Should I go used or new?

[jmg]

I have an old(mid 70's)16 ft.modified fishing boat with a troublesome '82 18hp. merc. and a 2001 Spartan roller trailer. My question revolves around replacing the motor, since I really don't want to spend another dime on the motor. I'd like to get a different boat, motor and trailer, but can't, due to major lack of funds and no appropriate vehicle with which to tow something heavier than what I have. I fear ending up with another used lemon motor, but it just doesn't seem viable to buy a new motor that won't bring much of a return when I sell the whole rig. Kind of like dumping money into an old used car that won't be worth anything when it's traded. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated 'cause I'm sure some of you have faced the same thing. Thinking about a 20-25 hp motor(short shaft).

[Larson15]

My advise would be to find a descent used motor. You will really take a beating if you decide to sell that boat with a new motor on it. For what a new motor costs I would opt to sell your current boat and find a descent used one if you cant afford new.

[Ralph Wiggum]

My advise would be to find a descent used motor. You will really take a beating if you decide to sell that boat with a new motor on it. For what a new motor costs I would opt to sell your current boat and find a descent used one if you cant afford new.

+1

[Gordie]

Well if you buy a new motor and sellthe boat in the future you can always put the old 18hp merc on it and build a rig around the new motor that you would buy but I personally would look for a used motor as a new motor is just to spendy for my self.

[Down Deep]

Start checking out the boat dealers. This time of year lots of people will be trading in and re-poweing their boats. You may run across a decent 25 HP that might be priced right and could get a 90 day warranty. I agree that I wouldn't buy new as the boat is way to old to make that kind of investment in it.