[Rhodes22-list] Putnam & Used Motors

[mputnam1 at aol.com]

To all,
 
This was my third email to the group ... as soon as I sent it, I realized I didn't sign it.  I considered sending an immediate apology, but thought that the extra email would be more annoying than helpful.  I guess I was wrong.
 
Anyway, thank you for the advice concerning outboard motors.  It is very helpful.
 
-Mark Putnam
 
P.S. I didn't realize I was already giving the appearance of sitting on the commode after only two emails ... I am only trying to make decisions based upon sound advice from people a lot more knowledgable than I.  Otherwise, my Ben Franklin sheet of paper would be blank.
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: ed kroposki <ekroposki at charter.net>
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Fri, 25 Nov 2005 08:32:25 -0500
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Putnam & Used Motors


Mr. Putnam (?)
    Since you do not sign your emails and are new to the list, consider
list curtsey and sign your emails so we know who to reply to.
    Used boat motors versus new motors.  First, remember that a new
motor will be a used motor in a year or two.  
    The real answer depends on your budget, mechanical aptitude and
willingness to maintain a boat motor.   Also, unspoken by four stroke
advocates is that four stroke motors can be more temperamental in starting
as they age. 
    If you can afford it, a new motor offers less problems, be it two or
four stroke.  As motors age, they need maintenance, just like cars.
    If you have time and aptitude, a used motor from Stan can be a
bargain.  If Stan has a used motor, it probably came from a boat for
recycle.  That means it probably was used less than a stinkpot boat's motor.
A good cleaning and tune up and you have a good motor.  Here, age would be a
big factor.  A sailboat motor less than ten years old after a good tune up
should last another ten years.
    I got a 16 year old motor with my recycle from Stan.  Elton started
it at the plant.  For a used boat initially it was a good package.  However,
it was not a first crank start motor.  I had complaints from guest, what
would I do in an emergency.  So, I got a new motor and just about gave the
used motor away.  It was still a usable motor, just finicky starting.  I
have gotten out of practice fixing motors, and there are guys good at it.   
    So, you have to evaluate your plans.  Can you spend for a new motor?
Do you know how to fix and adjust boat motors?  If not, do you know of a
good boat motor mechanic?  As a practical matter, I know of a good one in
Easley, SC, and one in Anderson, SC.
    In the final analysis, you have to get off the commode and make the
decision.

Ed K
Greenville, SC, USA
Addendum: The Ben Franklin method of decision making is get a sheet of paper
and list all the variables, then make columns for new and used.  Place a
plus or minus in the columns for each possibility and total the score.  
 




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