What is a lot of hours on a boat motor

[Bubba_Bruiser]

Fellas I am in hard search of my new to me boat. But what is your opinion of a high hours motor and something to look for. I talked to C-Rig about this the other night, and he gave me a run down. But just would like to get some opinions from the rest of the group and some highlights to watch for.

[Captmikestarrett]

Based on a national average of about 100 hours per year and a life expectancy of 15 years or 1500 hours. Hmm but like all motors the one that gets used 400 hrs a year is less likely to break down and last longer..

I like to look at this way: As a british car re-builder back in the 80's the MG was a car that if you did not drive daily it broke down more. Feel the same about outboards. It is that sitting around that really kills them.

Capt Mike

[Bubba_Bruiser]

Thanks Capt for the 411. Kory told me to beware of 3 year old boats with 50 hours on them.

[carolina-rig-01]

It's like I said a boat with several hours means it was on the water and not in the shop. But when looking at hours on a boat there is a lot to consider like what type of rpms and temps has the motor seen? Usually the condition of the boat is a good indicator of how the motor has been treated. In my opinion hours on an outboard mean less than miles on a truck because like Mike said, they like being used and sitting is hard on them.