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Posts: 1086
| This motor is in Canada, I'm in Indianapolis, IN. I know it's a big risk and a gamble to buy something like this from the internet via ebay and to have it shipped to me without running it myself to see it and hear it run. But overall...how's the reliabillity of these 'lil Merc tiller motors?
Also...can someone tell me the difference between a long shaft tiller and a short shaft tiller? I see they have short shafts that are 15" and the long shafts at 20" inches. What all does that mean? Pros and cons of one over the other?
I'm really wanting to get my boat upgraded from the 15 hp Johnson that I have to a 30 or 35 hp tiller. My 15 just doesn't give enough power.
Any/all help is much appreciated. Thanks.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=5... | |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | O.k....
First off, the 15" and 20" refer to the shaft length of the motor. You will need the one that matches to your boat. If you have a 15hp, I'd assume that your boat is somewhere between 14 - 16 feet in length.
To determine the shaft length you need, measure your transom from top to bottom in the center. It will be somewhere close to either 15 inches or 20 inches. Then, choose the shaft length that best matches your measurement.
I once purchased a motor from a dealer that sells on Ebay, but I checked out the website to find mine. My particular motor was in decent shape and ran well. I did a few things to clean it up and prep it, but I felt I got a really good deal.
Definitely, you want to be careful about your purchase. Reason being is that many of the motors that come in from Canada are resort motors, and who knows how they have been taken care of while in the hands of resorters who are renting it. Some resorts switch out their motors yearly, biannually, etc.
I'd definitely see if you can get other pictures of it, find out where it was originally from and it's usage before purchasing on Ebay. It's a buyer beware market there...and sometimes you can get screwed pretty badly.
The smaller tiller motors from my experience has been very positive. I have never had a motor that had to go in for service...they just keep on running strong as long as you take care of them.
Good luck!!
Steve | |
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Posts: 1086
| Thanks for the reply Steve. I appreciate your time and input.
Yeah...this guy/place that's selling these motors on ebay, the link I posted, is a resort up there in Canada. And there's quite a few on ebay right now from the same resort. I'm "assuming" they're freshening up their lineup with newer motors? Why? Not sure. I suppose a call or an email into them to find out could be worthwhile.
I'm not sold on the idea of an email/ebay purchase for that large of sum of money for something like this without me running it and seeing it in person. I guess I'm moreso looking for feedback on that size hp of motor and by that brand name.
My 'lil 15 hp Johnson has been one heck of a great little motor that never ceases to amaze me. It's ALWAYS reliable. I can go three or four weeks...or heck...even a full winter season without starting the thing...and she'll fire for me on the second pull. I hate to pull this motor out of duty...but...it's just not able to produce the power I need. It's a great little motor when it's just me in the boat by myself...but if I add one guy and his gear...it's a dog. If I add two more guys and their gear...forget about it.
My boat, yes, it's a small 16 footer. I'm guessing what I have now is a short shaft and would need another short shaft. I'll do the measurement though for my own peace of mind to be sure. Thanks for the insight on that...that does help.
I'll continue to keep my eyes peeled for something here local. But...here in Indianapolis...land locked...not many options for marinas to actually have a "used" inventory.
I figure good things come to those who wait.
Thanks again. | |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I can tell you that when you go to the larger tillers in the OMC line, they are great motors as well. I owned a 25hp a few years back after I traded up from my 15 (which I still miss dearly) and it was flawless as well. My father owns a 73 20hp and it has only been in the shop for points 1 time. The only other mechanical adjustments it needed was carb adjustment...thats it. My 25 took 3 pulls to get it going cold (I know, I know...thats 50% more pulls than what the old reliable 15 took...) but she purred like a kitten as well. Gave me a bunch of power as well.
Resorts typically change out their motors every couple of years to keep peace of mind for their guests. It is very similar to rental cars...they can get abused quite a bit, especially when you have someone who is not that experienced running on canadian waters (or any waters for that matter). So....lots of dinged props, broken skegs etc are the result and those types of abuses (although accidental in many cases) add up and take their toll on the whole motor. So...by trading out the motors for new ones every couple of years, the resorts keep customers at ease.
The place I bought my motor from a few years ago was Pinewood sports out of Fort Frances Ontario. When I emailed them, they sent pictures from all angles and made sure the motor was running well. They also told me about the previous owners and how they felt the motor was taken care of. I was fortunate to get a good deal, and by that experience, I would not be afraid to deal with pinewood sports again.
Good luck on your search!!
Steve | |
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Posts: 1086
| Steve,
That's very ironic that you bought yours from Pinewood Sports in Fort Frances, Ontario...that's EXACTLY where this motor on ebay that I posted the link to is from. I wonder if I should put a call in and have them send me more pix and tell me more of the motor? May be worth a shot. If you've had good experience from them...and I see many motors listed from these guys on ebay, I'd hope they're a reputable place. They have a 99.4% positive feedback rating.
Hmmmmm...I may just wait till February after I get my bonus check from work and look into this a bit more seriously.
I need to find out what that 30 hp Merc would retail for brand new...on ebay it's going for $2,250. | |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | Mack,
You've got mail: I sent it to your yahoo account. | |
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Posts: 1086
| Got it Mike. Sent ya one back.
Man.....you've got me thinking.... | |
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