in minutes if they are low priced. Popular models at high prices don’t sell. Prices for the same outboards can vary 300%. Resellers are quick to purchase the good buys.
Buyers are reluctant to buy any outboards with issues. The outboards with noticeable damage, rough appearance and/or not sure of condition statement don’t get interest except from rebuilders. Because of their age most of the two stroke models are nearing the end of their life cycle. The key is to refresh these motors with new rings, bearings, gaskets, seals, water pump, gearcase service and carburetor cleaning...BEFORE THEY FAIL! Problem now is most are past this point and require major costly powerhead repair. Those motors are best sold to an engine rebuilder who specializes in certain models. They may need parts from several motors to make one. Common part failure for the same models is not unusual....oil pumps, crankshafts etc.
Simple math, the more cylinders the motor has, the more expensive it is to repair. You need more replacement parts and more labor time.
Frustrating is very common when you are a DIY or a professional. Many just get tired of trying to fix the motor and give up. Others just move on and sell the motor when it has it’s first issue. That issue can be a simple fix and those motors are very good buys.
Know your strengths and limitations when buying. It’s better in the long run to pay more for a motor that is trouble free for a few years rather than one that is frustrating and in constant need of repair. A second parts only motor do come in handy especially if your principal motor is a rare model. Parts motors generally sell less than the cost of one major engine component.
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