Older motor

[grantslayton]

So very pleased I found this forum. I have been trying to find a fixer-upper for over a year with a paramedic's budget. I finally found a 1980 17ft Glastron fish/ski with a 140hp Johnson of the same year for $400. Now on to my burden.

I found a local mechanic that said he will work with me as it is winter-time. But he says after inspection, that he wants to do a complete rebuild on the upper unit and reseal the lower unit for $900 in parts and 10hrs of work at $90/hr... He says he will give me a guarantee on the work for a certain amount of hours (did not ask). I will attempt to do all the body/paint/electronic/ETC myself. This price is within my range...

But as I am completely ignorant of the costs associated with rebuilding a boat motor. I ask for advice here.. I have wanted this for a very long time, but am I wasting time and money when I could get my family out on the water sooner with another boat?

Thanks in advance for any commentary.
Grant

[ChampioNman]

Welcome to the BBC Grant!,

That little Glastron was a sweet little hull and with the right set up would run pretty well with the OMC motors. If you got the boat for $400.00 I sure wouldn't be too excited about the motor right yet. I would want to make sure the transom, floor and stringer system is intact before pursuing engine work. But you need a sound platform to work with. $1,800 is very reasonable for a rebuild and a warranty. Good luck with the project and keep us posted.

[grantslayton]

Thanks a ton for the words of wisdom.. I will do alittle more inspection before I give him the go ahead..

Grant

[The Next KVD]

I agree with ChampioNman, the motor was probably the best part of the deal, it just came with a free boat. I love working on the older OMC 140's and 120's because of all the mods that you can do to them and basically make them put out up to 200hp. The price for the rebuild is reasonable but I'd take a close look at the boat first to decide if it's suitable. Not worth putting $ into a motor and have it tear off the transom and end up at the bottom of the lake.