Looking for tips on testing outboard motors for a dink

[Alex F]

I’m looking to purchase used dinghy with motor (about couple year old 8’-9’ with 5hp-6hp 4 stroke rig) and was wondering if I can get some tips on testing the outboard motor. Besides some basic stuff like:

-testing cold start
-make sure it has good water flow
-make sure it doesn’t overheat during the cruise (btw, how can I tell besides seeing some smoke?)
-make sure the motor gets the boat on plane with minimum one and possibly two people.
-asking for repairs and maintenance log

Is there anything else I should add to my check list?

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[Monkey Business]

Alex,

On my last boat I had a Baltik Boat 8'9" with a Nissan 8hp four stroke. The nissan was very reliable and quiet. I had good luck with the Baltik and the nissan was very reasonably priced. I bought the Baltik off of ebay and if you run a google search for nissan or tohatsu outboards (same motors) you'll find several wholesaler types that offer free shipping. I paid right around 2k for my setup in 2006.

As far as testing a used system. I wouldn't expect too much as far as planning with much less than the 8hp. I could plane with two folks and dog; but anymore than that and we didn't much bother. I chose the higher power because I wanted to be able to play with the boat. But for a tender the 5 or 6 would have been just fine. These new 4 stroke motors are super quiet and effecient. I rarely had to pull it more than twice to get it started. I normally tried to let the engine run the carb dry before storing it. Carb issues and stators are the two costly repairs to avoid with the small outboards. I would be critical of how the engine is stored as this should provide some insight into the current owners understanding of how to maint the system. Hope this helped.

Scott

 

[Alex F]

I would be critical of how the engine is stored as this should provide some insight into the current owners understanding of how to maint the system.

Good thought Scott.

Can anyone else give me some additional tips?

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Smell the carb for varnish.

Pull the cord slowly to feel compression.

Make sure it's peeing nicely.

Idles nicely?

WOT - make sure it sounds good.

Buy a cheap compression tester. I don't know what specs are on outboards, but if it's a 2 cyl, the numbers should be within about 10% of each other. Check online or a dealer to find what the compression numbers should be.

 

[techmitch]

If it's overheating you won't be able hold a hand full of the PEE.