Fixing up and Reselling

[mlmarkee]

As a way to start learning more about outboard repair, I am wondering if there is any money in picking up used outboards, getting them in good running order and then reselling them again? If so, does anybody have any good suggestions on locating good candidate motors?
Thanks

 

[mnobfan]

Start by finding out what motors are in demand in your area. Different areas of the country would be looking at different HP motors for demand. Here in southern Minnesota and northwest Iowa about the only motors worth the effort are the 15HP to 25HP motors from the mid 70's and up. If you are serious about actually fixing the motors and not just doing a quick turn around then expect to spend $100 plus just for lower unit seals, carb kit, maybe points and coils depending on the year. Motor needs new pistons or other internal parts add a couple more hundred. Finding a serviceable lower unit on some models is next to impossible and new is pricey if you can get one. You need a source for the parts that won't charge you an arm and leg. What is your time worth? Pro shop will charge $40 + per hour for service. Now, what can you sell it for after you just spent a few hundred in parts? Might want to look into storage area for parts motors. Craigslist can provide some good buys. E-bay maybe if the motor is local and priced right. Don't want to scare you off from trying to fix the motors but don't expect to become rich doing it. Be sure you can tell someone NO if you don't like the motor they are trying to sell you or the price they offer on one you are trying to sell them.

 

[galamb]

Agree - generally smaller outboards give you the best profit potential, but maybe not as much as you think.

Take a 15 horse 2 stroke for example - popular motor.

A mid 80's to mid 90's model might sell, working properly, in the used market for 800-1000 bucks.

I picked up a 1991 model for 500 that was in pretty rough shape. 350 dollars in parts/paint etc and about 40 work hours later it was mechanically and cosmetically restored.

Now, I did that one for myself, but had I intended to re-sell it, even if I got a grand for it would have resulted in 150 bucks in my pocket for 40 hours of work.

That's just one example but from my experience I make 5 or 6 times that "hourly" simply doing repair work.

Way too many people want way too much money for that motor that has been sitting around for years "unused". You almost have to get it for nothing to make a repair/restore and resale worthwhile...