"I have one. It was my Father
"I have one. It was my Fathers and has many hours behind it, some of which were rough while in a family members possession. It faces some potentially pricey repairs, including a prop shaft with enough warp that it breaks the seal on the lower unit and water gets in. I know parts are becoming harder to acquire. I know a man who may still have a same year model unit (I saw it in his garage about 4 years ago) and it appeared to be in excellent condition. But, that was based on outside appearance and I did not pull to cowl or do a compression check, etc. I did note that even the rubber seals around the pull cord we in unblemished condition. I asked him about the motor at that time and he said he hoped his son would take an interest but did not, so it had not been operated since the early-mid 90's. I have moved from the city where it is and it is not practical for me to drop-in to take a closer look, but I am considering a call to see if he still has it and making an offer.
A year ago I made a visit to the Little Red River in Arkansas and rented a boat with a much newer model 15 horse Merc, and I cannot say the 15 horse has that much more (if any) output than an old 9.8 in good running condition.
Beyond replacing cracked fuel lines, cleaning the carb, tune-up and impeller work, what else might need to be done or should I be concerned about on the unit I am considering from this other man?
I am fortunate to have a parts catalogue for the 9.8 so I have a source for obtaining proper parts identification. I appreciate any comments and advice.
Mark"
"I have one. It was my Fathers and has many hours behind it, some of which were rough while in a family members possession. It faces some potentially pricey repairs, including a prop shaft with enough warp that it breaks the seal on the lower unit and water gets in. I know parts are becoming harder to acquire. I know a man who may still have a same year model unit (I saw it in his garage about 4 years ago) and it appeared to be in excellent condition. But, that was based on outside appearance and I did not pull to cowl or do a compression check, etc. I did note that even the rubber seals around the pull cord we in unblemished condition. I asked him about the motor at that time and he said he hoped his son would take an interest but did not, so it had not been operated since the early-mid 90's. I have moved from the city where it is and it is not practical for me to drop-in to take a closer look, but I am considering a call to see if he still has it and making an offer.
A year ago I made a visit to the Little Red River in Arkansas and rented a boat with a much newer model 15 horse Merc, and I cannot say the 15 horse has that much more (if any) output than an old 9.8 in good running condition.
Beyond replacing cracked fuel lines, cleaning the carb, tune-up and impeller work, what else might need to be done or should I be concerned about on the unit I am considering from this other man?
I am fortunate to have a parts catalogue for the 9.8 so I have a source for obtaining proper parts identification. I appreciate any comments and advice.
Mark"
